Who says it can't be done?

[Ugly Sauce]

It can't be done! The bullet will bounce off the deer, and come back and hit you! Don't try it! Then the deer will get mad and attack you.

 

[savagelover]

Yep the 38 plus p loads will smack a deers ass if you shoot a lot and stay with in 40 to 45 yards.compressed load of imr 4227 gets it done. Some of you are right about maybe it out to be 357. But I just had to prove to a few mag.rifle hunters it works. Now I ain't going to try anything past 50 yds. So don't get your dander up.. Happy hunting and be safe...

 

[Ugly Sauce]

Anything is possible. When my Grand-dad came back from WWI, he took moose for his winter meat with the Luger he brought back. Way up North of Toronto Canada. Moose were plentiful, he got within 20 yards, with shoulder-stock attached, and carefully placed one in the heart. As far as I know, he never needed a follow-up shot. I have that Luger, but the stock was lost long ago, however, the thing is laser-accurate so it's no mystery how he did that.

 

[Axis II]

Could and should are two different words and have two different meanings.

Could you shoot a deer with a 38spl sure.

Should you? Absolutely not.

It’s really starting to boggle my mind why people feel the need to use a living creature for their ballistic testing. Quit being a cheap … and go buy a real deer rifle. Same argument I had with a buddy wanting to shoot a 200lbs field dressed and yes, I said 200lb field dressed deer with a 1911 in 45acp.

 

[jdsingleshot]

This statement, "just because you can doesn't mean you should," is legitimate. But I pair it with its opposite: It's very lousy thinking to get a bigger rifle so you don't have to worry about hitting in the right place.

Every shot should be sent to a vital spot or not sent at all. Last fall I sent an 87 g bullet from a .25-20 all the way through the lungs of a doe. She ran maybe 40 yards and dropped. Maybe she would have dropped at 39 yards with a more powerful bullet?

I think too many hunters rely on a big gun instead of disciplining themselves to only take good shots. And don't get me started about multiple shots in questionable conditions.

 

[Ugly Sauce]

I think too many hunters rely on a big gun instead of disciplining themselves to only take good shots. And don't get me started about multiple shots in questionable conditions.

That's why I like single shot rifles. You either make a good shot, or don't shoot at all. Spooks the game less than just shooting "at it".

 

[mcb]

I have taken two nice sized Ohio bucks using 410 slugs. I don't see 38 special from a rifle that far behind it. Similar muzzle energy to some 410 slugs but will carry that energy down range better than a 410 slug does.

If your willing to live within the limitations of that marginal cartridge go for it. I had to pass on a fair number of deer before the right situations presented themselves for taking those two bucks with my 410 slug gun. It can be a fun challenge if you're of the correct mindset.

 

[AJC1]

Well considering 38 can be loaded up to 357 pressure it's not a huge deal in my view. Establish a short range and your fine. Ethics is a huge question and I'm not here to judge others. I have 357 so I wouldn't use 38. I also have 30-30. 308 and many more. A 38 out of a carbine is better than a 38 out of a pistol I guess. At bow hunting ranges it's not any worse than a minimum power bow.

 

[.308 Norma]

But I just had to prove to a few mag.rifle hunters it works.

You "HAD" to prove to a "few mag, rifle hunters" that it works??? Why?

 

[Highland Lofts]

I'd like to see this subject get locked up.
Nothing but a pissing context.

 

[guyfromohio]

Ohio sets the floor at .357 Magnum. That would be my floor as well.

 

[H&Hhunter]

Yep the 38 plus p loads will smack a deers ass if you shoot a lot and stay with in 40 to 45 yards.compressed load of imr 4227 gets it done. Some of you are right about maybe it out to be 357. But I just had to prove to a few mag.rifle hunters it works. Now I ain't going to try anything past 50 yds. So don't get your dander up.. Happy hunting and be safe...

You haven’t proved anything to anybody on this website. You made a post, everyone here agreed that it sure would kill a deer under the right circumstances. I’m really not getting the point of your OP or this thread.

Closed..