Slug Gun VS 400 Legend! (Best Deer Rifle?)

Published on July 27, 2025
Duration: 13:17

This guide compares the 400 Legend cartridge with 20-gauge slugs for deer hunting, drawing on insights from a Thompson/Center Arms representative. It covers regulatory changes allowing straight-wall cartridges in the Midwest, ballistic performance differences at 100 and 200 yards, economic factors of ammunition cost, and projectile mechanics. The analysis highlights the 400 Legend's potential for greater accuracy and less drop at longer ranges, while acknowledging the effectiveness of both options for deer hunting.

Quick Summary

The 400 Legend cartridge offers advantages over 20-gauge slugs for deer hunting, particularly at longer ranges, showing less bullet drop and tighter groups at 200 yards. While both are effective at 100 yards, the 400 Legend can also be more economical per round, and its use is increasingly permitted in Midwest hunting zones due to regulatory changes.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Regulation Changes
  2. 00:43Recoil & Weight Comparison
  3. 01:45Economic & Legal Factors
  4. 02:38Projectile Mechanics
  5. 03:41100-Yard Accuracy Testing
  6. 06:37200-Yard Performance & Drop
  7. 09:06Ballistic Gelatin Testing

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key differences between 400 Legend and 20-gauge slugs for deer hunting?

The 400 Legend offers potentially better accuracy and less bullet drop at 200 yards, while 20-gauge slugs often have higher recoil due to heavier projectiles. Both are effective at 100 yards, but the 400 Legend can be more economical per round.

How do 400 Legend and 20-gauge slugs perform in ballistic gelatin?

Both create significant wound channels. The 400 Legend demonstrated slightly deeper penetration (20 inches) compared to a 20-gauge slug (17 inches), indicating good energy retention for ethical harvests.

Are straight-wall cartridges like the 400 Legend legal for deer hunting?

Yes, many Midwest states, including Illinois, Ohio, and Iowa, have updated regulations to permit straight-wall cartridges in areas previously restricted to slug-only firearms.

What is the accuracy comparison between 400 Legend and 20-gauge slugs?

At 100 yards, both can achieve excellent accuracy for deer hunting, with groups around 1.5 to 1.75 inches. At 200 yards, the 400 Legend typically maintains tighter groups (2-3 inches) than 20-gauge slugs (4-5 inches).

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