Pistol Caliber for Deer
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 2

I am looking to buy a TC Encore pistol to hunt deer with. I am thinking the .308 would be about right, as far a round that could kill a deer at 200 yards but also have manageable recoil for a pistol.Does anybody have any thoughts on a different caliber?
Or should I look into buying a 11-87 slug gun?
Or should I look into buying a 11-87 slug gun?
#2
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Ponce de Leon Florida USA
Posts: 10,079

It would probably be just a personal preference. I had rather have a rifle shooting rifle cartridges or a shotgun over a pistol, and especially a rifle for the 200 yard shots. I've shot a friends .270 pistol some and really wouldn't care to deer hunt with it over a rifle/shotgun.
#3
Typical Buck
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location:
Posts: 819

7mm tcu or maybe the new 30 cal tc cartridge. 200 yards is a long poke though. you better have a steady rest, like a bipod, and practice like crazy. I would stick with a 44 mag and keep shots uner 75 yards.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: MARYLAND
Posts: 201

Look at your hunting regs first. Some states regulate handguns based on caliber, some regulate based on muzzle velocityetc.
If I were you and you really want to pistol hunt go with the 44 mag as stated earlier and shoot close 75 yds or less. I am only comfortable with my 44 out to about 30-40 yds but thats me.
If I were you and you really want to pistol hunt go with the 44 mag as stated earlier and shoot close 75 yds or less. I am only comfortable with my 44 out to about 30-40 yds but thats me.
#7

With a good rest, you should stay around 100 yds. If you are a real steady, good shot, might be 125 with a scoped 44. mag. The 45 long colt is good from 50 to 75 yards for me. The 22 mag, in the head for hogs.

#9

That it fits a given pistol doesn't make it a "pistol caliber", try hunting deer with a .308 in any gun here, you'll find yourself staring through bars. Rifles are for 200 yard shots anyway, not pistols.