minimum ammo for hunting

[too_pointer]

What type of pistol ammo for deerhunting does the best job ? I guess what is the smallest calibur that you would hunt with ? :gun_bandana:

Thanks

too_

[PotashRLS]

I took a doe with my 44 rem mag in 2008. It performed flawlessly. I shot Hornady XTP 240gr. jhps. I also used the same pistol to anchor my 2009 black bear after hitting it in the high shoulder/spine with my bow.

I also have a 41 rem mag that has as good if not a little better ballistics than the 44 rem mag. I wouldn't hessitate to use it for deer or bear.

http://www.realtree.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80253&highlight=handgun+doe

[Tecumseh]

I have a Ruger Super Red Hawk 44 mag, I think in Ohio the smallest cal allowed for handgun hunting is 357 mag.

[m gardner]

You need to check with the DNR to see what they require for deer. Some states actually have a minimum foot ponds of energy required and you need to carry the ammo box with you to prove it. There are some large deer where you live so I'd lean towards the 44 magnum too. I shot a cow elk a few years back with mine.

Mark

[hunterbobb]

Reguardless of what your states regs are, 357 mag should be the smallest caliber you consider for hunting deer. The best load would be a 158 gr. Softpoint. Avoid hollow point bullets in this small caliber. They just expand to quickly. If you go with a larger caliber such as a 41 or 44 mag, hollow points could be considered. However, I would still stay with the soft points myself. They tend to penetrate farther.

[SDHandgunner]

Many states require the .357 Magnum as their MINIMUM LEGAL Handgun Cartridge. Well I have shot a deer or two with the .357 Magnum with a few different loads and in my opinion something larger than the .357 Magnum should be used.

Here in South Dakota the law states that for a handgun cartridge to be legal for hunting deer it must be factory rated to produce a minimun of 500 FtLbs of Energy at the Muzzle. A .357 Magnum meets that requirement.

However in my experience a +P .45 ACP (I've used the Remington 185gr. JHP +P Ammo) that also meets SD's minimum requirement is a much better choice than the .357 Magnum.

At handgun velocities expansion is not guarenteed unless bone is hit and as such a larger diameter bullet is in my opinion a better choice.

To me the great thing about the .44 Magnum is the ammo can be taylored to hunt everything from Whitetail Deer to some really big critters with the right bullet and load.

Larry

[LETMGROW]

New York says: Any centerfire pistol or revolver. Barrel length may not exceed 16 inches. Note: Nonresidents may not use handguns to hunt in NY.

I am sure the regulation used to be .38 or larger. No idea why or when it got changed. I haven't checked this in a long time. According to this, my son's .308 would be legal.

Pays to check these rules every now and then.

Lynn