[smoothbore]

Wisconsin doesnt have a caliber restriction for deer hunting-anything is ok as long as its not a .22. At our last hunter safety class an adult asked me about using a .357/6 in. ruger. Anybody have any thoughts??

[jdmb03]

In my opinion, a GP100 6" scoped would be perfect.

[BlackJack]

A 6" bbl GP-100 is excellent for deer. Get some 180gr hard cast bullets and practice to the point you have high confidence of accuracy at 100yds, then don't take any shots over 50yds.

[Gfrey]

I believe there is also a 5 1/2 " barrel length restriction.


I have taken a .357 out in the wisconsin woods to hunt deer.
(Haven't shot at a deer with one yet, but I live in Jefferson county, so I hope I will one of these days. )


(For nonWI people, My country is restricted to shotgun, Muzzleloader, handgun. NO centerfire rifles.)

.357 is the lowest I would use, and If I were to purchase a handgun SPECIFICALLY for deer hunting I would go bigger.

But I know people can and DO shoot deer with .357's


Again, with hunting ammo and LOTS of practice.

Ger

[45crittergitter]

I recommend 10mm/.41 Mag and up.

Member, Mississippi Handgun Hunters' Assn.

[RWK]

If you opt to go with a six inch barrel Ruger GP-100 – and I have two four-inch GP-100s that are simply terrific – you may wish to consider Federal’s Cast-Core (lead) 180 grain hunting loads; they provide 1250 FPS muzzle velocity and should be great for mid-size game like deer.

[Johnny Guest]

- -With the idea of a six-inch barrel. A four inch, even with the best loads, is really a marginal proposition on deer, even our small Hill Country white tails. It CAN be done, but is iffy.

A six-inch revolver with stout 158 to 180 hunting loads can be considered in the same light as a .32-20 carbine - - Shorter ranges, carefully chosen shots - - Should be fine.

"Maximum Range" for such a combo, realistically, is that at which you can reliably place six our of six in an eight-inch paper plate, from a hunting position, and using the hunting loads. For me, it is about 20 yards standing and up to perhaps 50 (40 is much better,) seated with a rest over my knees or a tree branch. Sure, I can shoot lots better from a bench, at the range, but I feel obligated to make a clean kill on any game animal.

Best of luck to the asker.
Johnny