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

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 11/21/2002 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.

[Deleted]
 

[Deleted by Admins]

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.

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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[Deleted by Admins]

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.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

I think i will go take my 686 and kill a deer this weekend!!!! i know for a fact it will kill them !!!!
You know i havent shot a deer with a handgun in a while i think i will !!!

SOUTH ARKANSAS REBEL

RE: Handguns for deer
 

Soark, Good Luck using your 686. Nice revolver. In the right hands it will do the job.Are your hands right????? I feel allot more confident using my SRH 454 Casull or Redhawk 44 mag.Haven't heard from you lately. Hope you and the family have a Merry Christmas and safe New Year. Same for everybody else on the board..
Ruger Redhawk

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

RE: Handguns for deer
 

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote<font size=1 face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote> In the right hands it will do the job.Are your hands right????? <hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote></font id=quote><font face='Verdana, Arial, Helvetica' size=2 id=quote>
<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle><img src=icon_smile_big.gif border=0 align=middle>


Tis the the season to hunt!!!i have been hunting alot and other things.

SOUTH ARKANSAS REBEL

RE: Handguns for deer
 

On the 45colt vs. the 45 long colt. Its true that the long was\is not in the name but i have sean a box of blanks made by colt and an old g@a collam showed a box of colt loaded amma with the markings 45 long colt so in realty both names should be acceptable. dont you tink colt should know the name of there ammo? &quot;LOL&quot;

Now the 357 for deer? i would say yes.
perfurably shots under 50yds.
alot of the problems the 357 have had on deer was the use of short barrald guns or the wrong tipe of ammo.
i have sean people hunting with subbes.
but i belive it has more to do with the ammo.
Most jhp were disined as combat rounds and not hunting. which is fine if perfect and only perfect lung or hart shots are taken.

Then we have the lead roundnose and swc,wc,and swchp. in most factory ammo they are disined for cheap pratice loads and not hunting.
some of the swchp are maded for combat so they fall in with the jhp.

there are 3 tipes of jsp combat,pratic and hunting.
the combat expands like the jhp so its in the same class.
the pratice loads are prone to jacket seperation.
the hunting ammo is fine.

now adays there is hunting ammo disine around the 357 to name a few fed. 180gr hardcast,rem. 165gr corlocthp,win new 165gr and 180gr gold.
corbons 158gr,180,200gr hardcast.
i am thinking of trying there 200gr load i think it would be good on hogs.
any way when the 357 first came out it was touted as a handgun hunting round. i rember reading where some people at sw used it in africa,and alaska. they took a grizz and black bear with it.
no i dont think its bear medision. but i know it works on Fl. black bear to good efect.

I do say it will work on deer. espicaly under 50yds.
with the tipe of hand gun hunting i do i would rather have my 357 than my wifes 6mm in the same situation.

with the right ammo you can brake both sholders on fl. deer with a 357.

I think the 357 is best soted to some one willing to waite on the best posible shots and not willing to push the range and are willing to pratice alot.

with a 45colt with factor loads you have the same range limitations.
the 41mag dose offer a few more yds. about 75yds &quot;mypreferance would be 50still&quot;
The 44 and 45colt +P,454,445,and the such should be &quot;100&quot; yds class &quot;my preferance would be 75&quot;

With an hand gun realy over 100yds is best left to the singleshot spicalty pistols with a scope. &quot;i would just carry a rifle insted of the pocket rifles myself&quot;

To summ it up the 357 is not best soted to hunting but will work good within its limatations.
i use it because i have confidince in my guns and my shoting with them i have put thousands of rounds down range with them.
i have carreyd one in many a life therting places and grew to trust it like a bestfrind.

I know i could make 100yd+ shots with it but i wont. thats just pushing myold frind a little to far.

