12 gauge, Buckshot or sabot in smooth bore?

[scotteam]

Okay I have changed weapons as i have two days left to hunt. The rifle i have apparently has issues. I shot at a deer about 35 feet away and missed. Yes, missed. Go figure only deer i have seen in the field this year. Any i determined it was the rifle scope that had issues due to running on my atv. Anyway. I decided to use shotgun as i have close shots anyway when i have that chance. right now i have buckshot 3.5 mags and sabot 3.5 mags alternated in my magazine. Now is that better or just buckshot, or just sabots? What do you use?

[cjg]

Have read that sabots are'nt designed for smooth bore guns, you need a rifled barrel to get any benefit from them. Better off with the rifled slugs. Buck shot is fine for shots 40yds or less if it patterns well, depends on your choke. As far as alternating them in the magazine ??? I don't see the point in that. JMHO

[ironhead]

That is provided buckshot is LEGAL in your state,,,its not in quite a few. IF you shoot slugs in your shotgun,,make certain you check which choke you have in. On another note,,kind of hard to believe that a scope is off that badly at 35',,,what caliber and ammo were you using????

[jmc]

I think in the off season you should take all your guns and find out what shoots what best. I know all of my guns and what shoots the best out of each this way if you decide to change guns in mid season there are no surprises. And next time your in a conversation about it you can be well versed on the importance of doing this and comparing your results versus others. Happy Huntin