Straight-Walled Rifles vs. Slug Guns for Deer Hunting

When it comes to deer hunting, selecting the right firearm can make all the difference in your success and overall experience. Two popular choices, particularly in areas with specific hunting regulations, are slug guns and straight-walled rifles. Each has its advantages, depending on where and how you hunt. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between slug guns and straight-walled rifles, their respective cartridges, ethical hunting distances, and why certain regions restrict hunters to these options. We’ll also delve into some popular models, including the 212 and 220 Slug Guns, and Savage's straight-walled rifle options like the 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and the new 400 Legend. We’ll provide some practical hunting tips for using these firearms effectively.

What Are Slug Guns and Straight-Walled Rifles?

Before diving into the specifics, it’s important to understand what slug guns and straight-walled rifles are, and why they’re favored in certain hunting scenarios.

Slug Guns

Slug guns are essentially shotguns designed to fire a single, large projectile known as a slug. Unlike traditional shotgun shells that contain multiple small pellets, slugs are hefty, solid bullets designed to deliver massive stopping power at short to moderate ranges. Slug guns are most commonly used in areas where traditional rifles are restricted due to safety concerns, as slugs have a more limited range.

Straight-Walled Rifles

Straight-walled rifles, on the other hand, fire cartridges with straight-walled cases—meaning the case does not taper like a bottlenecked rifle cartridge. Popular calibers in this category include the 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and the newer 400 Legend. These rifles offer better accuracy and range than slug guns, but still have a shorter effective range than traditional bottlenecked rifle cartridges. This has allowed straight-walled rifles to be adopted in some areas where traditionally only slug guns were allowed to minimize safety concerns.

Why Some States and Zones Restrict Deer Hunting to Slugs and Straight-Walls

The primary reason some states and hunting zones restrict deer hunting to slug guns and straight-walled rifles is safety. These firearms are most commonly used in states with specific regulations aimed at reducing potential safety risks from using traditional rifles near populated areas. States like Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana restrict hunters to these options in certain zones due to the higher population density and flatter terrain magnifying the risk of a bullet traveling beyond its intended target. This risk is created due to the mixture of urban and rural areas in close proximity to each other, putting hunting areas near densely populated areas.

Even states that allow traditional rifles to be used may have restrictions to using slug guns or straight-walled rifles on certain public hunting areas that are close to housing developments or rural homes for these safety reasons. Always make sure you check your local regulations to see what firearms you can use in the area you plan to hunt.

Slug guns and straight-walled rifles are seen as safer alternatives because of their more limited range. A slug, though powerful, loses energy quickly and is less likely to travel great distances. Similarly, straight-walled cartridges like the 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and 400 Legend have flatter trajectories and a reduced risk of over-penetration compared to traditional rifle rounds due to their lower effective ranges and faster drop off in velocity.

Understanding the Cartridges

Slug Cartridges

Slug cartridges are typically designed for 12-gauge or 20-gauge shotguns. For example, a 12-gauge slug can weigh an ounce or more, delivering a devastating impact at close range. Modern slugs, such as sabot slugs, are designed to improve range and accuracy, with effective distances often reaching up to 150 yards under ideal conditions. Because of their substantial weight and heavy loading, slugs are typically known for their higher levels of recoil, but this can be managed and mitigated through the design of the shotgun being used.

Straight-Walled Cartridges

Straight-walled rifle cartridges offer a balance of range, power, and compliance with hunting regulations. They typically weigh less than a comparative shotgun slug, helping make recoil more manageable and increasing their effective range. The 450 Bushmaster is a popular choice for its ability to deliver significant energy at ranges up to 200 yards or more. The 350 Legend, known for its lower recoil and flat trajectory, is ideal for hunters who want to extend their effective range while maintaining accuracy. The new 400 Legend, introduced as a middle ground between the 450 Bushmaster and 350 Legend, offers a versatile option with improved ballistics and manageable recoil, making it a strong contender in straight-walled cartridge options.

Ethical Hunting Distances

One of the most critical aspects of hunting is ensuring that your shots are ethical—that is, taking shots that will quickly and humanely dispatch your target. Both slug guns and straight-walled rifles have their own ethical distance considerations.

Slug Guns

For most hunters, the ethical distance with a slug gun is within 100 yards. While advances in slug design and rifled barrels have extended this range, hunters should be cautious about taking longer shots. Beyond 150 yards, the accuracy and energy of a slug drop off significantly, making it harder to ensure a clean kill. In a typical hunt with a slug gun, it is common to have shot distances well within 50 yards depending on the terrain and area you are hunting. 

Straight-Walled Rifles

Straight-walled rifles like the 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and 400 Legend offer extended ethical hunting distances. These cartridges maintain their velocity and energy over longer distances, with ethical shots often extending up to 200 yards or more. This added range allows hunters to take more precise shots and adapt to a wider variety of hunting environments, particularly in more open terrain.

Slug Gun vs. Straight-Walled Rifle: Which is Best for You?

Deciding between a slug gun and a straight-walled rifle ultimately depends on your hunting environment, style, and the regulations you must follow.

Hunting Environment

If you hunt in dense woods or areas with thick cover, a slug gun might be the better choice. Slug guns are designed for short-range encounters, where quick, powerful shots are necessary to bring down game in close quarters. Their heavy slugs can deliver a decisive impact at close range. 

