Muzzleloader vs. Shotgun

After purchasing a Savage 220F 20 gauge bolt-action slug gun last year I would lean in that direction. This is truly a 200 yard gun. After doing some research and experimenting with a few different scopes from my rifles, I purchased a (not-so-expensive) Bushnell Trophy XLT 3-9x 40mm DOA 200 scope.

Then, I went about trying to find the sabot that functioned the best out of this gun. I started with Hornady SST and Remington AccuTip (2 3/4" and 3"). The Hornadys were by far the worse patterning sabots (>6" group at 100 yds). The AccuTips were good, but only with the 1st shot. After the 1st shot the barrel was ridiculously fouled.

I then tried the Federal Barnes-Tipped Expanders in 3". I can shoot 5 shot groupings at 100 yds (without a gun vise) under 2". 5 shot groups at 200 yds expanded to 3.5"!!! My buddy can't even do that in 3 shots with his Browning .270 at 100 yds. Even though I really loved tinkering with my T/C .50 muzzleloader I have since sold it.

IMO this slug gun has elminated my desire to carry a 200-250 yrd muzzleloader into the woods in the fall as this gun performs as well, if not better!! Plus, if a follow-up shot is necessary it is available quickly.

 

I perfer the shotgun, but the only reason I don't purchase a muzzleloader is because we don't have a muzzleloader season, and I can switch my barrels for slugs or buckshot.