texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,413
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,764
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics536,986
Posts9,719,146
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Page 1 of 2 1 2
Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? #6145039 01/20/16 06:36 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 478
H
Hunter Daddy Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
H
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 478
Has anyone tried hunting deer with a handgun? I have a Colt .45 "six shooter." I was thinking about "rattling-up" a buck next season and using this gun at close range on a buck. I believe I am using 220 grain bullets. How close should the deer be when I shoot? If I get a buck at 30 yards, I know I can hit him behind the front shoulder. Do you think that bullet will expand OK and provide a "quick kill?"

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145051 01/20/16 06:41 PM
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 759
A
Aggieman775 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
A
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 759
My grandpa has a 7mm-08 pistol that thing is a stud. He dropped a doe from 100 yards with it.


TSmith
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145120 01/20/16 07:31 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,033
C
coachwhite34 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,033
I thought it was against the law to hunt deer with a pistol?

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: coachwhite34] #6145158 01/20/16 07:55 PM
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,126
K
kdkane1971 Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
K
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 3,126
Originally Posted By: coachwhite34
I thought it was against the law to hunt deer with a pistol?



Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145161 01/20/16 08:02 PM
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 287
Y
YanceyTX_Hunter Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
Y
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 287
Isn't it as long as it's centerfire? I've always used a rifle so seriously asking...


- YanceyTX_Hunter(s)
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: YanceyTX_Hunter] #6145171 01/20/16 08:09 PM
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 759
A
Aggieman775 Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
A
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 759
Originally Posted By: YanceyTX_Hunter
Isn't it as long as it's centerfire? I've always used a rifle so seriously asking...

I think it is aslong as centerfire. That one of my grandpas shoots the same shells as my dads rifle.


TSmith
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Aggieman775] #6145179 01/20/16 08:16 PM
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,033
C
coachwhite34 Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
C
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,033
Originally Posted By: Aggieman775
Originally Posted By: YanceyTX_Hunter
Isn't it as long as it's centerfire? I've always used a rifle so seriously asking...

I think it is aslong as centerfire. That one of my grandpas shoots the same shells as my dads rifle.




Well, I called my college roommate who is a GW and he confirmed this as long as it is not a .22

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145237 01/20/16 08:48 PM
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 478
H
Hunter Daddy Offline OP
Bird Dog
OP Offline
Bird Dog
H
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 478
I just want more "excitement" back in my hunting. I've killed many deer with rifle, compound bow and crossbow. Now I would like to take one with a pistol and a long bow. Maybe, one day, with a muzzleloader.

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145270 01/20/16 09:16 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
S
Sneaky Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
Why would it not be legal? Do people even read the TPWD manuals they give away for free everywhere you buy a license?

That .45 will kill them farther than you'll be comfortable aiming with open sights, most likely. Its accuracy, combined with yours, will determine your max distance. I have no idea what bullet you're using, so I couldn't tell you anything about that.

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145273 01/20/16 09:17 PM
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
Q
QuitShootinYoungBucks Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Q
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 15,612
I think if you're using a good bullet with good velocity that 30 yards might work. The Hornady LEVERevolution 225gr. out of a 4.75" barrel is moving at 903 fps with 407 ft/lbs of energy at 50 yards. That's not outstanding but if you put it in the boiler room it should work, IMO.


[Linked Image]

https://web.archive.org/web/20170223065011/http:/www.rrdvegas.com/silencer-cleaning.html
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: coachwhite34] #6145274 01/20/16 09:18 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
S
Sneaky Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
Originally Posted By: coachwhite34
Originally Posted By: Aggieman775
Originally Posted By: YanceyTX_Hunter
Isn't it as long as it's centerfire? I've always used a rifle so seriously asking...

I think it is aslong as centerfire. That one of my grandpas shoots the same shells as my dads rifle.




Well, I called my college roommate who is a GW and he confirmed this as long as it is not a .22


That is incorrect. Any rimfire would be illegal. A .22 centerfire is legal. A .17 HMR is not. Neither example fits your statement.

