Handgun Hunting

[10essee]

S&W in 357. Haven’t shot a deer with it yet but it’s hard on the swine. Topped with VX3 also

 

[HomeTownJB]

i hate recoil in handguns

what's the recoil like in a large 44 mag like that? comparable to a mid sized 357 magnum?

Recoil on this specific model is very manageable. The rubberized grips and the muzzle brake help. I have shot some other 44 mags and 357's where the recoil was rough. Took it out hunting tonight, but didn't see a deer.

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[raisins]

Don’t forget about the Thompson Center Contenders or the Encore! Single shot pistols but they are extremely accurate! You can buy the frame and swap out different caliber barrels. You can also turn it into a rifle by getting a full size stock and fore end. All kinds of options. I have a Contender pistol with a 14” barrel in 30-30. It’s topped with a T/C 2-7 power scope. The furthest I ever shot it was 150 yards at a range. It shot 1” groups @150 yards but that was on sandbags. I shot my largest buck with it, 160” 8pt @ 95 yards. I see some for sale at gun shows ranging from $700-$850 asking price.

i've heard even the short barrel ones are hard to shoot off hand

 

[philsanchez76]

I have a GP100 in .357. Was thinking about taking it for a spin in the deer woods. I assume I’m looking for the same thing in ammo as a rifle? Something expanding but not exploding. Any recommendations out there on factory ammo?

Check out buffalo bore. He’s for all kinds of different 357 hunting rounds including some real hot ones.

 

[Awpk03s]

I use a Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in 45LC with a 5.5” barrel. Iron sights. 300 gr Hornady XTP bullets loaded hot by Double Tap.
I’ve shot a doe and a nice buck with this medicine, it is extremely effective.

I have a G40 in 10mm I would like to get out and use at some point, but need the right situation.

 

[paradocs]

In the bigger bores, a good hardcast with a fairly wide meplat performs well and doesnt rely on velocity. After years with a Freedom Arms 454 Casull, I started carrying a 44 Special, with a 255 gr hardcast slug at a bit over 1000 fps. It's a joy to both carry and shoot; minimal muzzle blast, extremely accurate, and that bullet will penetrate over 30" from just about any angle.

 

[bigmike23]

Looks familar lol. That muzzle break makes an insane difference. I can shoot the hottest 44 loads the smith frame can handle all day

 

[Bowtie747]

Looks familar lol. That muzzle break makes an insane difference. I can shoot the hottest 44 loads the smith frame can handle all dayView attachment 58242

So freaking jealous! Two dream guns right there for me. What mount is that on your .460??

 

[WECoyote]

I've shot about as many deer with pistols as I have with bows. I just started saddle hunting though so no experience shooting a pistol from one. I've shot all mine with a 44 T/C or a Ruger Blackhawk in 41 mag or 44 mag. I hate the bisley handles by the way. The standard plow handle on single actions lets the barrel roll up and back. No need to fight heavy recoil with a bisley or a double action handle. JMO.

I agree that a 357 will do the job but requires a heavier bullet to ensure full penetration. My brother just took one with a 357 Henry and 190 gr RNFP's that I loaded for him. Full pass through and short trail. For the 41's and 44's I've not found anything that patterns more consistently for me than XTP's. Pretty much any 296/H110 load seems to work but they're easy to get really tight groups and they don't over-expand. I've never found one in my deer at least. One 200 gr 44 mag from my T/C went in the brisket and broke a femur on the way out the back end. That one was a pretty hot load though, I will admit.

Sean