Minumum pistol caliber for deer...

BurkGlocker · January 12, 2010, 08:26 PM

I've read a few different accounts of people taking deer with less than magnum calibers, say, the .40 S&W. I personally wouldnt do it with anything less than a full-stoked 10mm, but lets see what the OP has to say...

Firepower! · January 12, 2010, 08:32 PM

357 Magnum
However, if I can get reasonably close the 9mm will do the trick with one head shot.

treg · January 12, 2010, 10:04 PM

Where's the .327 Magnum?

BurkGlocker · January 12, 2010, 10:08 PM

After I made the poll, I thought about it, but only afterwards. Since it is such a new cartridge, it completely escaped my mind. If the moderators would be kind enough, perhaps they could include it, but I dont know if the polls are set in stone or can be modified...

GeauxTide · January 12, 2010, 10:23 PM

32s and 35s were designed for people. Game rounds start with the 41Mag. A 210SP @ 1300 can hit the vitals from any angle. Suggesting head shots with an open sighted handgun is, in my opinion, not responsible. I watched a deer Sunday for 45 minutes at 60 yards. I put the scope on him and wouldn't consider a head shot because his head was never still.

WatongaJim · January 12, 2010, 11:49 PM

I started to vote .357 but went with .40 S&W since it's the legal minimum for deer here in OK. All these rounds would work within 20-50 yards. Just depends on your skill and local regulations.

Austinite · January 13, 2010, 12:37 AM

How big are the deer? Are white-tails are not created equal. Our does in central Texas average about 70 pounds dressed. I've used the .357 successfully on 5 of them.

Would I use this revolver on a 170 lb (dressed weight) buck? Probably not.

Crankylove · January 13, 2010, 12:39 AM

I would comforatable with a .357 Mag or 10mm. I know people have filled their tags 9mm, 40 S&W, and .45 Auto, but for me, I would want something with a bit more energy behind it.

troy_mclure · January 13, 2010, 03:52 PM

i killed a good sized doe with .40S&W at 40yd.

but that was out of my beretta storm, and in the head.

ohio states the "minimum" caliber is .357mag, but doesnt state how to "measure against it, IE: ft/lb energy, or bullet diameter?

many states require a certain amount of energy at a certain range to be legal to hunt with.

.284 · January 13, 2010, 08:21 PM

I voted for the 357 but. I personally hunt with a 44 mag S&W. My neighbor took his first deer with his 357 mag S&W. He maid a marginal shot. Broke both shoulders but got no vitals. He got the deer but, sort of lucky finding it as there was little blood. 357 is minimum for me but, I prefer to put a bit more wap on them with the 44.

Brian Pfleuger · January 13, 2010, 08:23 PM

10mm is more than capable. As is 125gr and up 357sig and any load from 357mag and up.

BurkGlocker · January 13, 2010, 09:29 PM

From what I have read, the 10mm in most loadings will 'outshine' the .357 Mag in most aspects, in regards to energy produced. I am not talking about the FBI loadings, but the 'full head of steam' offerings from most major ammunition manufacturers.

.357 Mag in a 180 gr loading: 686 ft-lbs

10mm Auto in a 180 gr offering: 728 ft-lbs

A little over 40 ft-lbs difference may not be that noticeable to either you or the deer, but its still a difference nonetheless. Both loads can be stoked to higher speeds, and the .357 Mag does have a more abundant selection, but maybe its because I am partial to the 10mm that I made it my minimum choice.

Also, on another note, if I was to use something in a pistol or revolver format, I would keep my shots within 25 yards, with 50 yards being the absolute maximum, but this is because I know my limitations. Some of you are a helluva lot better shots than I, and will admit it freely, especially when it comes to pistols.

But power does not compensate for poor shooting skills...

BG

Shorthair · January 14, 2010, 10:14 AM

I killed a 135 or so pound buck last year, at about 10 yards with my 1911 in 45 ACP. The situation called for a pistol, I was in thick brush and had trailed the buck over 3/4 mile after he had been hit by another hunter in the lower hind leg near the hoof. Little blood to follow, he wasn't mortally wounded and I wanted to make sure I killed him before he suffered a potentially slow death in the upcoming winter. There was no room to swing my rifle in the brush and I knew any chance would come at close range so I slung the rifle and waded in with the .45. I hit him with a double tap as he bolted right to left through a window in the brush about 10 yards away. Two rounds, one went through the liver and passed completely through, the other entered the rib cage at the last rib and lodged in the off shoulder after destroying the lungs. Deer went about ten yards and dropped dead.
I was more than impressed with the performance of the cartridge, a Federal 230 grain Hydrashok, one of which I recovered.
In skilled hands and the right conditions a 9mm will kill deer, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

MikeRussell · January 14, 2010, 12:48 PM

While I carry a back up pistol (DanWesson in .45acp), I wouldn't consider it a "go to" while out hunting...except like in a situation described by the poster above. If I'm going to go strictly handgun hunting, then 10mm/.357mag or better. If given the choice, I would choose this order:

1) .454Cas
2) .44Mag
3) .45LC
4) .41Mag
5) 10mm
6) .357Mag

In this off season, I will be getting a different back up pistol (it'll be one of the top 3 I just listed)...that way if I HAVE to go to the pistol, I have a little more confidence in it's abilities.

