Hunting with a handgun
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azredhawk44
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I'd say that unless you can reliably perform a head or neck shot, don't do it.
Neither bullet has the sectional density to penetrate enough of the animal for reliable bleed out via the rib cage / heart / lungs.
You will probably hit, it will run at least 1/2 mile really fast, and you won't find it when it is dead.
You could try converting the 45acp to 45super, 40super or 400corbon. Don't even think about it with the 357sig.
Better yet, get a magnum revolver. Unless you're a fantastic shot, stay away from 357mag and go up to 41 or 44mag. Or a Thompson Center Contender single-shot pistol in one of those calibers, or a small rifle caliber like .30-30.
Neither bullet has the sectional density to penetrate enough of the animal for reliable bleed out via the rib cage / heart / lungs.
You will probably hit, it will run at least 1/2 mile really fast, and you won't find it when it is dead.
You could try converting the 45acp to 45super, 40super or 400corbon. Don't even think about it with the 357sig.
Better yet, get a magnum revolver. Unless you're a fantastic shot, stay away from 357mag and go up to 41 or 44mag. Or a Thompson Center Contender single-shot pistol in one of those calibers, or a small rifle caliber like .30-30.
~z
Member
If you can run it it will serve you well, plenty or power good selection of bullets etc. The real question is can you shoot it well enough to hunt with it? Look in that kitchen cabinet, the one with all the crap in it, in the back you will probably find an old deck of playing cards. Pin one up at about 25 yds. If you can put all your shots in that card, try it again with two cards touching at 40yds and again with 3 cards touching at 50. If you can run that pistol well, hunting will be no problem.
~z
Ps, welcome to THR, alot of good info floating around, some BS, but alot of good info.
~z
Ps, welcome to THR, alot of good info floating around, some BS, but alot of good info.
borrowedtime69
Member
questions???
- Is this for regular , legal hunting during hunting season or a SHTF emergency hunting situation?
Cause if its for legal hunting, you have to check with your local game laws as to what the neccessary Foot/Pound requirements. For example, here in CO, you must have a handgun that has at least a 4" barrel, and have a foot/pound rating of 550 F/P at 50 yards.
- How good a shot are you and how good are you at sneeking up on game?
If its for a SHTF situation, then use the largest fastest caliber you can. if you are stuck on a semi-auto you can get a desert eagle in .44 mag that would be ideal. i wouldnt go any lower than a .45 ACP if you have to have an automatic. if you go with the .45 ACP try to sneek in close enough to make the shot count. its not just how accurate you are, its how much hitting power the bullet has when it hits the animal.
-Im gonna ditto Hawk on getting a larger revolver in .44 mag, .454, 45 Long Colt, etc.
- Is this for regular , legal hunting during hunting season or a SHTF emergency hunting situation?
Cause if its for legal hunting, you have to check with your local game laws as to what the neccessary Foot/Pound requirements. For example, here in CO, you must have a handgun that has at least a 4" barrel, and have a foot/pound rating of 550 F/P at 50 yards.
- How good a shot are you and how good are you at sneeking up on game?
If its for a SHTF situation, then use the largest fastest caliber you can. if you are stuck on a semi-auto you can get a desert eagle in .44 mag that would be ideal. i wouldnt go any lower than a .45 ACP if you have to have an automatic. if you go with the .45 ACP try to sneek in close enough to make the shot count. its not just how accurate you are, its how much hitting power the bullet has when it hits the animal.
-Im gonna ditto Hawk on getting a larger revolver in .44 mag, .454, 45 Long Colt, etc.
joe- dunno if it is enough. it is not legal in some states - my state being one of them. ditto 357 sig.
based on it being illegal here, but the 223 is legal, i would hazard a guess to say it is not sufficient for clean ethical deer kills except for small deer (texas deer, for example).
based on it being illegal here, but the 223 is legal, i would hazard a guess to say it is not sufficient for clean ethical deer kills except for small deer (texas deer, for example).
joe966,
A 45ACP will kill a deer but then so will a 22LR if shot placement is just right. I new an old guy that killed two black bears with a 22LR. A hunters goal should be to deliver a one shot quick kill. There's too many good calibers that will do a much better job. 41 mag., 44 mag., 45 Colt and then 454 Casull, 500 S&W for larger game. I hunt with a cast LBT sytle Flat Nose bullet and it makes one hole in and one hole out with blood flowing both ways. Oh yes a 357 mag. is ok but range needs to be reduced. You didn't ask but my favorite wheel gun for whitetail is a Smith Model 57 41 Mag. and 44 Mag. in Contdener and 480 Ruger in the Encore. Try handgun hunting and I think you'll be hooked. Know your range, your limitations and ONLY trigger when you're sure of a solid hit.
Turk
Remember to pray for our troops.