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145324 01/20/16 09:51 PM
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 423
R
RafterH Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
R
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 423
Have hunted and continue to hunt with a 45 Colt NM Blackhawk and 45 Colt Uberti. Spend a lot of time practicing and know YOUR practical range.

Have taken deer and coyotes so far. This is addicting. I use 250 gr Hard Cast at about 900 FPS in both and sometimes step them up to 1200 fps in the Ruger.

I will shoot about 500 rounds over the summer prior to deer season. I also practice a lot all year, but really get serious in the summer. My practical range with both is 50 yards. Have shot paper out to 100, but not ready to shoot game that far.

Have fun with it.

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145346 01/20/16 10:07 PM
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7,825
P
poisonivie Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
Offline
THF Trophy Hunter
P
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 7,825
You don't need expansion in a 45. The hole is big enough. I shot a doe with a 45LC in a Uberti Cattleman. It completely gelled her insides. I really wanted to see the boolit but IDK where it went after it passed the off shoulder. BTW, for you internet game wardens, it didn't cross my fence line.


Pee on Photobucket
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145386 01/20/16 10:26 PM
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,292
oldoak2000 Offline
Extreme Tracker
Offline
Extreme Tracker
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,292
Originally Posted By: Hunter Daddy
I just want more "excitement" back in my hunting. I've killed many deer with rifle, compound bow and crossbow. Now I would like to take one with a pistol and a long bow. Maybe, one day, with a muzzleloader.


Make you a 'whitetail doe' suit to wear out in field (packing your pistol). Sprinkle on a little 'doe estrus' perfume. . . roflmao

should generate some 'excitement' for ya roflmao

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145463 01/20/16 11:03 PM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 777
M
MClark Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 777
The land owner where I hunt uses a 40 S&W on whitetail if the do not get out of the way of the tractor.
Shoot and Scoop.

Mark

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145495 01/20/16 11:31 PM
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,684
S
slow944 Online Happy
Pro Tracker
Online Happy
Pro Tracker
S
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,684
I used to have a Ruger 454 casull that I ran 45LC with either a 250gr or 300gr Barnes XTP bullets thru. With a Long Eye Relief scope on it I was good out to 100yds easy. But as stated above you have to practice. Never shot a deer with it, but they were deadly on hogs.


I Have A 45 And A Shovel. Don't Mess With Texas!

According To "Kierchof's Law" Murphy Was An Optimist!

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145583 01/21/16 12:21 AM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,818
P
PMK Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
P
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,818
I took a doe about 20 or so years ago with my DW 357 Maximum (not magnum) at about 50-55 yards w/180 gr, like hitting her with a sledge hammer ... just to prove a point to my dad ... LOL ... wish I could find ammo for it now!


"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."

~PMK~
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6145924 01/21/16 02:55 AM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
On that Mad Max aka 357 Maximum it pays to handload, 180gr bullets are the ticket with it with my preference being Nosler partition or Swift A-Frame.

Have taken a few deer and hogs with handguns in 357Sig, 357Mag, 357Max, 44 special, 44 mag and 7-30 Waters. Shortest shot 7 yards longest 225 yards. Practice a lot, learn your guns and your limitations with it and enjoy.

The recommendation above of hard cast bullets is spot on IMO. Those bullets are going to punch a large hole anyway and one with a large flat meplate sure cause a lot of damage as they bludgeon their way through and penetration is not an issue with them unless you just do not like a bullet going through the deer.



lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: kmon11] #6146530 01/21/16 04:34 PM
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,818
P
PMK Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
P
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 12,818
Originally Posted By: kmon1
On that Mad Max aka 357 Maximum it pays to handload, 180gr bullets are the ticket with it with my preference being Nosler partition or Swift A-Frame.

Have taken a few deer and hogs with handguns in 357Sig, 357Mag, 357Max, 44 special, 44 mag and 7-30 Waters. Shortest shot 7 yards longest 225 yards. Practice a lot, learn your guns and your limitations with it and enjoy.

