hand gun carriage in a rife

[cridertj]

I was wondering which of these would you all prefer for whitetail gun hunting. Here in Indiana we are allowed now to use some hand gun cartridges for deer hunting so I an going to get one for my encore when I can but wanted your opinions.
-357 mag
-44 mag
-45 colt
-454 casull
-475 linebaugh
-500 s&w

 

[cridertj]

Forgot to mention this is for an encore rifle sorry. and i may be looking at another rifle for the cartridges i cant get in encore.

 

[JustsayMo]

Even though I hunt in a state that allows hunters to use rifle cartridges 24 caliber and up for deer on up I hunted deer this year with a Marlin 1894CB in 45 Colt. My hunting load is a 325gr RNFP over a healthy dose of IMR 4227. It wouldn't be my choice in open country but is perfect for the forest hunting I prefer.

For those that are recoil sensitive or economy minded, 357 in a rifle is a good choice.

Nothing wrong with 44 Magnum either. It is an enjoyable cartridge to reload and performs well on game.

My only other recommendation for whatever you choose is DON'T use hollowpoints. A quality softpoint or cast bullet with a wide meplat will ensure good penetration and an easy to follow blood trail (if needed).

 

[db_tanker]

picked 45 Colt due to it being a somewhat versatile cartridge...load it down for plinking and load it up for some serious hammering...I think some black bears would even have a serious headache after getting tagged with a 45 Colt loaded up to Keith levels.

 

[MCgunner]

Voted .45 colt because I reload some great rounds. However, if I were to buy an encore barrel, I'd get it in .454 Casull for the advantage of being able to take on other/bigger game. Range might be a tad farther for the .454, but not a lot. The hot loaded .45 is plenty and .45 will fire in a .454 barrel.

For the non-handloader, I'd go 44 mag. I own a .357 carbine and love it for its versatility, but for purely deer hunting, I'd step up to .44 or better. It has killed a Texas doe at 80 yards, but we don't have the big hosses down here. A large average buck is maybe 150 on the hoof. Double the size and I'd want a .44.

 

[Kimber1911_06238]

.44 mag or .45 colt

 

[thebaldguy]

In many states, .357 Magnum is the smallest pistol cartridge you can use on deer. I think something bigger and more powerful is a step in the right direction.

 

[missouri dave]

With a quality bullet and good shot placement any of those cartridges mentioned will do a good job.

 

[FLORIDA KEVIN]

I Would Get The .454 Casull Because I Already Reload For It ! If I Didnt Reload I Would Probably Get The Casull Anyway Because I Could Shoot Either 45 Colt Or 454 In It ! Kevin

 

[RSVP2RIP]

I would try to get one in 460 S&W. It can handle 454 and 45 LC. Sounds pretty sensible to me and has the added benefit of being a real 100+ yard cartridge. I only know that you can get them from the TC Custom Shop for about $305-$330.

 

[Eric F]

man go with the 500 then load it with blackpowder "loads" of fun

 

[cridertj]

thanks for all the info looks like the 44 mag will probably be my chose.