A 45ACP will kill a deer but then so will a 22LR if shot placement is just right. I new an old guy that killed two black bears with a 22LR. A hunters goal should be to deliver a one shot quick kill. There's too many good calibers that will do a much better job. 41 mag., 44 mag., 45 Colt and then 454 Casull, 500 S&W for larger game. I hunt with a cast LBT sytle Flat Nose bullet and it makes one hole in and one hole out with blood flowing both ways. Oh yes a 357 mag. is ok but range needs to be reduced. You didn't ask but my favorite wheel gun for whitetail is a Smith Model 57 41 Mag. and 44 Mag. in Contdener and 480 Ruger in the Encore. Try handgun hunting and I think you'll be hooked. Know your range, your limitations and ONLY trigger when you're sure of a solid hit.
Turk
Remember to pray for our troops.
'Card
Member
I've been thinking a lot lately about deer hunting with a pistol, and I own a .45ACP that I'm very confident with... but still, I'll be honest here and say I'm simply not comfortable shooting a deer with one.
50 yards is about what I'd consider a reasonable cut-off range, and if I can't consistently put a pistol bullet into a 6" box at that distance, with enough power to kill the deer quickly, then I'm not going to hunt with it. It's a personal decision, but for me, my .45ACP just doesn't fit that bill.
I've started looking around for good pistol deer/cartridges now. It's not easy, because I don't want to pay an arm and a leg to get into the sport, but we'll see where it goes, I guess.
50 yards is about what I'd consider a reasonable cut-off range, and if I can't consistently put a pistol bullet into a 6" box at that distance, with enough power to kill the deer quickly, then I'm not going to hunt with it. It's a personal decision, but for me, my .45ACP just doesn't fit that bill.
I've started looking around for good pistol deer/cartridges now. It's not easy, because I don't want to pay an arm and a leg to get into the sport, but we'll see where it goes, I guess.
JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone
Member
Hmm... My Black Bear squared out just over 6'. Just about 300 pounds. Not huge. Above average for Washington State. 25yds with 30-06. quartering toward me. Left fore leg, and both lungs. Missed the heart. If it wasn't for the windfall between the two of us, he'd have hurt me. He still ran another 75yds. I still had to put two rounds from my 44mag in him to put him down. I hand-gun hunt, 44mag as a minimum, or just once in while with 8" .357mag Dan Wesson.
Just remember, in most cases, those Bears are more afraid of you than you are them. (Park Bears not counted), (Sow with cubs not considered.) Most often if you just make noise, stand and wave your arms, they'll turn tail and run.
Pepper spray is a good idea. If a person has to ask if the .45acp is big enough, they're not an experienced hunter, and probably not comfortable with shooting a bruin at close range. Don't even consider the .357sig or .400corbon. So, I'd say the 44mag with lots of practice until he's comfortable and confident.
-Steve
Just remember, in most cases, those Bears are more afraid of you than you are them. (Park Bears not counted), (Sow with cubs not considered.) Most often if you just make noise, stand and wave your arms, they'll turn tail and run.
Pepper spray is a good idea. If a person has to ask if the .45acp is big enough, they're not an experienced hunter, and probably not comfortable with shooting a bruin at close range. Don't even consider the .357sig or .400corbon. So, I'd say the 44mag with lots of practice until he's comfortable and confident.
-Steve
30-06 lover
Member
I will ask you to ponder this...a 45 ACP bullet usualy stops inside a person when shot from close ange (15 or less), while a 308 round usualy blows through a deer at long range (100 yards). The ACP has next to no power. Great on man, terrible on game.
~z
Member
30-06, I have had different results with the .45 on deer. the only ones to stay with the animal burried up under the skin on the far side on shots of 55-60yds. Otherwise, it shoots through them.
One important thing to remember is that you are basically bow hunting, only using a pistol instead of a bow. The basic dicipline is the same though.
~z
One important thing to remember is that you are basically bow hunting, only using a pistol instead of a bow. The basic dicipline is the same though.
~z
MCgunner
Member
I'll throw in a couple of cents. I loaded some +P rounds and tested 'em, but have never hunted with 'em in .45. I have an exceptionally accurate Ruger P90 that's tough as nails and have carried it afield, but I have much better handgun hunting platforms. My load makes about 500 ft lbs at the muzzle pushing a 200 grain hard cast SWC. I am confident it would KILL a deer out to maybe 50 yards, just that I'm more confident in my Blackhawks. I've killed with the .357 6.5" blackhawk using 158 grain bullets at about 760 ft lbs muzzle energy. I've got a 180 grain Hornady XTP load for that gun now that's even better in accuracy and exterior and theoretically terminal ballistics. I'd use it to 100 yards if the gun were scoped. My other Blackhawk is a .45 colt pushing about 900 ft lbs with a 300 grain XTP from a 4 5/8 inch barrel. But, my go to hunting handgun is a Contender in .30-30, puts all others to shame in every detail and is capable of getting deer to 200 yards, but for the fact that few field situations would allow for a solid enough hold. I still limit myself to 100 yards with a rest and scope on that gun. I've taken deer only to 75 yards with it so far, however.
