handgun hunting
- Thread starter desertken
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kingpin008
Member
Ken -
First off, Welcome to THR!
Secondly, you gotta help us out a little bit. We've got tons of awesome and knowledgeable folks here, but without a little detail, there's not a whole lot we can help you with.
Let's start with the basics: What are you planning on hunting?
First off, Welcome to THR!
Secondly, you gotta help us out a little bit. We've got tons of awesome and knowledgeable folks here, but without a little detail, there's not a whole lot we can help you with.
Let's start with the basics: What are you planning on hunting?
Grumulkin
Member
1. Limit the range of shot you take to what is realistic good accuracy for the handgun you're shooting.
2. Wear ear protection when shooting even when hunting.
3. The Contender is accurate enough that it deserves a scope. Personally, I like the barrels with no iron sights if they're going to be scoped.
4. You're wise to get a muzzle tamer for the 45-70. Just make sure whatever scope and mounts is up the punishment it will take. For handguns with recoil of that degree, I go with SSK Industries' T'SOB base with 4 rings and a Leupold 2.5-8X handgun scope. Also, Lock Tite the base to the barrel; you don't need to Lock Tite the rings.
5. If you get an Encore handgun rather than a Contender, your cartridge options will be much greater. Of course, the Contender is a bit lighter and has a more elegant way of handling rimfire cartridges. By the way, I prefer the old style Contender over the G2 since the trigger is so good right out of the box.
2. Wear ear protection when shooting even when hunting.
3. The Contender is accurate enough that it deserves a scope. Personally, I like the barrels with no iron sights if they're going to be scoped.
4. You're wise to get a muzzle tamer for the 45-70. Just make sure whatever scope and mounts is up the punishment it will take. For handguns with recoil of that degree, I go with SSK Industries' T'SOB base with 4 rings and a Leupold 2.5-8X handgun scope. Also, Lock Tite the base to the barrel; you don't need to Lock Tite the rings.
5. If you get an Encore handgun rather than a Contender, your cartridge options will be much greater. Of course, the Contender is a bit lighter and has a more elegant way of handling rimfire cartridges. By the way, I prefer the old style Contender over the G2 since the trigger is so good right out of the box.
flipajig
Member
Like stated what do you plan on hunting..
I have a G-2 and a 30-30 and sitting on top is a Busnell 2x6 Throphy I dont have a 45-70.
when I do my part it will shoot inside 1" at 100 with winchester factory ammo.
When the Contender/Encore really comes to life is when you start to load for it.
I also shoot a 7-30 Waters wich is a dream to shoot .
Good luck whth your venture one other thing I have been shooting a hand gun most of my life and learning to shoot a scoped pistol was a interesting venture.
I have a G-2 and a 30-30 and sitting on top is a Busnell 2x6 Throphy I dont have a 45-70.
when I do my part it will shoot inside 1" at 100 with winchester factory ammo.
When the Contender/Encore really comes to life is when you start to load for it.
I also shoot a 7-30 Waters wich is a dream to shoot .
Good luck whth your venture one other thing I have been shooting a hand gun most of my life and learning to shoot a scoped pistol was a interesting venture.
I have a .308 in the Encore and a .35 rem in the contender. Both are fine guns but require more practice than people realize. Yes they are pistols that fire rifle cartridges but just be prepared for some range time. Are you wanting to hunt deer, yotes, paper. Need some help and there are several folks who would be glad to help you out.
critter
Member
I love handgun hunting! I have used all of the following to take whitetail in the south (smallish deer in thick cover-usually stand hunting).
TC Contender super 14" 30-30 Win. using handloaded 125 gr Nosler BT's over IMR 4198.
Ruger Blackhawk Hunter Bisley in .44 mag handloaded with 240 gr Rem JHP's and H110.
S&W model 25 in .45 Colt with 250 gr lead SWC's (hard cast) over W231.
Place your bullets carefully-ONLY can be done if you are in YOUR range where you can shoot WELL from the conditions you find yourself in.
Handguns don't have a lot of 'shock and awe' unless you hit something to break them down. Try for a through-and-through so you will have a good blood trail IF NEEDED.
Have fun-it is a BLAST!
TC Contender super 14" 30-30 Win. using handloaded 125 gr Nosler BT's over IMR 4198.
Ruger Blackhawk Hunter Bisley in .44 mag handloaded with 240 gr Rem JHP's and H110.
S&W model 25 in .45 Colt with 250 gr lead SWC's (hard cast) over W231.
Place your bullets carefully-ONLY can be done if you are in YOUR range where you can shoot WELL from the conditions you find yourself in.
Handguns don't have a lot of 'shock and awe' unless you hit something to break them down. Try for a through-and-through so you will have a good blood trail IF NEEDED.
Have fun-it is a BLAST!
db_tanker
Member
The 45-70 WILL need a scope that is robust...nothing less than a Nikon or Burris...mine has destroyed the glass on three cheaper scopes. Also will suggest a slightly longer eye relief if its in carbine set-up. I have a 16.25" so you can go either pistol or rifle. Bullets...300-350 grain jacketed or cast from 300 to 400 grain. I would suggest gas-checked bullets. I generally use loads at or around Trapdoor level.
The 30-30 will be fun...spitzer bullets. Nosler makes a 125 grain ballistic tip that was the cat's meow in my 14". For general hunting stick with the round and flat nose bullets so you can get proper expansion. 147-150 FMJ is great for target shooting. 110 gr. round nose is overall pretty good for varmint critters.
The only 45 Colt load I use is for my 1858 Conversion and stick with trailboss loads for it.
The 30-30 will be fun...spitzer bullets. Nosler makes a 125 grain ballistic tip that was the cat's meow in my 14". For general hunting stick with the round and flat nose bullets so you can get proper expansion. 147-150 FMJ is great for target shooting. 110 gr. round nose is overall pretty good for varmint critters.
The only 45 Colt load I use is for my 1858 Conversion and stick with trailboss loads for it.
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