50 yards and beyond.

.223

In the woods, the trees get in the way. 50 yards will require shooting through the trunks...

Well a 223 is a poor choice for shooting thru tree trunks

As to the OP it's pretty simple math that the 10mm is going to have the most downrange oomph.
I'd give honorable mention to the 38 Super I have a 150gr LSWC load that'll do 1200fps from my 5" Kimber and does fine in the accuracy dept out to 100.

Nor should you be taking a 50-yard shot with a handgun. What's your NEXT poll - When in space, which type of bullet is most effective?

What's your NEXT poll - When in space, which type of bullet is most effective?

Click to expand...

That's funny.

I voted for 10mm, but in terms of long range trajectory of a pistol round, perhaps something like a 7.62 Tok? Maybe even a .357sig?

Nor should you be taking a 50-yard shot with a handgun. What's your NEXT poll - When in space, which type of bullet is most effective?

Click to expand...

I think those of us who compete at that distance may feel a little different about it

The 10mm is on a different energy level than the others listed, and is pretty clearly the winner out of those. It's also going to be flatter-shooting than the .45, which will be the closest competitor for terminal ballistics. That probably doesn't matter a whole lot at 50 yards, but it's starting to matter some. Add another 25-50 yards, and the difference gets big in a hurry.

If you are talking about using a gun to prevent a big critter from eating you, the 5 foot ballistics are way more important. 50 yards isn't a defensive shooting, it's poaching.

This handgun does right well at 100 yards................



...........when just standing and plinking.

I know for sure 223 wont go through any trunk.

Click to expand...

I've seen .223 go through a 12" tree trunk easily.

It depends entirely on the bullet and density of the wood.

When out on family property I often run into feral dogs. I carry a 9mm, but I certainly prefer to not use it. I would much rather keep them at least 50 yards away so that my AR can take care of them.

If you are 50 yards away from a 4-legged animal (with only a pistol to defend yourself) and want to survive, then here's a tip: Move away without shooting. No need to shoot at it and risk ticking it off by making a marginal hit or miss.


Let's get a more useless scenario for a poll

el Godfather said:

Ever been near wolves?

Click to expand...

Yes, actually I have. And I have found no need to shoot at them from 50 yards away claiming that it was defensive. Same goes for bears, alligators, and lions.

If I was going into dangerous territory with these kinds of animals then I assure you, it would not be with a 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 caliber handgun.

The 10mm is the best of the calibers listed at 50 yards. The 38 super would be a good round also.
You should add the Desert Eagle or Coonan for your next poll. That should get some of the above posters rabid!!

Remember, an animal, no matter how big and scary, has to be close enough to touch you before he can hurt you. 50 yard shots need not apply.

But to answer the question as asked, silly as it is, 10 MM.

50 yards on a living, moving target in woods is a different shot entirely than 50 yards on a shooting range.

50 yards just isn't all that far.

My back yard (range) is over 50 yards across.
If there was something dangerous, man or beast in the yard and heading my way, I'm definitely going to be shooting it at 50 yards, or as far away as possible.

.223

Click to expand...

This

All the calibers listed have sufficient velocity to easily kill at 100 yds those things you would feel comfortable to take on at closer range. According to the ballistics charts a .45 acp 230gr fmj at 100 yds will still be traveling at 767 fps. The 9mm's and the .40 S&W will be between 900 and 1030 fps.

The problem with ranges beyond 50 yds with any of the service handguns isn't the caliber they shoot, it is the ability of the shooter to hit what they aim at with the short sight radius of a handgun. A good shot should have no problems hitting a dog sized target at 100 yds with a handgun, esp if they can walk in the shots. An expert shot can hit will beyond that range. If you have seen Bob Munden hitting a target with a handgun at 200 to 600 yds there is little doubt about the proficiency of a top notch shooter.