Handgunning for whitetail

[jmorris]

Of my hunting handguns the Python was the first choice before better tools made it the last choice. I don't have a problem using the XP-100 out to 200yds.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

Regardless of choice, my idea of a range limit is the distance at which I could reliably hit the end of a beer can.

Of the choices, I'd lean toward the Python or the .40. Shooting sticks might be quite helpful in holding a good sight picture.

Given the relative lack of familiarity with the Python, I'd suggest a good bit of dry firing as well as practice with .38 Special. Then run some Maggie loads through.

Numerous hunters have been quite successful with 154-grain bullets.

Was just checking the ammo supply here at the house to see what I had on hand and wouldn't you know it, all we have for the 357 is 38 specials 158 grain SWC. Local gun shop is out of 357 rounds at the moment. I guess I order those dies next and have Dad load them up. Out of the group of guns I listed ranked by accuracy which me shooting it would be the .40, .45, 357, then the 44 but that is understandable since I shoot the 40 the most and the 45 at least once every few weeks. The 357 I have not shot in years and the 44 I shot for the first time yesterday and can hit the target with it but the weight issue with one hand is problem if the shot will not allow me to prop it up. I don't have any double tap ammo at the moment for my 40 but I do have 25 rounds of 155 grain Magtech Guardian Gold Hollow Points that are supposed to be coming out of my barrel at 1205 fps with 500 ft/lbs of energy. I have not got a chronograph to measure it out of my gun yet though. The 45's are 185 grain XTPs at 970 fps 386 ft/lbs of energy on the box. The 44s are 180 grain JHP not sure what the speed is on those I didn't ask my brother when he handed my the ammo. The 44 is his. The black powder single action army is pretty accurate and deadly if you put it in the right place and use a modern style bullet. Lead balls do not work as well especially if you hit a heavy bone.

 

[AKElroy]

I've not taken a deer with a handgun, but I would not hesitate to use one for one directly under my stand.

That said, two weeks ago I attempted a kill on a little pig, 60lbs or so, with a 9mm carbine. Loaded with double-tap 124gr+P, I got zero penetration. We were spotlighting coons, and took five of them. The pig was a surprise walk up, and the hi-point is all I had. I knew better than to take the shot, but did anyway. Zero blood, apparently failed to get any penetration through that shoulder plate. I was going for the ear, but he was walking and I flubbed it. Walked off like nothing happened, and I definitely connected. It was maybe 15 yards, and I didn't attempt a follow-up.

9 mil is insufficient for pigs, in case anyone was curious about that.

 

[JRs12Valve]

I shot my first deer with a Marlin 9mm carbine, but wouldn't use it again, unless I had to. I would have no problem using one of my BP revolvers (all .44's). I have know folks who have took em down with .45 LC and .357's. Dad uses a .454 Casull and has taken down at least 4 deer with it with one shot. Seperate occasions, not 4 deer with ONE shot hahaha

 

[stressed]

I was with my neighbor when we came across a deer that had been hit by a car, and whose legs had been reduced to bloody stumps. He got out to administer a coup de-grace and end the animals suffering with a .380 ruger LCP. As he approached and was drawing, the animal jumped up and took off running (on it's stumps) He fired 4 round while it was on the run, with all 4 connecting. You could tell by the puff of white smoke/dust off the deer with each shot, and with it's rear mangled legs kicking out with each shot that contacted.

Rounds were as followed: 1st BB 100gr hardcast +P, following three rounds of 90 gr hornady Zombie max. (Critical Defense) The deer continued to run into the tree line and we didn't give chase due to legalities and didn't want to appear as poachers. This was in a completely rural area as well.

After seeing this I had second thoughts about the .380 cartridge as a personal defense weapon.

 

[Captcurt]

I have taken 5 with a GP 100. 357 using 180 gr XTPs. Only had one that went any distance. Took one last year with a Blackhawk 45LC. 250gr XTP worked swell. You just need to know your limitations. Inside 50 yards they are dead.