However, if you hunt in more open areas—fields, open woods, or clear-cut zones—a straight-walled rifle might be more appropriate. Rifles chambered in 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, or 400 Legend offer better accuracy and range, allowing you to take advantage of longer shooting lanes and more distant targets.

Slug guns are also preferred for deer drives due to their shorter effective range. Deer drives are where one group of hunters pushes deer towards another group of waiting hunters who will harvest the deer. The pushing group often advances slowly from 100 yards or more away and stays perpendicular to the shooting group, helping to keep them at a safe distance. This is a traditional method of hunting in many midwestern states but be sure to check your local regulations to ensure that it is a legal method of hunting in your area.

Regulations

The choice between a slug gun and a straight-walled rifle may also be dictated by local hunting laws. In some areas, hunters are required to use these firearms due to safety concerns, as mentioned earlier. Always check the regulations in your hunting area to ensure compliance.

Savage 212 and 220 Slug Guns

When it comes to slug guns, Savage Arms is a top name in the industry. The Savage 212 and 220 are standout models designed for hunters who need accuracy and power in a package that complies with slug-only regulations.

212 Slug Gun

The Savage 212 is a 12-gauge bolt-action shotgun designed specifically for slug use. It combines the precision of a rifle with the stopping power of a shotgun, making it an excellent choice for hunters in regions where slug guns are required. The 212’s rifled barrel ensures accuracy with modern sabot slugs, and when paired with a quality scope, it can deliver ethical shots at distances that rival some rifles.

220 Slug Gun

For hunters who prefer less recoil, the Savage 220 offers similar performance in a 20-gauge format. The 220 is lighter and easier to handle, making it a great option for younger hunters or those who prefer a gun with less kick. Despite the lower recoil, the 220 is still capable of taking down deer with authority, especially when equipped with high-quality ammunition.

Savage Straight-Wall Rifle Options

We also cater to hunters who prefer straight-walled rifles, offering a variety of models chambered in 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and the 400 Legend.

Axis and Model 110

The Savage Axis and 110 models are available in these popular straight-walled calibers, providing hunters with reliable and accurate rifles that meet the requirements of restricted hunting zones. The 450 Bushmaster is ideal for hunters who want maximum stopping power, while the 350 Legend offers lower recoil and a flatter trajectory for more accurate long-range shots. The new 400 Legend serves as a versatile option, combining the benefits of both the 450 Bushmaster and 350 Legend with improved ballistics.

To learn more about the 400 Legend cartridge, check out this great blog post from The Green Way Outdoors.

Savage’s straight-walled rifles are known for their ergonomic designs, adjustable triggers, and the ability to customize with optics and other accessories, ensuring that hunters can tailor their rifles to their specific needs.

Hunting Tips Using Slug Guns and Straight-Walled Rifles

Whether you choose a slug gun or a straight-walled rifle, employing the right hunting techniques can significantly impact your success. Here are some tips to get the most out of these firearms:

1. Know Your Range:

Understanding the effective range of your firearm is critical. With slug guns, it’s important to practice and know your limits, generally keeping shots within 100-150 yards. For straight-walled rifles, be familiar with the ballistics of your chosen cartridge—whether it’s the 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, or 400 Legend—and practice shots at varying distances up to 200 yards or more.

2. Use Quality Optics:

Both slug guns and straight-walled rifles benefit from good optics. A scope with a decent magnification range and a clear reticle will improve your accuracy, especially at the extended ranges that straight-walled rifles can reach. For slug guns, a low-power scope or a red dot sight can help with quick target acquisition in thick cover.

3. Practice Shot Placement:

No matter what firearm you use, shot placement is key to a humane kill. Practice shooting from various positions, including offhand, prone, and from a rest. Aim for the vital areas, such as the heart and lungs, to ensure quick and ethical kills.

4. Pay Attention to Wind and Weather:

Wind can significantly affect the trajectory of both slugs and straight-walled cartridges, especially at longer distances. Take the time to understand how wind direction and speed impact your shot, and adjust your

5. Hunt from a Solid Rest:

Whenever possible, take your shots from a stable rest. Whether you’re using a tree branch, a bipod, or a shooting stick, a solid rest will help you maintain accuracy, especially when hunting with a straight-walled rifle at longer distances.

6. Scout and Set Up Properly:

Positioning is vital for both slug gun and straight-walled rifle hunters. Scout your hunting area beforehand to identify deer trails, feeding areas, and potential stand locations. When setting up, consider your firearm’s range—slug hunters should position themselves closer to likely deer paths, while straight-walled rifle hunters can afford to set up a bit further back.

7. Understand the Terrain:

Knowing the terrain is especially important when using firearms with limited range like slug guns. In thick woods or hilly terrain, shots can be obstructed or shortened, so plan your hunt accordingly. Straight-walled rifle users can take advantage of open fields and clearings, but must still be aware of what’s beyond their target.

Choosing between a slug gun and a straight-walled rifle depends on various factors, including your hunting environment, personal preferences, and legal requirements. Slug guns like the Savage 212 and 220 offer unparalleled stopping power at close range, making them ideal for dense woods and thick cover. Straight-walled rifles, such as those chambered in 450 Bushmaster, 350 Legend, and the new 400 Legend, provide extended range and accuracy, allowing for ethical shots at greater distances in open terrain.

Both options have their place in the deer hunter’s arsenal, and understanding their strengths and limitations will help you make an informed decision. By incorporating the hunting tips provided, you can maximize your chances of success, ensuring that whether you choose a slug gun or a straight-walled rifle, you’re well-prepared for the season ahead.