Deer Hunting with a 45 ACP?

[WisBorn]

A LOT of deer are killed by poachers with .22LR’s. Deer aren’t hard to kill.

Lots of people say that deer aren't hard to kill. Then why have a had to finish off several deer that were shot by others?
Two of them shot with .22 centerfire rifles...

 

[entropy]

45 acp is legal out of a 1911 in mn. the only requirement is that it is .220 or larger centerfire. there are no restrictions for pistols other than it can't be a muzzle loading revolver. our local dnr agent has hunted with one for years and i have taken several. the original round was meant to closely mimic the 45 colt. The government's requirement of the .45 colt was to be able to drop a 1200 pound horse with one shot from distance, yes they actually did do this test, yes it did pass the test. If you can place your shot correctly a .45 will take any deer at reasonable distances

Used to be the minimum case length had to be 1.285", in MN, except the .30 carbine which exceeds that was still not legal. They must have rescinded that somewhere along the line.
Not sure I believe the requirement for .45 Colt to drop a horse, there are too many factors involved
to be able to consistently do that.

 

[Buzznrose]

Lots of people say that deer aren't hard to kill. Then why have a had to finish off several deer that were shot by others?
Two of them shot with .22 centerfire rifles...

Well, guess I needed to add my point was assuming the bullet goes in a vital zone…same with a person.

 

[WisBorn]

Well, guess I needed to add my point was assuming the bullet goes in a vital zone…same with a person.

With one of the 22 centerfire it did go into a lung. The bullet still needs to penetrate and cause damage. A deer and a human can live a long time on one lung if the blood loss is not severe.