L. O. D. Charter member and L.O.S.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

Should be ok for stand hunting and stalkiing where the shots are going to be bow range 25 - 50 yards. Good ammo is a must too.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

BT, both Remington and Marlin mistakenly call magazines clips, but that doesn't make it so. The correct name for the 45 Colt is just that, 45 Colt, and a magazine is a magazine, not a clip.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

yes i would allmost agree on that but.
the ammo box was made by or for colt and they had it marked 45 long colt they made/disine the cart. so they can rename it.
marlin did not disine clips did they?

now if they made it first they could call it what they wonted to right?

and whats the big deal with 45colt vs 45lc?

hows it any diferant than the 30-30 30-06,45-70,44-40, and on and on? they dont seam to braing the same controversy for being miss named.

btw 30wcf,30gov springfild year of 1906 &quot;to disting it from the 30gov. sprin. of 1903 or 30-03&quot;,45gov sprin.,and 44wcf.
L. O. D. Charter member and L.O.S.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

BT, not to be mean but please do us a favor and buy a dictionary. I have a hard time deciphering what you are typing. As far as the cartridges you listed being misnamed, I don't follow since the acceptable names for the 30-30 Win for instance are, 30-30 Win, 30 Win, 30-30 WCF, and 7.62X51Rmm. The rest all have a list of names too, however the 45 Colt is the 45 Colt, plain and simple. If you think about it, there never was a 45 Short Colt. The 45 ACP came along years later and the two are easily distinguished apart in conversation or writing by using their proper nomenclature.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

BT It's really no big deal but what's right is right.I noticed some of the gun companies are calling their guns chambered in 45 Colt as 45 Long Colt.Ruger for one is doing it.Which is incorrect.I guess I stirred the pot on this one?Clips and magazines are different and should be called by proper terminology.
Ruger Redhawk

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

RE: Handguns for deer
 

yes some of the cart. have other acceptible names but its not ther real name. the long added in to 45 colt is all so a long standing acceptible name. espicaly with colt usesing &quot;45 long colt on boxes of ammo&quot;




yes i know.
the 45 colt is the right name.

i know the 45 s@w was the short 45.

its just coman terminolgy for the 45 colt to call it long compared to the 45 s@W
espical since the s@W could be chamberd in the colt but the 45 colt could not be in the s@W.

I am just sturing the pot some what.
L. O. D. Charter member and L.O.S.

Edited by - BT on 12/11/2002 21:38:55

RE: Handguns for deer
 

the reason people use long colt is to make the dumb people understand. its all about making sure dumb people understand

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass

RE: Handguns for deer
 

propmahn, its about time that the dumb people get an education.

RE: Handguns for deer
 

...ahhh, well... back to the original topic.... my opinion, and it is ONLY an opinion, since I haven't killed a deer with a handgun, yet.. is go with the .45 Colt.... in handguns, the velocity isn't always adequate for bullet expansion. I know that bullet makers have made GREAT strides in making bullets that will expand more consistently, but we still are at a slight disadvantage..compared to rifles. I tend to look at it like this... the larger diameter hole you punch through an animals &quot;vitals&quot;, the more likely you are to NOT have to track it. A 357 bullet MIGHT expand to 45 or 50 caliber... &quot;might&quot;... but a 45 caliber bullet will never shrink to a 35 caliber..... whether it expands, or not, it will punch a 45 caliber hole through the animal.
....and, yes, the 454 is just that much more of a good thing.. but unless you get a ported (NOISY) gun, the recoil can be pretty intimidating. The 44 mag is a great gun, but the 45 is just more of a good thing....especially if you reload. And don't worry about there not being a &quot;45 Special&quot;... just buy some of the cowboy loads for practice.. or load your own.
.... oh, and I am pretty sure I read an article recently by one of the more knowledgeable gun writers... Venturino, maybe? that talked about the fact that there actually WAS a load called the 45 Short Colt.... I'll have to go back and see if I can find the article....I understand the nitpicking over correct nomenclature, but this one might actually be acceptable..... the one that drives me nuts is the advertisements selling reloading components, like &quot;bullet heads&quot;.... &quot;pulled bullet heads&quot; from milsurp cartridges. And another one... calling a cartridge a &quot;bullet&quot;... and bullet casters calling the sprue a &quot;spruce&quot;.... DON'T GET ME STARTED... AAAAUUUUUUUGGGHH!!!! .... ok, deep breath, exhale...

&quot;Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness..those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.&quot; Santayana

RE: Handguns for deer
 

frizzellr the problem is they are too dumb, or too stuck in their ways. oh well

propmahn
save the world, reload your brass