Handguns for deer
 

I am looking to get a hand hun for deer. I have decided of a revolver but not a brand or caliber. What is the minimum caliber I should use for deer. I was thinking the 357 Mag so I could usr 38 shells for practice and fun. Would this be a good choice?

RE: Handguns for deer
 

.357 is rather minimal for deer unless you will be under 50 yards. Even then I don't think it would be a good deer round in a handgun. I woul go with a .44 mag or larger. You can cleanly take deer out to 100 yards and if you want a lighter practice round you can shoot .44 specials in it. If you handload these can even be loaded light to reduce recoil and muzzle blast even more. Don't rule out .480 ruger and .454 casull either. Personally I like the .480 ruger. It will be my next hg purchase.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

The 357 Mag in my opinion is to light for deer.I know many do use it but I don't agree with it.The minimum I would ever consider would be the 41 mag.I personally use either a 44 Mag or 454 Casull.Like Bloodnativ said with a 44 mag you can shoot the lighter 44 Specials or in the Casull you can shoot the 45 Colt. I have no experience with the 480 Ruger but have heard it's impressive.If you are a very experienced handgunner and limit your shot to a close range the 357 mag may be suitable for deer size game. I know my limitations and want to make the most Humane Kills possible.If you don't handload my choice would be the 44 mag.Ammunition is available almost everywhere. The Casull and 480 Ruger could be allot harder to find.
Ruger Redhawk

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Edited by - ruger-redhawk on 11/21/2002 17:33:59

RE: Handguns for deer
 

We have several Ruger Blackhawks in 44 mag. Perfect stand gun when the deer comes up on the wrong side. We like the 44mag. Even traded a new 30-30 for a used 44mag lever action rifle for my boy.




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Edited by - mike bell on 11/21/2002 19:13:00

RE: Handguns for deer
 

Ruger .480

-Gooch-

RE: Handguns for deer
 

..Here they go again,slaming the 357 caliber for deer,
ive seen this caliber drop deer where they stood at 100
yards with a 135 grain hollow point..i wish some would
see ..(DEAD)is(DEAD)....that what i use 357 mag..:)..

..JESUS IS COMING BACK BE READY...

RE: Handguns for deer
 

I agree a 357 doesn't have enough smoke..Go with a 44 Mag. I use a Smith 629.Were not slaming 357's but there too small for deer hunting.

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RE: Handguns for deer
 

I've killed deer with a 357, they will do the job if you put a good shot on, and keep your shots within a reasonable distance (I also agree within 50 yards). Since you are looking for a handgun specifically for deer, then I would go with one the other guys have suggested. The 357 is a decent choice, it just isn't your best option for deer. You can still get a used 357 for really cheap if you want one for practice and fun.

--I live in my own little world. But it's OK . . . they know me
here.--

RE: Handguns for deer
 

I am not saying that it should not be done, but I personally will NEVER use a .357 again for deer. I don't believe it has the energy needed to take deer. I shot a nice buck with mine at about 30 yards right behind the shoulder with a 158 gr. hollow point. I watched the deer lie down and waited over an hour before I went to him. He jumped up, and I never saw him again. I am sure he is dead, but it must have only penetrated one lung. If you do shoot one with a .357, I suggest giving him much more time than I did. That was my first experience with shooting a deer with my pistol, and it was a bad one. It had a major influence on me. I learned a great deal from my experience and lost much sleep over that one. I would use at least a 44 mag for handgunning deer.