FrankenMauser · January 14, 2010, 01:34 PM

What species of deer?

For Florida Coastal Whitetails - I view a .380 Auto as sufficient.

'Bama Whitetails - 10mm Auto.

Muleys.... it gets a little more complicated. The 10mm would be acceptable, but I would prefer .357 Mag coming out of a 5"+ barrel.

Quote:

From what I have read, the 10mm in most loadings will 'outshine' the .357 Mag in most aspects, in regards to energy produced. I am not talking about the FBI loadings, but the 'full head of steam' offerings from most major ammunition manufacturers.

.357 Mag in a 180 gr loading: 686 ft-lbs

10mm Auto in a 180 gr offering: 728 ft-lbs

A little over 40 ft-lbs difference may not be that noticeable to either you or the deer, but its still a difference nonetheless. Both loads can be stoked to higher speeds, and the .357 Mag does have a more abundant selection, but maybe its because I am partial to the 10mm that I made it my minimum choice.

Obviously, I like the 10mm, also. However, I have seen quite a few pistol wounds in animals. The lower frontal area of the .357 seems to allow a little more penetration. Energy is good, but if it doesn't get where it needs to go; there's no point in trying.

troy_mclure · January 14, 2010, 03:04 PM

thats where bullet choice becomes so important. a good wfn hardcast will have plenty of penetration, and still leave a good wound channel.

View Poll Results: Minimum pistol caliber for deer
9mm Luger	4	6.15%
.40 S&W	1	1.54%
10mm Auto	9	13.85%
.45 ACP	4	6.15%
.357 Mag	42	64.62%
.41 Mag	4	6.15%
.44 Mag	1	1.54%
Voters: 65. You may not vote on this poll

January 12, 2010, 08:26 PM	#1
BurkGlocker Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2008 Location: Sheppard AFB, TX Posts: 568	Minumum pistol caliber for deer... I've read a few different accounts of people taking deer with less than magnum calibers, say, the .40 S&W. I personally wouldnt do it with anything less than a full-stoked 10mm, but lets see what the OP has to say...

January 12, 2010, 10:04 PM	#3
treg Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2006 Posts: 1,102	Where's the .327 Magnum? __________________ .44 Special: For those who get it, no explanation is necessary. For those who don't, no explanation is possible.

January 13, 2010, 12:39 AM	#8
Crankylove Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2008 Location: 8B ID Posts: 1,753	I would comforatable with a .357 Mag or 10mm. I know people have filled their tags 9mm, 40 S&W, and .45 Auto, but for me, I would want something with a bit more energy behind it. __________________ The answer to 1984 is 1776

January 13, 2010, 03:52 PM	#9
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	i killed a good sized doe with .40S&W at 40yd. but that was out of my beretta storm, and in the head. ohio states the "minimum" caliber is .357mag, but doesnt state how to "measure against it, IE: ft/lb energy, or bullet diameter? many states require a certain amount of energy at a certain range to be legal to hunt with. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

January 12, 2010, 08:32 PM	#2
Firepower! Senior Member Join Date: February 3, 2008 Posts: 2,109	357 Magnum However, if I can get reasonably close the 9mm will do the trick with one head shot.

January 12, 2010, 10:08 PM	#4
BurkGlocker Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2008 Location: Sheppard AFB, TX Posts: 568	After I made the poll, I thought about it, but only afterwards. Since it is such a new cartridge, it completely escaped my mind. If the moderators would be kind enough, perhaps they could include it, but I dont know if the polls are set in stone or can be modified...

January 12, 2010, 10:23 PM	#5
GeauxTide Senior Member Join Date: April 20, 2009 Location: Helena, AL Posts: 4,423	32s and 35s were designed for people. Game rounds start with the 41Mag. A 210SP @ 1300 can hit the vitals from any angle. Suggesting head shots with an open sighted handgun is, in my opinion, not responsible. I watched a deer Sunday for 45 minutes at 60 yards. I put the scope on him and wouldn't consider a head shot because his head was never still.

January 12, 2010, 11:49 PM	#6
WatongaJim Member Join Date: December 20, 2009 Location: Oklahoma Posts: 21	I started to vote .357 but went with .40 S&W since it's the legal minimum for deer here in OK. All these rounds would work within 20-50 yards. Just depends on your skill and local regulations.

