A Handgun for Deer


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CapnBald
January 12, 2007, 12:03 AM
I'm thinking about hunting deer and sold all my rifles years ago. Here in Fl. The deer aren't as big as the ones I hunted up north and I think the ranges will be fairly short. What I'm looking for is ideas on the best round for hunting with a 10MM. I have I think 165 or 175 grain Silver Tips for everyday carry but they may not be the best load for hunting. Does any one have any experience hunting with a 10MM?

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kmrcstintn
January 12, 2007, 08:06 PM
Here in PA, we have to use handguns that are manually operated (ie: revolvers & single shots) and the only revolver that I know that is chambered in 10mm is Smith & Wesson model 610 (not currently made) and it utilizes proprietary moonclips;

if you were going the way of magnums, I would say a .357 magnum with a heavy swaged lead bullet as a minimum and a .44 magnum to give you some leeway...

whatever you choose, good luck...

BTW: I pack a .357 magnum as a secondary weapon, but I am considering a .44 magnum for the same role

Guns_and_Labs
January 12, 2007, 08:36 PM
I've used the Double Tap hardcast 200 gr on wild pigs. Very effective. Good penetration, good energy.

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=21_25&products_id=105

That said, the 175 gr Silvertip is a good load, or the slightly hotter 180 gr Gold Dot, if you have good shot placement.

CapnBald
January 13, 2007, 08:39 PM
Here we can use any handgun we want to I believe. However I will check and make sure. I have a .357 but I have more faith in my Delta Elete. And I've been thinking about some Double Tap ammo. That would be a good excuse to order some, and maybe some carry ammo too.

Rembrandt
January 14, 2007, 09:34 AM
Have hunted Antelope and Mulies with a 10mm auto....very good round. Very happy with the Hornady XTP line of ammo, available in 155, 180, & 200 grain bullets. With smaller Florida deer the 155 grain should be adequate....for bigger bodied animals I prefer the 200 grain.


https://www.hornady.com/shop/?ps_session=53db864ad1b83e49f07ffeb54b8b93f2&page=shop%2Fbrowse&category_id=d65510a41a1a9f538a07694d8f86ff21


https://www.hornady.com/shop/shop_image/product/9126_10MM_Auto_JHP_XTP.jpg

Clipper
January 14, 2007, 11:36 AM
.357 Silvertips will knock down anything you'll run into in Florida. I hunted everything from rabbit & squirrel with .38WCs to deer with my Blackhawk for 20 years...

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