Caliber limits

[JImbothefiveth]

So I'm wondering, what does everyone feel the limits of various calibers are? That is, what game can it take routinely and humanely?
So please, list what you think the limit gamewise is of various calibers for average shot placement, and good shot placement, at normal distances and at shorter distances.
In particular: .22 LR, 12 gauge, 10mm, .243 win, and .308.
I've heard stuff ranging from "the .22 can't even take racoons" to "the .22 can take coyotes".
I know the 12 gauge can work for up to deer, and I'm not sure what the optimal 12 gauge black bear load is, but how well does it work for brown bear? http://www.dixieslugs.com/products.html Here is a slug that supposedly penetrates as much as a .416 rigby softpoint, but I don't know if you'd use a softpoint for brown bear. (This would likely be an inferior choice to a rifle as well, due to the massive recoil and slower follow-up shots.)

 

[Shawnee]

What do YOU think the various "caliber limits" are ?

 

[texfed]

Hi, Here's my take...I want to say , I try for one shot kills for humane reasons and most of the time will go for 'head shots' when appropriate. I have never hunted trophy.
Again these are just my feelings....
22> small game, very light bones, no penetration obstacles
shotgun (all) > birds/rodent/snake
center fire> large game

Never went after a bear, but I would not use a shotgun, unless it was life or death and I had no choice!

good or bad...that's how I feel about it!

 

[JShirley]

.22: small game
10mm: up to small deer at close range
.243: up to white tail deer
.308: up to elk
12 gauge: with careful ammo selection, all non-African land animals at close range (under 100 meters)

 

[koja48]

.22: small game
Centerfires: Tailor to suit the quarry.
12 gauge slugs: For those "up close & uncomfortable moments with things meaner than you are."

 

[JImbothefiveth]

12 gauge: with careful ammo selection, all non-African land animals at close range (under 100 meters)

JShirly, thanks, that was kind of what I was thinking as well

.22: small game

Now this is where I get confused.
I'm not sure what qualifies as small game. I think it could take game at least up to raccoon size, but having never had the opportunity to shoot those, not sure

 

[koja48]

If it's bigger than a coon/skunk/chuck, I use something bigger than a .22LR. Always been a firm believer in will kill effectively versus may kill if . . .

 

[JImbothefiveth]

So coyotes are too big for .22 LR?

 

[abrink]

So coyotes are too big for .22 LR?

I believe coyotes are in the .223 territory. Not that a .22LR is completely incapable but .223 is more suitable for coyotes IMHO.

 

[JShirley]

I would only take a close shot at a 'yote with a .22. Unless it was about to attack some of my livestock.

John

 

[freakshow10mm]

No restrictions. It's not the government's job to make choices for us. It is the responsibility of the hunter.

 

[koja48]

Coyotes are too big for a .22 . . . spur-of-the-moment protection of loved ones, self, and livestock/pets not withstanding. The government enacts laws and rules; WE are solely responsible for our actions, ethical behavior, and conscience. Given other more viable options, would you willingly shoot at something that could seriously injure or kill you with a .22? I think not (unless you are destined to be eliminated via Darwinistic progression.).

 

[swampshooter]

.22 killing power

I have shot Squirrels, rabbits, groundhogs & raccoons with the .22LR. Used to night hunt w/ dogs for raccoons, probably have shot or have seen shot 800-1,000 raccoons. The .22 rarely killed them dead. Groundhogs were never killed dead unless head shot. Game size for .22LR ends about 5 pounds. PS When hunting raccoons the object was to make them jump out of the tree, then the dogs would finish them off.

 

[koja48]

Small game and head shots . . . that IS the shot!

 

[R.W.Dale]

Badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, gray fox, red fox, mink, muskrat, nutria, opossum, raccoon, river otter, spotted skunk, striped skunk and weasel are regulated as furbearers.

For furbearers 22lr or mag is just fine...WHY because that's what arkansas law requires

Furbearer Hunting Methods: Furbearers may be taken with archery equipment, firearms no larger than .22 caliber rimfire or shotguns with shot no larger than T shot. Bobcat, Raccoon, and Opossum may be taken at night when treed by dogs during an open season for that species.

