9mm (9x19) GOOD ENOUGH FOR HUNTING DEER????

[PotatoJudge]

Going against the grain here, but... A 147 grain hardcast truncated cone (wonder if there's a Keith available in 355) at 1200fps with 500 ft/lbs of energy, which is comparable to a low to mid-level 357 magnum load, would be the only way to go. Penetration and placement are the most important goals. What's one 355-357 diameter hole all the way through a deer compared to another? I wouldn't recommend it to just anyone, but if a person can shoot that well with their pistol/load, is careful in load selection, and is a careful hunter who picks their shots well, I don't see how I could object. On the other hand, there are "hunters" who are incapable of humanely taking game with a 300 Win Mag.

Hunting with a pistol is no more of a stunt than bowhunting, which, like hunting with a pistol, is a good way to lose deer if you haven't worked on your shooting. In fact, I've seen this firsthand over the last two seasons. Nice bucks lost with bows and large does taken cleanly with pistols. Makes me sick hearing about lost animals when I know it could have been prevented with a bit of practice.

 

[mio]

i voted no. it is legal in michigan but i wouldnt try it.

 

[Mike J]

I agree with the majority that have already posted. I do not believe this to be a humane cartridge choice. I have not hunted in several years but when I was in a hunting club I saw guys come back to camp that had botched kills with .30-06's & .270's due to poor shot placement. Hearing " I looked for the deer for 30 minutes & couldn't find it so I gave up" also made me angry. I owe it to the animal to make a serious effort to recover it if I shoot it. I also owe it to the animal to choose the right cartridge for the job & make sure my skills & equipment condition is where it should be before I go to the woods.

 

[berkbw]

My reply was posted to my acct., but never posted on the forum !!!

If you have to kill one, yes 9Xwhatever is OK. If you want to hunt - - get a bigger calliber. Also check your state laws.

b-

 

[berkbw]

My reply was posted to my acct., but never posted on the forum !!!

If you have to kill one, yes 9Xwhatever is OK. If you want to hunt - - get a bigger gun Also check your state laws.

b-

 

[jungleroy]

I don't think I would want to chance shooting at a deer with a 9mm.
Oregon allows hunters to take deer with a large variety of firearms, and the 9mm cartridge is not one of them, here it has to have strait sidewalls if it is in a handgun for hunting.
Just my thoughts on the matter.

 

[funnelcake]

No offense meant Wood, but do/ have you actually hunted deer or other large game? I saw your other posts regarding larger calibers, but having a hard time believing the 9mm Para question is serious --especially from a pistol.

Funnel

 

[Wetawd]

Yes

Of course it'll kill a deer no one’s disputing that especially if you use +p+ semi hollow point.

Not practical
Not very efficiant
Not very humane

I carry while I hunt but only for close up head shots if it ain't dead yet.

 

[kd7nqb]

Does not seem humane, but if a deer were posing a threat I could see using a 9mm on it.

 

[hobgob]

A reasonable hunter would have a rifle and ammunition he knows will work, doesn't leave it to chance.

 

[foghornl]

NOT in Ohio....

Game-N-Fish rules say .357 is the Minimum caliber, 5" or longer barrel.

 

[30 cal slob]

yes.



in a subgun.

 

[Detachment Charlie]

Of course a 9mm will kill a deer. I, however, prefer a Louisville Slugger.

 

[FALZOO-XD]

I think most states it has to be a 357 or larger and with at least 5'' barrel

 

[easyg]

Well, I look at it this way. If 9mm will kill a man, it'll kill a deer.

Those who have been shot with 9mm often survive.
And it often takes numerous shots with the 9mm to stop a human.

easyg a normal pressure hollowpoint 9mm will drop a large pit bull in its tracks at 50 yards trust me I know.

I've witness the contrary first hand....
I've seen a pitbull take EIGHT 9mm rounds and run away....who knows how long it took to die.

A single 9mm round, from a handgun, is simply NOT a reliable way to kill a deer....or a dog...or a human.

 

[Soybomb]

What it can do and what it will do are two separate issues. Ballistic gel doesn't incoporate ribs, hide, and odd angles.

Forgive me for wandering through but I thought I'd take the chance to clear up some misconceptions. You are correct that the standards for gel tests for self defense are intended to be used for defense against a person and may not necessarily indicate ideal rounds for hunting deer. A rifle or shotgun is certainly better for stopping any large animal.

However, when we are talking about people, that gel number does include odd entry angles for the bullet. Part of the idea of the penetration standard being 12-14"+ is to allow sufficient penetration if an attacker is bladed or has their body obstructed with their arms. As far as ribs, that also isn't entirely accurate. According to Dr. Roberts http://www.tacticalforums.com/cgi-bin/tacticalubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=78;t=001310#000004 "Testing with ribs embeded in gel has been done and the results published by the IWBA, FBI, and RCMP--as the presence of ribs didn't significantly alter test results, they are no longer included in test protocols."

 

[Eric F]

Well, I look at it this way. If 9mm will kill a man, it'll kill a deer.

Thats exactly wrong. I agree that 9mm caould kill a deer at very close range 25 or so yards but not decisively. Sure there are lucky hits ect but it is just not humane. I say no!

 

[Halo]

I voted No. I believe hunting carries the ethical responsibility of taking game in the most humane manner possible, and you cannot reasonably expect 9mm to produce a humane kill in the "average" case.

 

[Marshall]

Check your laws, it may not be legal.

 

[Flopsy]

A white tail buck attacked an older couple during rutting season around here last year.

2 state troopers had to put at least 5 .40's in it before it would go down.

I would only use 9 if I had to and had nothing else available.