The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - A reminder - If you use a revolver as a backup when hunting

ELarsen · January 26, 2011, 03:23 PM

On my first hunt with my brand new Ruger (.270 win) going after antelope in Wy I downed a buck and found it still alive as I approached. Didn't have a hand gun to finish it off, so I used my rifle.

After a few seconds wondering what shot would do the least damage to the meat, I shot it between the shoulder blades, exit hole in sternum. Might have ruined some stew meat around the back bone, but that was it.

.270 hole going in, .270 hole going out.

Regarding mandated power of handguns, IL requires a published minimum of 500ft/lbs at the muzzle. Doesn't matter what your hand load is. Needs to have a published record. There are caliber restrictions, but that is the energy requirement that appears far less than mentioned above for another state.

January 26, 2011, 03:23 PM	#21
ELarsen Member Join Date: February 23, 2010 Location: northern IL Posts: 19	.270 coup de grace didn't ruin any meat On my first hunt with my brand new Ruger (.270 win) going after antelope in Wy I downed a buck and found it still alive as I approached. Didn't have a hand gun to finish it off, so I used my rifle. After a few seconds wondering what shot would do the least damage to the meat, I shot it between the shoulder blades, exit hole in sternum. Might have ruined some stew meat around the back bone, but that was it. .270 hole going in, .270 hole going out. Regarding mandated power of handguns, IL requires a published minimum of 500ft/lbs at the muzzle. Doesn't matter what your hand load is. Needs to have a published record. There are caliber restrictions, but that is the energy requirement that appears far less than mentioned above for another state.