A Handgun for Deer

[CapnBald]

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?

 

[kmrcstintn]

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]

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]

Thanks guys

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]

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_se...&category_id=d65510a41a1a9f538a07694d8f86ff21

 

[Clipper]

.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...