Handgun Hunting Question?

[spooney]

My step father is looking for a new challenge as far as deer hunting goes, he is looking into handgun hunting. He has a Ruger Blackhawk in .357 magnum, I believe the caliber is sufficient, I am unsure about the gun. The pistol is bone stock, no modifications, would he need different sights or would this pistol be ok? Any input as far as gun setup or ammo choice would be very much appreciated.

 

[Freddymac]

Sure thats fine

I have taken 2 very nice bucks with my 6" python. The 357 is perfectly acceptable for deer. Remember, When the 357 first came out, someone from S&W hunted elk and brown bear with it. Just choose a good load that your gun likes and practice with it.

Just my thoughts

Fred-

 

[huntershooter]

The Blackhawk platform is fine for hunting in it's stock configuration. .357 is adequate for deer, but wouldn't be my first choice.

 

[spooney]

The Blackhawk platform is fine for hunting in it's stock configuration. .357 is adequate for deer, but wouldn't be my first choice.

What would be a more appropriate choice?

 

[ChristopherG]

Well, you could argue that a .41 mag or a .44 mag or a .45 colt might be better, but the .357 is perfectly capable if you do your job with it. Nothing needs to be done to a blackhawk except shooting it. He (or you, whoever's hunting with it) needs to shoot it a bunch, at different ranges, offhand (unrested), so you know what you can and can't hit with it. Start with a paper plate reasonably close in, and see if you can put all six shots inside the center ring part--about 6" across. Keep shooting, and increasing distance, 'til you can't do that anymore. The farthest you can hold that center-of-plate group should be considered your maximum hunting range.

 

[critter]

I would prefer a .41 mag, .44 mag or heavily loaded .45 Colt. HOWEVER, a .357 will work IF: (1) Keep the range SHORT, (2) place your shots CAREFULLY, and (3) use HEAVY, well constructed bullets. Good luck as handgun hunting is a world of fun! Enjoy!

 

[Majic]

His Blackhawk should have at least a 6 inch barrel. The longer barrels does allows the .357 magnum to generate the power needed for big game hunting.
Depending on the size of your deer the 180 grainers may be the best ammo selection.

 

[spooney]

Thanks for all the help, I will tell him the advice about the paper plate. I am not sure how long the barrel is but I think it may be at least close to 6" The deer around here are roughly in the 75-125 pound range, so I don't know that 180 grains would really be needed but we will see what we can find.

 

[ARTiger]

Just treat it like bowhunting and keep the shots within about 50 yards and you'll be fine as is. Do use a fairly hot loaded, solid bullet round for better penetration IMO. Cor-Bon has a 180 gr. bonded soft point and a 200 gr. hard cast.

 

[Majic]

The deer around here are roughly in the 75-125 pound range, so I don't know that 180 grains would really be needed but we will see what we can find.

Even though your deer aren't big you don't always get the classic broadside shot. Different angles require more penetration and possibly breaking bones (like the shoulder) before reaching the vitals. That's why a good heavy bullet is often used.

 

[foghornl]

Spooney:

Something else to check, too...Talk to the State "Game & Fish" Guys. Here in Ohio, handguns for deer ARE allowed, but must be a .357 or larger, and a minimum 5" barrel. So, the ultra-compact 9MM is not allowed.

The .357Mag with the proper load and a skilled shooters hands makes a more than adequate combination for the deer hunter.