RE: Handguns for deer
 

it all depends, if you are going to buy a handgun specifically deer hunting, and you can afford (if you dont reload) to practice enough to be good (i consider good enough a 5" circle at your max distance). How ever if you cant afford lots of time on a 44mag, then you can buy a .357 and practice a lot more, because i would rather have hunter who can shoot accuratly and has less power than one who has more power and less accuracy. If you reload and dont plan on shooting more than 50 yards, then a .357 will work with no problems. Use heavy weight bullets 180grs (hornady XTPs work very well) or so, and a strong fire arm, preferably a .357 ruger blackhawk, load the 180gr bullet as fast as you can safely and accuratly push it. a 180gr bullet at 1400 to 1500 fps sounds like a killer to me. (look at 180gr .44mag loads, i dont think they are too different, but thats what i remember).
if you dont reload you have a bigger problem, corbon i believe makes a170gr softpoint that would be fine, also the winchester supreme partition golds in 180gr for would work fine as well. i think remington makes a 165gr hollowpoint that might work, i think its loaded for hunting.
I shot on sunday a 8 point buck that weighed 160lbs field dressed. I shot the deer straight thru both lungs, the deer ran 25 yards and piled up dead. with the .357 i would reccomend only taking double lung shots. and you must be patient and not shoot at anything less than the a good lung shot. if you think thats too much work get a .44. or a .41 or 454. or a 480.
the .357 is not the best choice but it will work just fine. it must be proberly loaded, none of the fast expanding light-weight hollowpoints. try to get sometihng that will take out both lungs and put a hole in the other side.
if you can afford lots of money on ammo, get sometihng bigger, if you cant then get a .357 and practice. use proper ammo and shoot accuratly if you can do those, then dont even pick up a handgun to hunt with

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass

RE: Handguns for deer
 

totoe, I wasn't slaming (bashing) the 357 Mag.It's a great cartridge (caliber) but it has it's limitations.For self defense it's a great choice.I just don't think it's suitable for deer size game.A 22 short will kill a deer with proper shot placement.Would I recommend a 22 short for deer? NO.Every caliber has a use.Matching the caliber to the game being hunted is the key to a successful hunt and a humane kill.Ruger Redhawk

Support the NRA...Protecting our Gun Rights and Freedoms is everybody's responsibility. Ruger Redhawk A proud NRA Life Member since 1977.

Edited by - ruger-redhawk on 11/22/2002 19:23:11

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RE: Handguns for deer
 

Mike Bell why did you decide on a .44 mag for your boy over a 30-30? I would think the 30-30 would be a better choice over the .44 for deer. I am asking because I am about to buy a rifle for my daughter and I am thinking about the 30-30. I own a .44mag revolver also. I bougt a Remington .270 because I thought it would not kick but I find it kicks like my 30-06 and now I've got to watch I don't stick his bullet in my gun. I should have bought them both one rifle since they don't hunt together. She is 13 now and can't wait to hunt with a rifle next year.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

If your serious about deer hunting forget the 357 mag and get yourself a 44 mag.The 44 mag is very versatile caliber and not only an effective game getter but a pretty accurate paper puncher as well. I have shot deer with the 357 mag but the 44 mag will be a better long range caliber.By longe range I mean 100yds. or so.I have shot deer to 110yds with no problem.Also with deer being thin skinned you don't need 300gr plus bullets.I have shot over 30 head with a 180gr bullet and I'm quite impressed with the killing performance.I have not had a deer run more than 45 yds.If your looking for a revolver and will be shooting less than 100yds,I would get the 44mag.I have several brands and though I favor the S&W trigger pull the scope and ring combination on the Rugers are a good choice. Good luck!
Jack Magnum

RE: Handguns for deer
 

I have a RUGER BLACKHAWK in .44mag I use cor-bons 180gr jhp's with the m.v at 1700fps with a 7 1/2" barel it has been the best deer gun ive ever had.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

I agree with Ruger Redhawk, and recommend that you look hard at the Taurus Raging Bull. My buddy and I have three of them between us, and I find them to be as good as my S&W Model 29 as far as acuracy, workmanship and materials are concerned, and better as far as taming recoil. The barrel porting and shock-absorbing grip make a .454 Casull seem to recoil less than a regular .44 magnum! And you can get it in .44 Mag. or .454, and use either 44 Spec or .45 Colt loads, as appropriate, for practice.

Keep yore powder dry!!

RE: Handguns for deer
 

I agree, the .357 will do the job on deer, but it's kinda like trying to dig a posthole with an auger or a trowel. Both can do it, it's just that one's going to do it better, with cleaner results.

I'd say put the .44 mag at your minimum, there's no reason not to get one. You're going to pay about the same, and you get the .44 spcl option just like the .38 spcl in the .357. Even if you go as big as the .454 cassul, you usually get a second cylinder so you can shoot .45 colt through it to practice.

Do yourself a favor, and don't leave yourself the option of worry. Get a .44.

Screw the 10 ring, keep them in the zero!!!

RE: Handguns for deer
 

44 Rem Mag is about what most shooters can handle comfortably. More experienced shooters may favor the 480 Ruger or the 454 Casull. BTW, you don't need an additional cylinder to shoot 45 Colt ammo from a 454. It is just like shooting 38 Special in a 357 Mag or 44 Special in a 44 Mag. You can usually get 45 ACP cylinders if you want.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

HEY Frizzellr, Looks like it finally sunk in. I didn't read anybody saying 45 Long Colt describing the 45Colt for a change.Now if we can get the magazine and clip thing straightened out,we'll have it made LOL. Keep up the good work, a job well done.................
Ruger Redhawk

Support the NRA...Protecting our Gun Rights and Freedoms is everybody's responsibility. Ruger Redhawk A proud NRA Life Member since 1977.