I'd say if you have no other handgun than a .45 ACP and you just HAVE to hunt with it, get a SWC +P load, very hot, put a 22 pound spring in the gun if it's a 1911 to handle the load. Don't hunt with the pathetic SD loads that are available that make under 400 ft lbs. For goodness sakes don't use a hardball!
If you're one of those "if it ain't a .45acp, it ain't caca" types, get a life and hunt with a rifle or shotgun. If you seriously want to handgun hunt in the future, think about getting a real hunting handgun, something in a magnum revolver caliber, one of the new mega magnums, or a contender or other single shot pistol in a rifle caliber. If you like the .45 caliber bore, check out the .45-70 contenders. You wanna talk big bore? Buddy, THAT's a big bore!
I'd say if you have no other handgun than a .45 ACP and you just HAVE to hunt with it, get a SWC +P load, very hot, put a 22 pound spring in the gun if it's a 1911 to handle the load. Don't hunt with the pathetic SD loads that are available that make under 400 ft lbs. For goodness sakes don't use a hardball!
If you're one of those "if it ain't a .45acp, it ain't caca" types, get a life and hunt with a rifle or shotgun. If you seriously want to handgun hunt in the future, think about getting a real hunting handgun, something in a magnum revolver caliber, one of the new mega magnums, or a contender or other single shot pistol in a rifle caliber. If you like the .45 caliber bore, check out the .45-70 contenders. You wanna talk big bore? Buddy, THAT's a big bore!
There are indeed other calibers for deer hunting. The point is mute. You can cleanly harvest deer with the .45 acp. Regardless of the platform you use.
As with any type of hunting, know your quarry, your equipment, and yourself.
flatdog.
As with any type of hunting, know your quarry, your equipment, and yourself.
flatdog.
eagle24
Member
The .45 and .357 mag are fine. Here's the trick! You have to know your limitations and define your range. I hunt with a longbow and handguns. My range with the longbow if everything is perfect is about 22 yds. I have had the discipline to pass shots that weren't within my range. Most of the deer I have taken have been less than 15 yds from the tree I was in. My range with my scoped .44mag is about 25 yds off hand and around 50 yds from a rest (at least that's what I thought). I've only taken 1 deer with the .44 mag and it was an off-hand shot that was a little out of my range (35 yds). I was lucky to recover the deer and before it was over I had put 4 bullets in him. In the last few weeks I have learned I'n not shooting this gun nearly as good as I thought. I'm ashamed to admit it did not go as planned, but it won't happen again. IMHO your guns are fine if shot placement is perfect. You've got to determine at what range you can make an effective shot.
.45 Deer hunting
Now this is all form what my uncle told my a few years ago, but I hope it will help. He hunts deer with a .45 Ruger that he loads himself. I don't rember the exact stats he told me on his load, but I remember being very impressed. He himself had tken down 2 deer with his revolver after owning it for 2 years. I'll talk to him and see what his load was. Get back to me if you want to know at [email protected]
Now this is all form what my uncle told my a few years ago, but I hope it will help. He hunts deer with a .45 Ruger that he loads himself. I don't rember the exact stats he told me on his load, but I remember being very impressed. He himself had tken down 2 deer with his revolver after owning it for 2 years. I'll talk to him and see what his load was. Get back to me if you want to know at [email protected]
MCgunner
Member
Probably a .45 Colt Ruger revolver rather than .45ACP. The standard .45 ACP makes, but 360 or so, under 400 ft lbs and that's pretty pathetic for deer. I don't wanna lose an animal because I wasn't using enough gun, so I don't hunt with mine even though I'm using hot handloads. It just ain't enough gun for deer. The old salt wisdom is 1000 ft lbs ON TARGET for clean kills. I think you can cleanly kill with less, I've done it, but it's a good minimum where sportsmanship is concerned. Been fortunate, I guess, but I've never lost a deer, don't wanna start doing that. Especially standard pressure, the .45 just ain't enough gun IMHO even if you walk up and put the muzzle on his shoulder and fire. You're only working with less than 400 ft lbs. Where do you draw the line? You can make 300 ft lbs with the .38 special +P. Heck, you can make 200 with the .380 ACP. Heck, the .22LR has taken a LOT of deer, head shots, the night poacher's favorite.
My opinion is do the deer a favor and used enough gun. I know you CAN kill a deer with a .45 maybe to 50 yards, maybe, if everything works out, hopefully. But, I KNOW my Contender in .30-30 will work if I do my part.
