So, is a .410 shotgun slug powerful enough for deer?
The .410 shotgun has its fans and its haters. With such a small bore, the payload is certainly way behind other popular gauges. Also, the shells have gotten rather expensive these days, but that's another story. Most people probably think of this gun as primarily a small game or turkey gun.
A common question for people considering a .410 bore is whether this small shotgun is powerful enough to take down a full-grown deer. After all, a .410 has minimal recoil, which makes it incredibly easy to handle, especially for newer shooters and hunters.
Of course, you can read conflicting opinions on the matter until the cows come home. Sometimes you simply need video proof to show you what a .410 slug is capable of doing. That's exactly what today's video does.
Using a .410 for deer is a heated debate. Some hunters say it shoots as straight as a rifle, while others say a it's far too small for deer, regardless of what shells you're using. There are also questions of legality. Make sure to consult your state's regulations ahead of time. Because the .410 is not a legal firearm for hunting in some states.
In any case, this video has proven that from a close range, a well-placed shot from a .410 shotgun slug can hit like a sledgehammer. That big doe went down like it got hit by lightning.
The moral of the story here is to know the effective ranges of the weapon you hunt with. While it might not be the best from longer distances, a .410 up close with proper shot placement will get the job done.
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Do you like articles about the outdoors? Click here to view more articles by Eric Nestor. You can follow him @ericthewoodsman on Twitter, The Classic Woodsman on Facebook, and @theclassicwoodsman on Instagram. You can view more Nestor Photography photos at Nestor Photography.
NEXT: GUN REVIEW: THE ALL-NEW HENRY .410 LEVER ACTION RARE CARBINE SHOTGUN
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