Hunting Game in the Lower 48, What Handgun Caliber Do You Choose?

[Beck]

I'm partial to 357 Magnum. My first was a old model Ruger Blackhawk that was given to me by a Native American friend of my dad's when I was in high school and just barely driving a car. He was an avid deer hunter and had taken quite a few good size deer with that handgun. He gave me a Marlin lever-gun in 357 Mag as well. They made a nice handgun/carbine set.

I've been tempted since then by 44 Mag, years later when I was looking at buying a Rossi 92. It was a tough choice and I did my research and put a lot of thought into it, but after all the smoke cleared I stuck with 357 Mag.

 

[Ks5shooter]

Ive hunted with my T/C Contender in 7-30 Waters.But for actual pistol size gun it used to be 454 Casul but now its 10mm.

 

[Mannlicher]

through the many years of hunting in the South, I have taken bear, hogs, deer, squirrel, rabbits and 'gators, Manatee and other wild game. .22 LR, .357, .44 Mag and .45 Colt for the majority of that. One big hog last year with a 10MM Glock.

 

[xphunter]

For revolver's: 357 Mag or 44 Mag.
Specialty Pistols: SO MANY GREAT CHOICES!

 

[codytrucker]

I voted for .45 LC .mostly because there is load data from mild to wild , and ability to go to some pretty heavy bullets . and in my area elk are on the menu , and possibly moose or black bears , so penetration is a consideration . A 454 would be nice , but I have a Blackhawk in .45 now , and the only 454 I've ever fired was a freedom arms , and they are spend-ee , but very nice .

 

[Hunter 08]

I'd take .357 over the others, just because it's the most powerful caliber I can comfortably shoot without issues. Plus could take it with a companion lever action rifle.

 

[41 Mag]

Well of course I chose the 41...

That said, I've taken deer and hogs with 357, 44, 45C, 454, and even my 1911. I have several in TC barrels as well. They all do well within the real world ranges they need to be used at. My first handgun deer was with a GP-100 loaded with a Speer 146gr sjwc that they discontinued years ago. After that it was on like Donkey Kong.

Overall though, I have carried the 41 many miles through underbrush and woods, and have taken squirrel, yokes, feral hogs and deer with it. It just works and is accurate and hits hard. The one thing I learned early on was to never hold off hair be because it shoots flatter than ya think for futher than ya think.

 

[Rodfac]

I voted for the .44 Magnum, for its wide variety of bullet weights and construction. Speed, bullet weight and available guns make it an easy choice. A .41 Mag would have done as well, but for the most part, requires reloading to get the same diversity.

In my use, I've been satisfied with a pair of Rugers in Flat Top and BH model types; both 6-1/2" bbl'd guns. Also a Smith 29 with a 6-1/2" bbl. as well as a 629 with a 5" tube. All of mine are blessed with good/great triggers and outstanding accuracy.

Carried in a cross chest holster allowing good gun protection in inclement weather but with good access as well, they make for ideal back up weapons, i.e. while rifle hunting in bear country, I think they're first rate, so long as the carry method, holster, allows quick access while packing out meat.

YMMv, best regards, Rod