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

Published on July 27, 2025
Duration: 13:17

The 400 Legend cartridge offers a compelling alternative to traditional 20-gauge slug guns in shotgun-only zones, particularly for Midwest deer hunting. While both offer comparable 100-yard accuracy, the 400 Legend demonstrates superior performance at 200 yards with less drop and tighter groups. Ballistic gel tests show both rounds create significant wound channels, with the 400 Legend exhibiting slightly better penetration.

Quick Summary

The 400 Legend cartridge is a strong contender against 20-gauge slugs for deer hunting in shotgun-only zones. While both perform well at 100 yards, the 400 Legend excels at 200 yards with less drop and tighter groups, and offers comparable penetration in ballistic gel tests.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Intro: Regulation Changes & Straight-Wall Cartridges
  2. 00:43Recoil & Weight Comparison: 400 Legend vs 20 Gauge Slug
  3. 01:45Cost & Legal Factors: Ammo Prices & State Laws
  4. 02:38Projectile Mechanics: Sabot Slugs vs 400 Legend Bullet
  5. 03:41100-Yard Accuracy Test Results
  6. 06:37200-Yard Performance: Drop & Group Size Comparison
  7. 09:06Ballistic Gelatin Testing: Penetration & Wound Channels

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 400 Legend better than a 20-gauge slug for deer hunting?

For deer hunting in shotgun-only zones, the 400 Legend offers advantages over 20-gauge slugs, especially at longer ranges. While 100-yard accuracy is similar, the 400 Legend shows less drop and tighter groups at 200 yards, along with slightly better penetration in ballistic gel tests.

How does the cost of 400 Legend ammunition compare to 20-gauge slugs?

The cost comparison shows that 20 rounds of 400 Legend ammunition are typically priced similarly to just 5 rounds of premium 20-gauge sabot slugs, making the 400 Legend potentially more economical for practice and hunting.

What are the accuracy differences between 400 Legend and 20-gauge slugs?

At 100 yards, both the 400 Legend and 20-gauge slugs can achieve excellent accuracy for deer hunting, with groups around 1.5 to 1.75 inches. However, at 200 yards, the 400 Legend demonstrates superior performance with significantly less bullet drop and tighter shot groups.

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