selecting a handgun for hunting hogs, deer,ELK

Idaho1945 said:
Here we go again using energy as the deciding factor for killing a deer. While the 357 will work (I've done it) its really on the minimum side for deer, but again it will work. Moving up to the big three, 41, 44 & 45 they are easily able to take deer with quality hits & will almost always exit if using good ammo. Don't look for the "knock down" effect of riles, you won't usually see it, but the sixgun is deadly in the hands of good shooters. You need placement & penetration & you can punch your tag! If you need more horsepowder you can move up to the 454, 460 or the mighty 500, along with additional recoil. Shoot what you can handle & the sixgun is a great hunting weapon.

Dick

the above,basically covered the subject rather well.
I had used both a 8 3/8" 357 mag and 8 3/8"44 mag revolver for several decades before the 445 DWSM came out , I bought one, with a 10" barrel and its an excellent pistol, I also bought a 454 cassul with a 8" barrel a few years later, both have significantly more power than the 44 mag, which pushes a lee 310 grain to about 1250 fps in my 10" S&W revolver, each can push a similar weight bullet at least 300 fps faster, but the net result did not change, a good hit with any of the 44-45 caliber revolvers kills deer and hogs very effectively but you seldom get the instant kills that a 308 win or 270 win provide, with similar hits, this does not make them less fatal, to the game, but it may take a different mind set, hand gun hunting is a bit more like archery in that you normally need to get into under 50-70 yards for quick easy shots and game tends to run, a short distance then drop.
theres no real disadvantage or advantage in using the larger more powerful calibers other than increased recoil and noise and the pistols are larger and heavier, but in exchange you get a bit flatter trajectory, and at least on paper more damage on target, but because even a 44 mag loaded to 1250 fps punches clean thru deer and hogs and produces a very dependable fatal wound Ive found little advantage in the larger and more powerful calibers
 
I hunt in florida frequently with a revolver,and of course my experience may not match other peoples, Ive used several calibers and revolvers I personally like the S&W 29 44 mag with either a 8 3/8 or 10 5/8" barrel the load a 310 grain lee over 21 grains of H110.
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(an excellent choice if your convinced you need more than a 44 mag, would be the 480 ruger or 445 DWSM)
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an keep in mind, a 44 mag with 310 grain hard cast bullets will kill anything in north america including the largest bears with decent shot placement and a knowledge of the games anatomy

hunting with a hand gun always involves your being forced to make some compromises, a revolver with iron sites will be limited by both your eye sight and the distance between the front & rear sights. this ability to hit exactly where you want with open sights limits the effective range.
a revolver is generally going to use strait case cartridges starting with a 357 mag and dependent on the shooter preferences anywhere up to a 500 S&W , the 41-44 mags and 45 colt and 454 cassul are all very able to kill deer at 120-140 yards or so rather easily with the correct loads, most people I know have found the larger revolvers like the 445 DWSM and the 460 and 500 S&W a bit larger and heavier than ideal, but there are guys who enjoy those but it takes extensive practice and ammos much more expensive.
deer-anatomya.jpg

now if your willing to use optical sights like a scope or red dot optical sites your going to extend that range limitation but make the easy handling of a revolver noticeably less handy.
yes theres zero question that theres a few single shot break action and bolt action hand guns that will mount a scope and are more accurate , but most are at least in my opinion less handy, but also very effective IF your willing to put up with the size and weight penalty.

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Ive always felt if your willing to put up with that size and weight you might as well buy and use a light carbine

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ns-power-accuracy-effective-range-cost.13280/
ruger1.jpg
 
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just a point of info!
about 20 years back I purchased a DAN WESSON 445 SUPER MAG,with a 10" barrel and added a muzzle brake its very VERY accurate!
it will push a 310 grain lee cast bullet to 1400 fps PLUS easily ,and theres zero doubt its extremely effective, but its heavy and brass expensive,
https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-cases/445-Super-Mag-Brass/
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44mag vs 445 mag
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http://www.ewkarms.com/zen8/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=29&products_id=93
it kills very well but don,t think the increase in power over the 44 mag makes it vastly superior , its a bit like the difference between a 308 vs a 30/06, and its noticeably larger and heavier than a S&W 29
In my elk hunt club theres now 4 guys who have taken ELK with a hand gun, three use a 44 mag, two of them used my 310 grain hard cast bullets loaded over 21 grains of H110 so a 44 mag is fully up to the job

http://dfuse.us/COhandgunhunting.html
 
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One of my long time hunting buddies recently purchased a 8 3/8" 500 S&W pistol, similar to this picture,now I freely admit the idea of owning one of these pistols is rather interesting but having shot one and already owning a dan wesson 445 super mag revolver I don,t see the need as the dan wesson 445 super mag easily shoots out to any range Ill ever hunt at with a handgun and has the proven power to shoot clear through an elk.
obviously a 500 S&W has more power , but at some point a balance is reached where adding more power has very little if any effect on the weapons killing power. and even a 44 mag has the power to kill the largest game animals under reasonable conditions if the correct ammo is selected, and a reasonably skilled and experienced hunter is using the revolver.
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hundgunf2.jpg