 

[Direwolf131]

I've taken whitetail with a Colt government model, and Hornady 200gr XTP hollow point, and a 6" barreled King Cobra .357 with Federal 158gr Hydra Shoks. I was quite satisfied with their performance in the field.

 

[Kuyong_Chuin]

If I can get some 357 rounds down the tube to get back used to it I'll go with the 357 but still carry my .40 as a backup. The deer come up into our pasture which from the back door of the house to the tree line is 75 yards. Using the horse trailer as a blind that brings it down to about 40 yards from the trailer to the tree line. They have walked up right next to that trailer quite often and I have photographed them from inside that trailer and standing ether beside it or behind. Standing behind the tractor quite often works as well. Took one with a bow while standing behind that same tractor at about 25 feet away. Any pistol I use I'll wait for a good broadside shot at a range close enough I could hit it with a rock. 25 to 35 yards max since my right arm will be useless. I missed last season because of the first surgery on this arm I am not missing two in a row because of it.

 

[Deer_Freak]

A handgun has never been my primary weapon when hunting large game. Deer have a knack for appearing when you are away from your long gun. I carry one of two handguns anymore. I have retired my super blackhawk. I carry a Dan Wesson 15 -2 with a 10" barrel if there is a good chance I will have to use a handgun and a Ruger blackhawk with a 6.5" barrel. I usually keep my shots with a handgun to archery ranges. If the deer is further away I can usually get a long gun to take the deer.

 

[MCgunner]

I was with my neighbor when we came across a deer that had been hit by a car, and whose legs had been reduced to bloody stumps. He got out to administer a coup de-grace and end the animals suffering with a .380 ruger LCP. As he approached and was drawing, the animal jumped up and took off running (on it's stumps) He fired 4 round while it was on the run, with all 4 connecting. You could tell by the puff of white smoke/dust off the deer with each shot, and with it's rear mangled legs kicking out with each shot that contacted.

Rounds were as followed: 1st BB 100gr hardcast +P, following three rounds of 90 gr hornady Zombie max. (Critical Defense) The deer continued to run into the tree line and we didn't give chase due to legalities and didn't want to appear as poachers. This was in a completely rural area as well.

After seeing this I had second thoughts about the .380 cartridge as a personal defense weapon.

I've trapped a lot of hogs. I often shoot 'em with whatever I'm carrying that day. A head shot will do the trick even from a .22LR NAA mini revolver, but a shoulder shot with the .380 will pretty much miff 'em off and have 'em testing the integrity of the welds on the trap. With a 9x19 +P I've been quite impressed and my Kel Tec ain't that much bigger than a LCP. .38 special will do the job, too. Penetration of that heavy 158 grain bullet through the shoulder is the key, I think. So, I carry 9 or .38 or up. My .380 sits in a case. I won't sell it, but I don't carry it. .357 REALLY does the job, of course, even a 140 Speer JHP from a 3" barrel. All the hogs I test run 100 to 200 lbs. I haven't shot a hogzilla in the trap, don't know if one would even fit in it.

All in all, though, I don't think they make a better hunting handgun that is actually holsterable than the scoped Contender or Encore. My old .30-30 12" hunter barrel Contender firing 34 grains of 3031 behind a 150 Nosler Ballistic tip is good to 200 yards with a proper rest. Off the bench, it groups 3" at that range using a 4 moa dot reticule 2x scope.. I'm quite confident with it and that's why I've taken most of the game I've pistol shot with that firearm.

 

[Hangingrock]

On my property before we closed it for hunting because of certain difficulties with individuals. Tree stands were predominately employed in the wooded growth. Ranges tended to be short. Handgun hunters were the exception rather than the rule. Archers were more prevalent. In the order of use rifle, archery, shotgun, then handgun.

This year we are reopening under a lease as the property is now posted. before that we never charged a fee to hunt. It maybe of some interest to see if handguns will be more predominant than in the past.

For myself I always found the 357Mag to be adequate with cast bullets. We now have a limited bear season. With that said we'll probably see some of the more exotic cartridges.

In closing the lease fee being charged is designated to be donated to charity that is chosen by the lease holders.