.357 mag handgun isn't enough?
#11
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
I carried a .357 mag S&W 686 every day for over 30 years and I can shoot a handgun well. However, while a .357 certainly will go through a deers vitals it is not what I would carry if carrying a handgun specifically for deer, yes they will kill a deer, however, the dying doesn't happen quick enough for me unless it is a head shot. I have probably killed at least 100 deer with the caliber, that were crippled or injured so before someone asks, yes I have used the gun on deer. If anyone uses buffalo bore ammo they better have a gun that can take that kind of abuse. If I were going to buy a revolver to carry for deer it would be a .44 mag or a .45 colt with appropriate ammo. I use Lever evo in my ..45 colt for deer. That is my opinion and I am stiking with it.
#12
The right load in a 45 colt is extremely capable and with less pressure than the 44 mag.
Last edited by rockport; 12-11-2014 at 11:25 AM.
#14
A 22 long rifle pistol will kill a deer too, but there are better options. I've killed over a dozen deer with a 357mag revolver over the years, my wife even took one with a 2 1/4" Ruger SP101 a couple years ago. Shot placement and terminal killing power, that's all that matters. The 357mag is obviously a far better choice than a 22 long rifle, and if you OWN a 357mag, then there's no reason not to use it, but if you're BUYING SOMETHING NEW, then a 44mag or 41mag is a far better option.
When comparing the 45colt and the 357mag, one distinction I might make: Bullet weight and diameter matters. With the same, or even a bit less energy, bigger, heavier bullets will hit harder.
Comparatively:
357mag load: 158grn at 1250fps
548ft.lbs. kinetic energy
28 lb.ft./sec Momentum
10.1 in.lb.ft./sec Taylor KO factor
45Colt load: 225grn at 1000fps
499ft.lbs Kinetic Energy
32 lb.ft/sec Momentum
14.5 in.lb.ft/sec Taylor KO factor
So even though it has about 10% less energy than the 357mag, the 45colt carries over 10% more momentum, and has a 40% higher TKO factor!!
Then if you consider that Ruger revolvers can take advantage of "higher pressure" loads, like that from buffalo bore or reloads that push a 250grn bullet to 1000fps (tier 2) or a 300grn pill to 1200fps (tier 3), you're talking about a serious advantage for the 45colt.
If you're looking for a new revolver, a 44mag, 45colt, or 41mag would be my recommendation, in that order.
EDIT: I was chatting with a buddy this evening and this thread came up... My buddy, who required a ride home after one (or three) too many while we BS'd in my shop, said it this way, which I thought was particularly astute for him in general, let alone in his current condition!
"It's all about circumstances. Under the right circumstances, I can kill a deer with my pocket knife. But there are a lot more "circumstances" where I can kill a deer with a rifle."
When comparing the 45colt and the 357mag, one distinction I might make: Bullet weight and diameter matters. With the same, or even a bit less energy, bigger, heavier bullets will hit harder.
Comparatively:
357mag load: 158grn at 1250fps
548ft.lbs. kinetic energy
28 lb.ft./sec Momentum
10.1 in.lb.ft./sec Taylor KO factor
45Colt load: 225grn at 1000fps
499ft.lbs Kinetic Energy
32 lb.ft/sec Momentum
14.5 in.lb.ft/sec Taylor KO factor
So even though it has about 10% less energy than the 357mag, the 45colt carries over 10% more momentum, and has a 40% higher TKO factor!!
Then if you consider that Ruger revolvers can take advantage of "higher pressure" loads, like that from buffalo bore or reloads that push a 250grn bullet to 1000fps (tier 2) or a 300grn pill to 1200fps (tier 3), you're talking about a serious advantage for the 45colt.
If you're looking for a new revolver, a 44mag, 45colt, or 41mag would be my recommendation, in that order.
EDIT: I was chatting with a buddy this evening and this thread came up... My buddy, who required a ride home after one (or three) too many while we BS'd in my shop, said it this way, which I thought was particularly astute for him in general, let alone in his current condition!
"It's all about circumstances. Under the right circumstances, I can kill a deer with my pocket knife. But there are a lot more "circumstances" where I can kill a deer with a rifle."
Last edited by Nomercy448; 12-11-2014 at 06:42 PM. Reason: Added comment from drunken buddy...
#16
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
I've read his book and that rascal did stuff with a handgun that was completely unethical. One I vividly recall was shooting at an animal with a 44 mag (open sights) that was so far out he had to hold a couple feet over it to lob it in. I lost all respect for him when I read that book and see why he was always at odds with Jack Oconnor when they were probably the top two guys of their time.
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 12-11-2014 at 05:00 PM. Reason: Spelling
#17
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Allegan, MI
Posts: 8,019
Just relaying what I've read a lot of the top guys say over the years, as I've never carried a handgun to hunt with. I also can't argue with the stats that NM448 posted as long as the proper bullet goes where it's supposed to.
Last edited by Topgun 3006; 12-11-2014 at 04:59 PM. Reason: Spelling
#18
imo the 45 colt is a capable deer round if loaded right and you use the right wheelgun as far as the 357 i think bigger is better in the way of bullet selection as far as the range of the load i would say 50 yds however i have never hunted with the 357 mag all i know about the cartridge is what i have seen..but good luck
#19
The buffalo bore +p comes out of the barrel at 1800 fps with 1870 ft/lbs of energy
1443 fps at 100 yards with 1202 ft/lbs of energy with a 260 grain bullet
I'll say again though just to make sure people know these cannot be shot out of just any gun.
The 45 colt is really versatile.
Last edited by rockport; 12-11-2014 at 07:03 PM.