The recommendation above of hard cast bullets is spot on IMO. Those bullets are going to punch a large hole anyway and one with a large flat meplate sure cause a lot of damage as they bludgeon their way through and penetration is not an issue with them unless you just do not like a bullet going through the deer.


my son (ZK-315 here on THF) is getting into handloading. Maybe he could pick your brain on the loads you have developed that work for a 357 Maximum??? I found a place and bought 100 rounds of new brass but I don't load.


"everyone that lives dies but not everyone who dies lived..."

~PMK~
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6146575 01/21/16 05:03 PM
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,102
Bbear Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,102
I have taken deer with the following:
Mod 19 S&W
Mod 57
Mod 29
JP Sauer & Sohn 45 LC
Freedom Arms 454
Rem XP 100 in 17 fireball
TC Encore in 223, 243 and 30 Herrett

I think that's all.
Most were here in Texas. Took a couple in Missouri as well as Indiana.

All of them work if you do your part and put them in the right spot. Just like any other firearm.

Most devastating knock-down was with the 41 Mag and the Casull. Both were inside of 50 yards on Missouri does. Both does acted like they were hit by a pick-up - rolling them over not just knocking them down. Only one that ran any distance was the one hit with the 223 Encore. Ran about 30 yards.


[IMG][/IMG]

Pay it forward - Kids are the future.

Rifles are similar to boats and young women...there's no end to how much money you can pour into them without making them any more useful.
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6147252 01/21/16 10:11 PM
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,156
P
Phantom Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
P
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,156
I like to shoot does with my 221 fireball. It does add excitement to your hunt. I have a friend that shoots a 45 70 in a pistol and he is really good with it.


Good is the enemy of Great
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: PMK] #6147303 01/21/16 10:41 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
Originally Posted By: PMK
Originally Posted By: kmon1
On that Mad Max aka 357 Maximum it pays to handload, 180gr bullets are the ticket with it with my preference being Nosler partition or Swift A-Frame.

Have taken a few deer and hogs with handguns in 357Sig, 357Mag, 357Max, 44 special, 44 mag and 7-30 Waters. Shortest shot 7 yards longest 225 yards. Practice a lot, learn your guns and your limitations with it and enjoy.

The recommendation above of hard cast bullets is spot on IMO. Those bullets are going to punch a large hole anyway and one with a large flat meplate sure cause a lot of damage as they bludgeon their way through and penetration is not an issue with them unless you just do not like a bullet going through the deer.


my son (ZK-315 here on THF) is getting into handloading. Maybe he could pick your brain on the loads you have developed that work for a 357 Maximum??? I found a place and bought 100 rounds of new brass but I don't load.


Sure, the load I use in the Ruger is Nosler 180gr partition with 18gr of Accurate 5744 powder set off by a CCI 450 powder. The Rugers were known to have top strap flame cutting issues and an extruded powder reduces the chance of that over the ball powders. There are powders that will get you more velocity but have found that load is accurate in my Ruger and does well on deer and pigs.

Every manual and article I have read on reloading the 357Max calls for small rifle primers to be used and Accurate data uses CCI 450 which is their magnum SRP. It is also one of the primers.

Accurate Data http://www.accuratepowder.com/load-data/


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6147578 01/22/16 12:55 AM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
S
Sneaky Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
Kmon, what kind of velocity do you get out of that and what length barrel?

Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6148657 01/22/16 04:01 PM
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
kmon11 Offline
junior
Offline
junior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 32,442
just below 1500 from the ruger with the 15 inch barrel. Sold the Contender 14 inch barrel a few years ago and with it could get to 1700 easily enough. Could go hotter in the Ruger but that load shoots well and so far no detectable flame cutting if the top strap.


lf the saying "Liar, Liar your pants on fire" were true
Mainstream news might be fun to watch
Re: Whitetail hunting with a handgun??? [Re: Hunter Daddy] #6148738 01/22/16 04:39 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
S
Sneaky Online Content
THF Celebrity
Online Content
THF Celebrity
S
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 29,576
Sounds like fun.

Page 1 of 2 1 2
Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3