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http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source

http://www.vintagepistols.com/500_and_460_load_data.html

http://www.reloadammo.com/500sw.htm


21716c.bmp.jpg

LGSSBrake.JPG

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http://www.sixguns.com/range/supermags.htm

the formula to calculate bullet energy is
bullet weight in grains x vel x vel /450240= ft lbs of muzzle energy
the 445 dan wesson can get to 1600 ft lbs with several loads with 310 hard cast, while its not the 2500 ft lbs of the 500 S&W its still a very effective combo in experienced hands,
trajectory's are similar.

http://www.handloads.com/misc/linebaugh.penetration.tests.asp
knowing your games anatomy, and where the vital organs are located and having the skill for proper shot placements, obviously critical to effective use of any hand gun, for big game hunting

elk-anatomy.jpg


"have you ever felt under armed with a hunting handgun? or have you ever needed to pass on a shot because you knew it was out of your realistic range limitation and ability to place a shot accurately?"
I was loading some ammo for my 445 dan wesson super mag revolver and had a friend over thats never hunted with a handgun as his only weapon, hes used his rifles for all big game hunts and he asked me that question.
now Ive used a 44mag or 445 dwsm handgun for decades,and while Ive certainly seen game at ranges exceeding my self imposed ,hand gun accuracy comfort zone of about 120 yards Ive never thought it was much of a handicap, I just figured out how to get closer until I was comfortable making the shot.
If the archery guys can collect as much game as they do with about a 40-50 yard effective range limitation certainly having twice that effective range is hardly the limitation that will ruin your hunts chances of collecting game!
and after dressing out game hit with a 44 mag or 445 dwsm I don,t see them as any limit on game as to limited lethality , once your getting complete pass through from shots with 300 grain hard cast bullets I doubt lethality is a big issue
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every caliber and hand gun design is a compromise in several areas, weight, length,ease of handling, potential strength, accuracy range etc. the 44 mag has been in use for over 50 years and correctly loaded and used in skilled experienced hands has taken everything in big game in north America, the big bore hand gun field , keeps expanding as the sport becomes more popular.
Ive test fired most of these pistols and own a few, theres always a balance or compromise to be achieved and if you hunt with a hand gun youll eventually develop your own personal list of requirements and list of features or characteristics you look for and things you want to avoid like, a REALLY UGLY a hooker with AIDS.
personally I, want a high quality dependable iron sighted revolver,
I feel the 44 mag is as low in the power range as I'd care to use,
I want at least a minimum 6" barrel length , and anything over about 12"
is nearly UN-usable in the field, and adding a scope kills off about 90% of the ease of rapid handling, making its use on running game in heavy cover very impractical.
now you may feel differently but too me hand gun hunting is a fairly shorter range type of experience and Ive rarely needed to take a shot over 70-80 yards, and I prefer a shoulder holster, in the field, the ability to cast , and hand load my own projectiles, to keep costs semi reasonable
.
http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source
http://www.ruger.com/products/newModelSuperBlackhawk/overview.html
(this stainless ruger 480 caliber single action makes an excellent hunting revolver)
a properly cast 325 grain bullet in a ruger 480 revolver will handle anything youll hunt in north America in a lighter weight, easier to handle pistol than my 445 DWSM with similar power, 1375 FPS at lower pressures than the same bullet speed with the same bullet weight as the DWSM
what a great many of these discussions lack is details on what projectile was used and where it impacted, how deeply it penetrated and what vital organ was missed or destroyed..
anyone who has a decent quality 357 mag or larger bore revolver, or quality, 10 mm semi auto, loaded with the correct ammo and assuming your personal having the skills,the ability to place shots precisely has the required tool to kill any bear, , elk, deer or hog, based on the fact that a properly loaded hard cast bullet, of the proper design, from a revolver like a 357 mag will without any doubt punch through a bears, elk, deer or hog,skull into the brain or through the chest wall into the heart/lung area.
thats not the same thing as saying a 357 mag will instantly stop an infuriated bear full of Adrenalin,who might see your destruction as his only goal at that time.
But if you start randomly punching holes in his anatomy.
only hits to the brain,or forward central spine,from behind the head to the area between the shoulders will be likely to provide a nearly instant mobility stop, you can randomly punch an infuriated bear full of Adrenalin,as full of holes as a colander, used to strain water off spaghetti, if you don,t destroy the vitals and that bear will want to discuss your lack of proper marksmanship up close and personal, with you for well over the time he requires to bleed out.
now a larger handgun caliber like a 44 mag, 480 ruger, 454 cassul, 500 S&W, will without doubt destroy far more tissue, with each shots impact, this does increase your odds of creating significant and lethal damage , and inflicting pain that may cause the animal to retreat., but the fact still remains that the vitals must be hit to provide an instant mobility or lethal damage stop.
most people under stress can,t hit crap, and just shoot in the general direction of a threat, and you'll be lucky in most cases to get off more than one or two shots on a charging bear.
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(1)call and talk to the local game department biologist, and game wardens
ask about what the bears eat in your area, at this time of year,
and where they travel, and population density's
(2) get a topo map of the areas you intend to hunt (get out and scout and start exercising)
(3) personally Id suggest you use a high quality scope , with decent low light optics ,
on a rifle that has at least about 2700 ft lbs of energy with a 150-250 grain bullet
think 270 win, 308 win,358 win or a bit more.
(4)practice shooting from field positions, not off a bench rest , once the rifles zeroed in correctly
(5)get a copy of the local hunting regulations
(6) learn bear anatomy
(7) bears have a great nose, use scent killer on clothes and boots