If you use a .357 mag it is best if the barrel is 6". The velocity fall off from 6" to 4" is pretty dramatic. I really like the .357 round and it will take game. I have hunted hog using the .45 ACP as a side arm and shooting the +P Corbon 185 grains backed up with 230 grain FMJ's. I have been impressed with it thus far, but the range was in side 20 yards.
I also doubt that MOST .45ACP have the inherent accuracy needed to make a fine hunting gun. A 50 yard shot bulls eye is not an easy thing with a pistol. I would recommend getting something else, or using a rifle or carbine and using the .45 ACP as a sidearm. If the range is close enough (max 20 yards), give it a go.
Regarding the .357 sig, I do not think it is a much of a round. I think it is a paper hero comparable on it's best day to slightly better than the 9 and slightly worse than the .40S&W.
I also doubt that MOST .45ACP have the inherent accuracy needed to make a fine hunting gun. A 50 yard shot bulls eye is not an easy thing with a pistol. I would recommend getting something else, or using a rifle or carbine and using the .45 ACP as a sidearm. If the range is close enough (max 20 yards), give it a go.
Regarding the .357 sig, I do not think it is a much of a round. I think it is a paper hero comparable on it's best day to slightly better than the 9 and slightly worse than the .40S&W.
22-rimfire
Member
Check you state's caliber requirements for handgun hunting deer.
But, even if it is legal, I would never depend on a 45ACP as the primary gun. There is a reason why folks say that you should not consider anything below a 357 mag for whitetail hunting. I bought my first Python for deer hunting, but never used it for that purpose. I like the 41 mag and have used it in the past. Currently have been using a 480 Ruger SRH of late. Get a bigger more powerful caliber on a suitable platform. Think one shot kills.
But, even if it is legal, I would never depend on a 45ACP as the primary gun. There is a reason why folks say that you should not consider anything below a 357 mag for whitetail hunting. I bought my first Python for deer hunting, but never used it for that purpose. I like the 41 mag and have used it in the past. Currently have been using a 480 Ruger SRH of late. Get a bigger more powerful caliber on a suitable platform. Think one shot kills.
Columbus Archer
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Know your Distance and you'll be fine! Double tap makes a round that will work just fine. Just alittle under a 357 mag with FT/lbs.
Caliber : .45ACP
Bullet : 185gr. Gold Dot JHP
Ballistics : 1225fps - 616 ft./lbs. - 5" 1911
For archery to kill any North American game animal you only need to shoot between 60-70 FT/lbs of energy. Of course the broadhead is what counts. Although with that FT/lbs of energy I can cleanly pass through the animal every time with the proper shot placement.
Samething with a handgun. If you can make the proper shot you will be able to kill a deer cleanly.
Most reasons why people don't hunt with a 45ACP is because most states do not allow hunting with a semiauto handgun.
If you can kill a pig with a 45ACP you can surely kill a deer. Hunt out of a blind or a treestand as if you were hunting archery. Limit your shot to 20yds and you'll be fine!
Caliber : .45ACP
Bullet : 185gr. Gold Dot JHP
Ballistics : 1225fps - 616 ft./lbs. - 5" 1911
For archery to kill any North American game animal you only need to shoot between 60-70 FT/lbs of energy. Of course the broadhead is what counts. Although with that FT/lbs of energy I can cleanly pass through the animal every time with the proper shot placement.
Samething with a handgun. If you can make the proper shot you will be able to kill a deer cleanly.
Most reasons why people don't hunt with a 45ACP is because most states do not allow hunting with a semiauto handgun.
If you can kill a pig with a 45ACP you can surely kill a deer. Hunt out of a blind or a treestand as if you were hunting archery. Limit your shot to 20yds and you'll be fine!
Columbus Archer
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Corbon Hunter
357 MAG 180 GR.BCSP 1200FPS/640FTLBS 4.0
357 MAG 180 GR.BCSP 1200FPS/640FTLBS 4.0
MCgunner
Member
Buffalo Bore 180-grain .357 Magnum, Hawes revolver
Velocity (fps)
1510 1504 1536 1485 1506
Average 1508 fps - Standard Deviation 18
Average Energy 909 ft lbs
http://www.gunblast.com/MilesFortis-AKChurch_BuffaloBore.htm
Velocity (fps)
1510 1504 1536 1485 1506
Average 1508 fps - Standard Deviation 18
Average Energy 909 ft lbs
http://www.gunblast.com/MilesFortis-AKChurch_BuffaloBore.htm
Mannlicher
Member
yeah, you can kill a deer with your .45 ACP. Course you can kill a deer with a baseball bat too. Neither of these weapons is ideal for deer hunting though.
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