GPMD

So finally after a month of getting my Encore Slug gun I got a chance to put some rounds thru it and see how it shoots. I posted a month or so back to ask suggestions and got great feedback. I had bought 2 brands to try on day one, Hornady SST and Winchester Supremem Platinum tip (2 3/4").

I never even got to the Hornady for 2 reasons, 1) after 10 shots with the Winchesters I don't think I've ever felt as much pain in my shoulder!!!! I'm a first time shotgun hunter and my lord its a tad jarring. First 2 or 3 shots I was having second thoughts, then I think the next 5 i was just numb and it didn't seem bad, those last 2, especially the last, was BRUTAL! Now I'm only 5'10 and 140lbs so there's not a lot of meat on these bones which could be the problem but lets just say I'm a bit sore today The second reason is the Winchesters shot EXCELLENT! My last 3 shots were basically all touching the bullseye with maybe a half inch gap between holes the max. All of this was at 50yds just to zero in at. I do not expect shots further than 75yds but next time out will attempt a few 100 to see where I'm at but there was no need to keep punishing myself or flinching with the results I was getting.
So unless these groups just totally fall apart at 75-100 yards, I'll be hard pressed to even try another slug. 1/2" groups at my average shot distance is perfect. Winchester Supreme Platinum Tip in 2 3/4" is a 400 grain, hollow tip bullet. Now if it hits the deer as hard as my shoulder, I'll be a happy camper! Anyone have any experience with this round on deer?

uncle matt

At 75 yards and under I can't think of any deer slug that wouldn't put a deer down right quick with a respectable shot.

It does indeed sound like you have the respectable shot down pat.

Have fun with that recoil.

gmil6184

Haha unfortunately that's the nature of slug guns, they kick like mules! The good news is that you found a good combo right away so you shouldn't have to worry about that many extended range sessions. Besides if you are anything like me you never feel the recoil when shooting at game. If I was going to make one suggestion it would be to think about using a 75 yard zero instead of a 50 yard zero. You would be surprised how much slugs, even fast sabot slugs, drop at 100 yards. I know you said your average shot would only be about 75 yards, but you never know that big one might step out at 100 yards.

SWThomas

Glad you found the right combination for your gun. But you need to get out there and practice until you become comfortable with the recoil. Trust me, it'll feel like it's kicking softer next time. You just don't want to wait and then when the moment comes to harvest that nice buck, and you flinch when you squeeze and miss/wound him.

teedub31

2 word of advice for you and your Encore (actually 3 but you get my point).

LIMBSAVER RECOIL PADS

These come standard on the ProHunter. But if you just have the plain jane Encore you will have junk pads. Trust me the $38 you will spend on this pad is well worth it. Company claims the recoil pad reduces felt recoil by over 45%. Normally I call BS on all claims like that, but in this case it is the truth and then some.

I used to have a tough time shooting my Encore ML with 150 grains of pyrodex much more the a half dozen times. The 3" mag turkey loads out of my Kathadin barrel were brutal. Adding the LIMBSAVER RECOIL PAD has made my Encore a pleasure to shoot. I have yet to have a sore shoulder after an extended session with my Encore equipped with these marvels.

GPMD

I actually do have the ProHunter which is what actually made me laugh because everyone says they're recoil pad is terrific...i couldn't imagine what it was like without it! After the first two shots and the initial shock, I was fine for the next 5 or 6 rounds so I know the recoil won't feel as bad next time. That final round though did sting a bit I must say. .308's and my Omega with 150 grains are the only things I have to compare it to and I don't think it was close. I am very happy I found a nice round right off the bat.
My average shot is going to be about 50 yards, I'm not really sure if a 100 yard shot is possible where I go but better safe than sorry. I like the idea of being dead on at 75yds and then seeing where it hits at 100 and 50.
I think I'll take a few days off though with the slugs and plink away with the .17 for a bit

jcchartboy

PAST magnum recoil pad for range testing slugs....

JC

eldeguello

The recoil from heavy slug loads in a lightweight gun is about the same as from a 470 Nitro express load! If possible, you should use a barrel rest in a standing position when shooting that slug rig. You need to be able to ride with the backthrust, not absorb it!

GPMD

Thats funny, when I first picked up the shotgun i commented on how light it was. At the range I handed it to my father and he also said it was light before I even had a chance to. I'm sure that had a LOT to do with the recoil. I'm still just tickled that i found a good shooting round right off the bat and now i'm just itching to get it in the woods

Troutman10

Try sighting the slug about 2" high at 50 yards and the slug should be at or below the bull out to 100 yards.