Exceptions: Bobcat and coyote may be taken during day light hours with archery equipment, firearms no larger than .30 caliber or shotguns with shot no larger than T shot. Bobcat and coyote may be taken during daylight hours of any open deer, bear, spring turkey or spring squirrel season with hunting equipment legal for that season.

I just love how a 300wby is a legal coyote rifle but a 9mm carbine is forbidden.

My point is mandated minimums or maximums seldom if ever make any sense especially when the GOV gets involved

 

[~z]

The .22 lr is like Noah's Ark. I'd be very surprised if the .22 lr has not taken atleast 2 of every animal on the planet. Given the time and distance I believe the lr would suffice. Realize I'm not advising it for a charging cape buffalo, just stirring the pot.
~z

 

[koja48]

And as long as you are willing to render yourself the "entree in the pot," feel free. Darwin wins . . .

 

[dagger dog]

I think the subject of humane caliber to specific game, is relative to the era in which the hunting was or is done.

In times past the family rifle or shot gun was used to take all game that was available.It may have been that the rifle was a 32-20 lever action rifle. I wonder how many cow elk were taken with that nowdays insufficient caliber? Or how many whitetail deer were dispatched with a muzzle loading shotgun loaded with shot, and then run to ground by the family dogs?

Peoples ways change with time and so does the way men hunt.

 

[Art Eatman]

Circumstances play such a large part when figuring cartridges and game. For instance, if I lived in Colorado and an elk was eating apples in my back yard, I'd have no hesitancy in using a .243. It would not be a first choice for field hunting, however.

I've killed a fair number of bucks with my .243, but for open country hunting I prefer the '06. There again, the last mule deer I shot was at maybe 25 or 30 yards, so it wouldn't have taken a whole bunch of gun.

So about all you can do is generalize, and anybody can come up with, "Yeah, but..."

 

[TCB in TN]

IMHO caliber limits are very conditional. Shooter's ability, range, load, and a host of other conditions would impact my decision. For example sitting on my back porch, with a good rest, under 50 yards, with no wind, using good quality ammo, out of a rifle that I am known to be very accurate with, and if it was legal I would take head shots on deer sized game with a .22 lr/mag. Now in all reality those conditions don't exist very often so it is NOT something I would plan on. Further more it is my belief that the hunter/shooter should be aware of their own limitations in using a particular combo (rifle/sights/ammo) as well as what the combo is suited to taking.

In general

.22lr hunting rabbit, squirrel, skunk, birds, and other small
game inside 50 or 60 yards. Closer shots (and head shots)
on larger game such as coons, fox, and even coyotes are ok

Pistol cals. Depends upon whether through a pistol or rifle, bullet construction,
range, etc. Anything from small game, but to black bear. Again it just depends

Centerfire rifle. Well just depends.

Shotgun. With a good slug then I would be more than happy to take black bear, I have read about
folks taking Brown/Griz and I have no doubts that it can be done, but personally I would want a
big centerfire rifle for that. BTW I have never seen any bolt centerfire that is a quick to fire as a
good pump gun. A pump shotty gives far faster follow up shots!

 

[wyocarp]

Shot placement is always heralded on here as if most of us need to be told, so using that as the standard;

I personally know a man in Daniel, Wyoming that shot and killed an antelope with three pumps on a Remington BB gun.

Recently, a guy killed a deer with a pellet gun near Alpine, Wyoming.

So, if anyone wants to brag about shot placement and minimum calibers, you have to beat these two.

 

[mcdonl]

I personally know a man in Daniel, Wyoming that shot and killed an antelope with three pumps on a Remington BB gun.

It was a .177 pellet. And I pumped it 4 times. And it was running.

 

[Kernel]

It was a .177 pellet.

Solid or hollow point?

 

[Jefferson Herb]

Here it req any centerfire cartrige.My nephew killed his first buck with a 218 bee.He was recoil sensitive,range 117yds in the neck.Young eyes,an accurate load and placement.Besides,with powder costing like it does why use more than necessary;unless you are in an area where you are part of the food chain. I did provide backup for nephew w savage sporter in 25-20.

 

[Sav .250]

Different strokes (cal) for different folks.............