Thoughts on hunting revolvers...

[IndianaHunter]

Today's large bore cartridges seem to get faster, flatter and develop more energy than in any time in recent history. .480 Ruger, 454 Casull, .500 SW to name a few and while each is no doubt a man stopper their use was designed for hunting and/or personal protection on Kodiak Island! This has me refreshing my old school memories of when we thought the lauded .44 was the top of the heap. So, what so you use to hunt with? What level of energy is acceptable to cleanly harvest your game. If a well placed .410 slug in Indiana will work then what would be the smallest, in ft. lbs. of energy, pistol cartridge would be effective. I’m not talking about Contenders’ Encores, or XP100’s but wheel guns. In Indiana we can shoot .243’s, 7mm-08, and other “mini rifles” but that’s not the direction I’m thinking. Any thoughts?

[wheelgun]

I have three Rugers in 44 mag that have always taken whitetail with no problems.I have the contender's but for a revolver the 44 mag is plenty IF you know your limits and the pistols limits.Practice,Practice,and then Practice some more.

[mrjbigfoot]

One of the most amazing/funniest things I ever saw while deer hunting... was when a guy shot a running, jumping yearling with a 44 mag at about 25 yards & he hit it in the front shoulders in mid jump. It knocked that little yearling a full 180 and about 15 feet through the air. Gave me a real perception of what foot pounds of energy means & it was quite humorous to watch & even more funny when he walked up to it & realized how small it was.... he'll never live it down...



But, for his sake, it was one heck of a good shot! We were doing a small drive & he was a stander when the deer came running/jumping out in front of him... :)1

[Win Mag]

Ruger single action 44 mag, and as a rule min. of 700 ft/lbs of energy

[wyote]

I have 2 rugers both in 45 colt. One is a SS ruger blackhawk with a 7.5 in barrel that I just mounted a 4X weaver scope on (eyes are getting old, lol) My other ruger is a SS 5.5 in bisley

My third gun is a Freedom Arms 454 casuel with 7.5 in barrel.

I've taken antelope, deer, bears, and a moose with these 3 revolvers. They will get the job done.

I'm not sure how much energy you need for hunting. I shoot heavy loads in my 45 colts and I can't say that I can tell too much difference in the way game reacts to that round and the 454 casual.

[TLMgamecalls]

i'm sure i'm in the minority here
but i use a 357 mag
used one for years (I have many other handguns in different and bigger calibers) but still always come back the my favorite 586 with a 4x scope
have not had a deer run more than 50yds, or had to use an extra shot
also never recoved a bullet
haven't shot anything bigger that deer, yet
and as state before practice, practice, practice.
todd

[turkeydude]

I like a 357 also less recoil
Turkeydude

[willfish02]

like the others i like the manageability of the 357. while still having knock down.

[2Poppa]

I'm going to use Mr. Smith & Wesson .44 Mag. I can hit a small can at 125 yards... even though it will be my first year.

I think it will thump 'em!

[catahoula]

06 was my first year to handgun hunt it took two attempts but i shot about 90 lb. doe
it was a really special hunt because my grandpa left me that gun when he died a few years back
it is a ruger 44 mag

[LOC]

I'm glad to see some are using a .357 with success. I have never had a shot while carrying a handgun, but am seriously thinking about carrying only my handgun during modern gun season this year to limit my shots and increase the challenge. Where I hunt in Arkansas (National Forest land) the shots that I have available are generally under 70 yards, with most being out to 40 yards. I traded my .44 Ruger super blackhawk for a Dan Wesson .357 with a 6" barrel this spring. I still have not even shot the .357 yet, but wanted a bit less recoil than my .44. The Dan Wesson has a heavy barrel and the previous owner said it is a delight to shoot. I just got a set of hogue grips for it and am now looking forward to trying it out on some cans.

[texasbass1]

I've taken 3 deer with a 44 Mag all Mule deer and they never tried to get up. With a properly placed shot a 44 is plenty

[Olddog]

Not killed a deer with my .44 but DID kill a Gobbler runnin with it. [Just pure DUMB luck] I was a fair shot with that pistol.....DOG