Take Down the Trophy Buck: 17 Best 12-Gauge Deer Slugs

The 12-gauge deer slug has established itself as a versatile choice for woodland hunting, combining reliable performance with compact size. Our comprehensive comparison examines the leading slugs in this category, analyzing their accuracy, energy retention, and effectiveness at various ranges to help you select the right ammunition for your hunting needs.

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Reviews

Slug-Go 12

Originally setting the stage for what would become soft stick baits, the 12” Slug-Go 104 Chrome brings a classic profile to the lineup. Its slender body and unpredictable darting action were groundbreaking in their randomness and effectiveness. The Chrome variant adds a distinctive flash and shine to this versatile lure, suitable for both subtle presentations and aggressive retrieves.

Bullet Weights: 12 oz Cannonball Lead Sinker

These trusted lead sinkers bring your rig to the bottom quickly with their smooth spherical design, while the built-in brass eye makes rigging a breeze. Anglers have raved about their effectiveness for salmon, steelhead, and walleye fishing, though one reviewer had a minor pick-up experience issue.

4’ x 100’ DeerBusters Welded Wire Fence

This versatile garden fence combines 14-gauge galvanized steel and black PVC coating for durability that resists rust and UV damage. The 1” x 3” mesh design lets you see through the fence while keeping out deer and small animals. At just 4 feet tall, it’s not the tallest fence around, but its simple installation and light weight make it a practical choice for many fence projects.

12 Gauge Deer Slug

This classic kit keeps your 12/20 gauge shotgun clean and ready for action, with a handy 32-piece aluminum rod system that accepts multiple barrel sizes. The included bore brush and cleaning accessories make quick work of dirt and debris, while the reusable storage case keeps everything organized between uses.

Rob Roberts Triple Threat 3-Piece 12 Ga Benelli Crio Plus Full Choke Tube Set

These 17-4 PH Stainless Steel tubes from Rob Roberts represent years of innovation in shotshell performance. Built in the USA, each of the T1, T2, and T3 tubes offers consistent concentricity thanks to careful manufacturing.

Rigged Slug-Go 410 Rifled Slug

Rigged Slug-Go baits showcase premium eel skin construction paired with 80-pound Dacron line for durability. The pre-rigged tandem design eliminates setup hassle, while the 410 rifled slug profile creates irresistible movement in the water. These lures have proven effective for striped bass and other predatory fish, though users note they can succumb to heavy toothed predators.

Giant Destroyer 12 Gauge Deer and Rabbit Repellent Clip

These weatherproof clips have kept my garden deer-free for years, thanks to their natural garlic scent that irritates critters’ noses without harming them. Each clip works best when placed outdoors on fences or plants you want to protect. While the garlic smell might be strong for humans, deer and rabbits definitely don’t like it.

Nordic BERETTA/NOVA/CZ 12GA Nut Black

This magazine extension tube nut works with 12 gauge shotguns like the Beretta, Nova, and CZ models. While some users have reported it works with additional firearms like the Beretta 1301 Competition, it’s worth noting that it may not fit every 12 gauge shotgun. The quality parts from Nordic Components really show when you’re loading up those magazine extensions – many reviewers swear by the extra capacity and sleek look it adds to their guns.

Lee Precision 7/8 oz 410 Rifled Slug Mold

The Lee Precision 7/8 oz Slug Mold creates reliable bullets for your shotgun, using pure lead for optimal performance. Its aluminum design quickly heats up to produce consistent results. While some users report minor maintenance issues, many praise its accuracy and cost-effectiveness compared to buying factory-loaded slugs.

OOK 12 Gauge Steel Wire

When you’re hanging something heavy, you want wire that can take the weight and won’t stretch or break. This 12-gauge wire is made to hold up to 110 pounds per foot, so it’s ideal for art projects, crafts, or fixing up fences. The steel wire has a nice polish to it, and the best part is that it’s self-taming – you can wrap it around things and it will stay put without leaving sharp edges. The only downside? The shipping got a bit of a rough ride – they could have been a bit more organized about getting everything to you in one piece.

Caliber Gourmet 12 Gauge Shotgun Shell Shot Glass

These 12-gauge shotgun shell shot glasses bring a fun twist to your favorite after-shooting drinks. Standing at a practical 3 inches tall, the durable plastic glasses won’t disappoint when displayed alongside your other shot glasses. Perfect for adding a humorous touch to any gathering, they’re sure to get a reaction from both hunters and casual drinkers alike.

Winchester Guns 613051 Invector Plus 12 Gauge Full

Crafted from durable 17-4 stainless steel, these flush-fit barrels meet industry standards for precision shooting. The high-polish finish and back-bored design deliver consistent patterns with excellent density, making them ideal for competitive and recreational shooting alike.

