.40S&W vs. Deer

[Lostinforest]

I need some opinuins. Would a .40S&W round out of a 16in bbl. Carbine be any good against a deer at 50yds or less?

[Danny45]

I thought barrels had to be at least 18 1/2 inches? Oh well, anyway, I' d consider it marginal. Also, check your state laws. Most carbines chambered for pistol rounds hold 10 rounds. Some states won' t allow hunting with any weapon that holds more than 7 rounds.

If it' s legal where you' re at, I' d still keep the shots to 25 yards or less.

[Lostinforest]

Thankyou Danny45, That was what I needed to know, and I' ll recheck the laws.:~)

[Ruger-Redhawk]

Danny45 Shotguns are min.18" bbl and overall lenght of 26" . Rifles unless it' s been changed is 16" bbl. I wouldn' t use a 40S&W for deer.Good people stopper but not for deer.I put a 41 mag as a min for whitetails.
Ruger Redhawk

[neweboarhunter]

I would not use the .40S&W on whitetail, but I see nothing wrong with the 10mm.
just my 2cents.

[RedAllison]

There is a load that makes a 40 a deer stopper to 50 yds. Its the MAG-SAFE and was developed using live goats for testing. Its designed for law enforcement and prevents bullet/fragments traveling thru walls or exiting targets and posing a threat to other officers, but if used cautiously and properly while hunting deer sized game or smaller, they can be LETHAL. The bullet itself is typically half the weight of normal bullets, therefore the velocity is GREATLY improved. I have some for my 38 and the listed velocity is 1500+fps and the power of the loads vary with which type ammo you get (availabe in different levels like patrol, SWAT etc). They are essentially a hollowpoint with several pellets held in the cavity with a special resin. The results when hitting " body material" and ballistic gelatin is AWESOME.

Testing results showed that a little 380 with MagSafes had quicker knockdown/out times on the goats than did a 44mag loaded with standard ammo. I would hold my shots to strictly broadside BEHIND the front shoulder or a true neckshot that would unplug the nervous system. They were desigined to penetrate tissue, not heavy bone.

GOOD luck,
RA

[Danny45]

Danny45 Shotguns are min.18" bbl and overall lenght of 26" . Rifles unless it' s been changed is 16" bbl

Thanks Redhawk. I couldn' t remember.

[Ruger-Redhawk]

You' re welcome Danny.Good luck.
Ruger Redhawk

[t-roy]

my cousin uses a .40 for deer. i had one as well. works good, but anything past 50yds is pushing it.

[propmahn]

if you look into some heavy bullet loads with a slower burning magnum hangun powder, you might be able to push the velocity high enough to perform well. I think with a bullet weight of 200gr plus and a velocity 1300+fps muzzle velocity it would work fine for deer provided you take a double-lung broadside shot and nothing trying to bust bones. perhaps a hunting bullet designed for the 10mm would be an appropriate bullet but i have no advice on loads except try and use a slow powder wo make use of that barrel length. though if this a lightweight plastic carbine from someone like kel-tec id be worried about damaging it with the heavier loads