deer pistol poll

[Holland&Holland]

I seen some comments on the 357. My response is would you use a 30/30? The 357 is more powerful. Since the 30/30 killed a whole mountain of deer, I don't think I would be worried about 357 in the Minnesota woods.

In what load does the .357 out perform the .30-30? Even in rifle to rifle format (vs handgun to rifle) the .30-30 has more velocity per grain and more energy, am I missing something?

[MissouriDave]

Ok. Called my bluff. But still, the 357 is a capable round that can get the job done.

[SAM]

I've taken whitetails at over 100 yds. with both the .357 and .41 rem. mag. I always use buffalo bore hard cast ammo and none of those critters have gone more than 50 ft. Both calibers are more than sufficient for a whitetail.

[cobb]

I've taken whitetails at over 100 yds. with both the .357 and .41 rem. mag. I always use buffalo bore hard cast ammo and none of those critters have gone more than 50 ft. Both calibers are more than sufficient for a whitetail.

Again, it is the Indian and not the arrow.

[Rem700]

Up north Ruger SRH 44mag
Down south T/C 7mm08

[goldtopper]

I know a .357 magnum revolver will work, same as .243 rifle. I own both, but will not hunt deer with either.

My only deer rifle is an old Model 70 Featherweight .243
I've taken so many deer with I've lost count.
Last year, I dropped two with my Dakota 1873 .357 and that was a blast, iron sights and all.

[rugersol]

Interesting numbers!

I expected a lot more T/C and Redhawks ... and I'm kinda surprised there weren't more Taurus and other stuff!

With 40 in, at this point, it's clear S&W is the favorite ... 16 of 40! ... .357 and .44 bein' the most popular (presuming ALL the others weren't one particular caliber).

Ruger single-actions with a strong showing ... 7 of 40! ... 9 of 40, in total fer Ruger! (woulda been interesting to see the breakdown in caliber)

I didn't figure there'd be so many AR/AK "pistol" guys ... I think I'd hafta try to shoot one, 'fore I could think 'bout throwin' cash at one ... though that .300 AAC sounds neat! I usually hold a pistol out in front of me, though ... and an AR/AK seems like it'd be awfully heavy to hold out there, more 'n a few seconds!

I'm guessing 10mm ain't overly popular as choices are somewhat limited ... Glock, EAA, and only recently (again), the Colt Delta Elite ... that latter bein' kinda pricey, by comparison. 'Er maybe most pistol-deer hunters simply prefer revolvers?

[promod1385]

Two guys in my camp carry 10mm Glocks!

Dont think either of them have ever shot a deer, its usually just a back up for the shotgun.

[Holland&Holland]

Fine, after being grumpy about the poll....

This year I am going BFR in .45-70, 10 in barrel, Burris 2-7 optic, hornaday flex tip ammo (325 gr).

[RobD]

Two guys in my camp carry 10mm Glocks!

Dont think either of them have ever shot a deer, its usually just a back up for the shotgun.

+1 for 10mm.

[Payne]

Rugersol

You had asked what range I have taken deer at with my handguns. I normally set up in areas that allow a maximum range of 75 - 100 yrds. The longest shot on an animal is 75 yrds.

With the 460 I practice with shooting sticks for longer ranges and have made 250 yrd hits on 10" steel plates with ease. I just don't put myself in that position when deer hunting. Fun for the range though. That pistol is truely a 250 yard weapon.

I was in my stand one evening with about 15 minutes of shooting light left, using my S&W 500. I was in a low wooded hollow and had been watching a buck work his way toward me for the last 10 minutes. My son was in a stand on a field edge approx. 100 yrds away. He said he had turned to look in my direction just to see if he could still see the blaze orange of my jacket, when he heard the shot and saw the whole hollow light up from the fireball that came out of the muzzle. He seemed to think that was pretty cool.

Hearing protection is a must. I wear electronic muffs. They keep my ears warm and allow me to hear deer much farther away. Of course Squirrels sound like a herd of elephants.

[rugersol]

Rugersol

You had asked what range I have taken deer at with my handguns. I normally set up in areas that allow a maximum range of 75 - 100 yrds. The longest shot on an animal is 75 yrds.

With the 460 I practice with shooting sticks for longer ranges and have made 250 yrd hits on 10" steel plates with ease. I just don't put myself in that position when deer hunting. Fun for the range though. That pistol is truely a 250 yard weapon.

I was in my stand one evening with about 15 minutes of shooting light left, using my S&W 500. I was in a low wooded hollow and had been watching a buck work his way toward me for the last 10 minutes. My son was in a stand on a field edge approx. 100 yrds away. He said he had turned to look in my direction just to see if he could still see the blaze orange of my jacket, when he heard the shot and saw the whole hollow light up from the fireball that came out of the muzzle. He seemed to think that was pretty cool.

Hearing protection is a must. I wear electronic muffs. They keep my ears warm and allow me to hear deer much farther away. Of course Squirrels sound like a herd of elephants.

Great stuff!!!

I take it ya went to .460 fer less expensive bullets?

This (below) is probly the configuration I'd like to get (that's a .500, though) ... closest I can find in a .460 is 1 lbs more and a few inches longer!



This (below) is the .44 I was eyeyin' up ... 'nother 1 lbs less ... I'd ditch the dot, 'course!



I 'spose I could use my .41 if I want a "light" gun. Maybe they'll make that .500 in a .460 next year?

I told myself next time I go out, I'll wear earplugs ... I didn't ... but wished I had! Mice 'n squirrels are deafening! ... and I never hear a deer, anyhow ... always see 'em, first ... closest was 'bout 20yd ... came up behind me!



... maybe I'll get one of them bike-helmet rear-view mirrors ... only attach it to my bomber 'stead ... don't want the squirrels throwin' acorns at me!

[lenny7]

When my brother passed away last winter I inherited his T/C Contender and his Encore. If I can get enough trigger time before the deer season, I think I'm going to use the Contender in 7x30 Waters. Other options are .338JDJ, 44Mag, 44Colt, 30/30, and the Encore in 30.06 and .300 WSM

[promod1385]

Couple guys in my camp are hardcore handgun hunters.

They both bought matching EAB pistols last year in 6.5mm BRM.

http://www.eabco.com/BFPistols01.htm

I have fondled them, very sweet triggers! One of these guys claims he would not hesitiate to shoot at deer out to 200yds with it.

[Payne]

Rugersol

My .460 is identical to the first PC revolver pictured. 1-7 power scope and carried in a Pistol Packaging leather bandoleer chest holster.

I had originally purchased the .500 because I was employed by a local rancher that raised Bison. The locker plant would not take the live animals, they had to be put down on the ranch and transported (with meat inspector following the truck) to the locker plant to have USDA inpected meat for retail sale.

I used the .500 for 17 bulls and it worked very well for each one. I had always wanted the .460 due to the way it was built, making it a true 250 yrds hunting handgun (it has gain twist rifling). Another nice thing about the .460 is that it shoots .45 Long Colt, .454 Casul, and the .460. Then add the fact that it is a Performance Center weapon, it just had to follow me home.

I sold the .500 to an interested person and the rest is history.

I also used to have a Magnum Research Lone Eagle in 30-06. With its muzzle break, that weapon was a beast! Recoild actually seemed less than in a rifle, but the muzzle blast would remind you to keep your mouth closed because you could feel every filling in your mouth.