Lee 1 oz 12 Gauge Deer Slug

These Lee 1 oz slug molds take some getting used to, but once you figure out the right technique, they work incredibly well. The aluminum construction heats up quickly and the self-centering design really shines, giving you accurate results from the get-go. The included sprue plate and handles make it a breeze to clean up the finished product, and at this price point, you can’t beat the quality you’re getting.

Lyman 1-Cavity 12 Gauge Shotshell Sabot Slug Bullet Mould

Crafted from solid leaded-steel and heat-treated for durability, this Lyman mould produces perfect 525-grain slugs with its smooth-finished cavity. Cast from pure lead, these hollow-based slugs require no rifling and perform exceptionally well when paired with Federal hulls and Blue Dot wads. The mould’s reliable performance has earned high praise from reloaders, though some experimentation with load combinations may be needed for optimal results.

National Hardware N266-973 Wire

This 12-gauge wire wraps around itself and ties securely, making it ideal for crafts, art projects, and home repairs – much like that roll of binder twine you keep meaning to use. The galvanized finish protects the tool steel core, giving you a quality wire that’s perfect for staking young trees or repairing fences, just like finding that perfect piece in a puzzle.

Hodgdon Perfect Pattern 12 Gauge Shotgun Powder

A popular choice among shooters, this 1-pound can of Hodgdon Perfect Pattern powder delivers cleanburning performance with mild recoil. The fast-burning powder works well in light and extra-light loads, making it suitable for both hunting and target shooting. Users appreciate its ability to maintain consistent patterns while allowing for reduced charge weights.

Beretta Optima CT 12 GA Skeet Choke Tube

Made for Beretta 12-gauge shotguns, these extended skeet choke tubes slip in smooth thanks to their flush-mount design. The 6.2-inch tubes fit perfectly thanks to their 1.55-inch diameter, and the OPTIMA thread pattern keeps them locked tight. The silver finish with colored bands looks sharp while the extended length helps control shot patterns for those tricky skeet targets.

Buyer’s Guide

12 gauge deer slugs represent a specialized category of ammunition designed for hunting medium-sized game like whitetail deer. These projectiles combine substantial terminal energy with precise delivery via the shotgun shell.

Key Physical Characteristics

Deer slugs typically feature heavy, cylindrical designs optimized for stability during flight and penetration post-impact. They differ from standard birdshot or buckshot in both construction and intended use case.

Performance Metrics

Muzzle velocity usually ranges from 1,200 to 1,500 feet per second, with energy delivery between 500 and 700 foot-pounds at impact. Manufacturers provide detailed ballistics data for each slug type, which shooters should consult for proper range estimation and trajectory calculations.

Selecting the Right Slug

Consider the game type, shooting distance, and environmental factors when choosing a slug load. Heavier slugs with lower velocities perform better at longer ranges but require more shoulder pressure. Softer-tip designs maintain barrel velocity and preserve shot patterns.

Shooting Considerations

Ensure your shotgun is properly chambered for the slug configuration and that you’re using appropriate choke tubes. Practice your shooting before hunting season and understand your equipment’s capabilities. Always wear eye protection and follow safe shooting procedures.

FAQ

What is a 12 gauge deer slug?

A 12 gauge deer slug is a specialized shotgun shell designed for hunting deer and other large game animals. The slug, which is a solid projectile without a conventional wad or powder charge, typically ranges from 150 to 250 yards in effective hunting distance.

Compared to traditional shotgun ammunition, deer slugs offer greater penetration and energy transfer, making them effective for hunting at longer ranges than standard shot shells.

What makes a 12 gauge deer slug different from lead bird shot?

While both are used in 12 gauge shotguns, deer slugs are solid copper or brass projectiles, whereas lead bird shot consists of multiple small lead spheres that spread at the muzzle.

Slugs provide consistent expansion and penetration, making them more reliable for taking larger game animals like deer. Bird shot is more suitable for smaller, fast-moving birds and requires closer range for ethical hunting.

What are the legal considerations when hunting with 12 gauge slugs?

Check local hunting regulations, as some areas prohibit the use of slugs, especially in residential zones. Many jurisdictions have specific requirements for range markings and safe backstops when firing slugs during hunting practice.

Always use appropriate ammunition and equipment, maintain proper safety protocols, and familiarize yourself with state and federal firearms laws regarding possession and transport of 12 gauge shotguns and ammunition.

What maintenance requirements are associated with 12 gauge slug guns?

Regularly clean and maintain your firearm to prevent corrosion from propellant residues. Use proper cleaning solvents and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance procedures.

Inspect the barrel and chamber for damage before each use to ensure safe operation. Professional inspection is recommended annually for slug guns, especially after heavy use.

What are the costs associated with using 12 gauge slugs?

Slug prices vary by manufacturer and caliber, typically ranging from $0.75 to $1.50 per round. This makes them more expensive than typical hunting shotshells but still cost-effective for responsible ammunition consumption.

Consider factors like ammunition capacity, magazine size, and potential reloading costs when budgeting for 12 gauge slug hunting trips.

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