January 13, 2010, 12:37 AM	#7
Austinite Junior Member Join Date: February 11, 2008 Posts: 13	How big are the deer? Are white-tails are not created equal. Our does in central Texas average about 70 pounds dressed. I've used the .357 successfully on 5 of them. Would I use this revolver on a 170 lb (dressed weight) buck? Probably not.

January 13, 2010, 08:21 PM	#10
.284 Senior Member Join Date: July 8, 2009 Location: davison, michigan Posts: 665	I voted for the 357 but. I personally hunt with a 44 mag S&W. My neighbor took his first deer with his 357 mag S&W. He maid a marginal shot. Broke both shoulders but got no vitals. He got the deer but, sort of lucky finding it as there was little blood. 357 is minimum for me but, I prefer to put a bit more wap on them with the 44. __________________ Guns have only two enemies, rust and politicians! Deer are amazing creatures....so please don't burn the sauteed onions and I'll pass on the steak sauce, thank you.

January 13, 2010, 08:23 PM	#11
Brian Pfleuger Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 25, 2008 Location: Austin, CO Posts: 19,578	10mm is more than capable. As is 125gr and up 357sig and any load from 357mag and up. __________________ Nobody plans to screw up their lives... ...they just don't plan not to. -Andy Stanley

January 13, 2010, 09:29 PM	#12
BurkGlocker Senior Member Join Date: May 18, 2008 Location: Sheppard AFB, TX Posts: 568	From what I have read, the 10mm in most loadings will 'outshine' the .357 Mag in most aspects, in regards to energy produced. I am not talking about the FBI loadings, but the 'full head of steam' offerings from most major ammunition manufacturers. .357 Mag in a 180 gr loading: 686 ft-lbs 10mm Auto in a 180 gr offering: 728 ft-lbs A little over 40 ft-lbs difference may not be that noticeable to either you or the deer, but its still a difference nonetheless. Both loads can be stoked to higher speeds, and the .357 Mag does have a more abundant selection, but maybe its because I am partial to the 10mm that I made it my minimum choice. Also, on another note, if I was to use something in a pistol or revolver format, I would keep my shots within 25 yards, with 50 yards being the absolute maximum, but this is because I know my limitations. Some of you are a helluva lot better shots than I, and will admit it freely, especially when it comes to pistols. But power does not compensate for poor shooting skills... BG

January 14, 2010, 10:14 AM	#13
Shorthair Senior Member Join Date: March 11, 2005 Location: Michigan Posts: 348	I killed a 135 or so pound buck last year, at about 10 yards with my 1911 in 45 ACP. The situation called for a pistol, I was in thick brush and had trailed the buck over 3/4 mile after he had been hit by another hunter in the lower hind leg near the hoof. Little blood to follow, he wasn't mortally wounded and I wanted to make sure I killed him before he suffered a potentially slow death in the upcoming winter. There was no room to swing my rifle in the brush and I knew any chance would come at close range so I slung the rifle and waded in with the .45. I hit him with a double tap as he bolted right to left through a window in the brush about 10 yards away. Two rounds, one went through the liver and passed completely through, the other entered the rib cage at the last rib and lodged in the off shoulder after destroying the lungs. Deer went about ten yards and dropped dead. I was more than impressed with the performance of the cartridge, a Federal 230 grain Hydrashok, one of which I recovered. In skilled hands and the right conditions a 9mm will kill deer, but it wouldn't be my first choice. __________________ Earth First! We can hunt the other planets later.

January 14, 2010, 12:48 PM	#14
MikeRussell Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2006 Location: Carencro, LA Posts: 335	While I carry a back up pistol (DanWesson in .45acp), I wouldn't consider it a "go to" while out hunting...except like in a situation described by the poster above. If I'm going to go strictly handgun hunting, then 10mm/.357mag or better. If given the choice, I would choose this order: 1) .454Cas 2) .44Mag 3) .45LC 4) .41Mag 5) 10mm 6) .357Mag In this off season, I will be getting a different back up pistol (it'll be one of the top 3 I just listed)...that way if I HAVE to go to the pistol, I have a little more confidence in it's abilities. __________________ Mike Russell

January 14, 2010, 03:04 PM	#16
troy_mclure Senior Member Join Date: November 17, 2008 Location: gulf of mexico Posts: 2,716	thats where bullet choice becomes so important. a good wfn hardcast will have plenty of penetration, and still leave a good wound channel. __________________ There is only one tactical principle which is not subject to change. It is to use the means at hand to inflict the maximum amount of wound, death, and destruction on the enemy in the minimum amount of time."

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search