black_bear_walking_photo-1.jpg


https://www.fieldandstream.com/answ...est-way-hunt-black-bears-without-baiting-them

https://www.outdoorlife.com/blogs/hunting/2013/08/how-hunt-bear-without-bait-or-dogs
https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6584676#post6584676


https://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6584676#post6584676
http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=480 Ruger&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/6...gh-476-diameter-325-grain-flat-nose-gas-check

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...-the-reluctance-to-use-cast-projectiles.9875/

while its certainly not in the 500 S&W power class its also not going to cost that much and since I know that even a properly loaded 44 mag throwing a 310 grain hard cast bullet at 1200 fps punches clean through an ELKS chest, the larger ruger bullet (.476 vs .430-44 mag) certainly has a slight edge in power.

youll need a durable functional holster
with any decent quality hunting revolver, youll need a durable functional holster
https://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html

btw if you buy the holster buy this belt youll need it with that holster
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07PDBK6J7/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
opplanet-desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0-fdfeff.jpg



http://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html
$77
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http://www.opticsplanet.com/desantis-right-hand-black-black-mamba-m40ba05z0.html
just a comparison here of
commonly used revolver cast bullet hand loads
for hunting,Id point out that operator skill and experience matters a great deal.
even the properly hand loaded 357 mag will prove lethal to deer and hogs and even elk in skilled hands,
but its generally considered marginal on the larger game at ranges over 50 yards

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357 mag .357 diam......170 grain projectile at 1400 fps 750 ft lbs
http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

41 mag....410 diam.....210 grain projectile at 1400 fps 914 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=41 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
44 mag....430 diam.....310 grain projectile at 1300 fps 1160 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44 Magnum&Weight=300&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

these last five will take a great deal more practice as muzzle blast,and recoil levels are noticeable, the 480 rugers a great compromise between power and recoil

445 DWSM mag....430 diam.....310 grain projectile at 1570fps 1690 ft lbs

http://sixguns.com/tests/tt445sm.htm

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=445 Supermag&Weight=All&type=Handgun

454 cassul....454 diam.....335 grain projectile at 1500 fps 1675 ft lbs

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=454 Casull&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Source

460 S&W......454 diam. 360 grain projectile at 1600 fps 2046 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=460 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

480 ruger.....476 diam......325 grain projectile at 1375 fps 1365 ft lbs

http://handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=480 Ruger&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=

500 S&W.....500 diam. 400 grain projectile at 1600 fps 2274 ft lbs

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All

http://garage.grumpysperformance.co...ns-power-accuracy-effective-range-cost.13280/
 
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at times I can,t help but grin at the discussions I read through on the internet ,
look at the energy figures and bullet weights being quoted for those big bore revolvers,
everything up to and including elephants and cape buffalo have been taken with those big bore revolvers,
if your paying attention youll see 350 grain to 500 grain bullets from the various calibers,
pushed to generally under 2000 fps and generally under 2500 ft lbs of energy
(sometimes well under) were used.



now think about all the discussions you read discussing, the suitability of certain rifle calibers, for use on deer elk etc.
most of them having far higher energy levels
and much greater range and accuracy,

making many of the stated conclusions in those discussions ludicrous
a thinking hunter will be forced to conclude that the weapon used,
is not the limitation its been thought to be,
but rather the hunter and his skill with that weapon in hand ,
and his familiarity with its strong points or limitations,
should be the point in those discussions.
then if you remember your history youll remember that 60 million plus American bison were killed with rifles like the 45/70 and 50 sharps , both of which pushed heavy bullets at WELL under 1600 fps in normal factory ammo.
the 500 S&W revolver and its ammo ,can easily duplicate or exceed the civil war era sharps rifle ballistics.

modern "HUNTERS" have become far less skilled, at getting close to game, knowing its anatomy, and much more dependent on technology rather than hunting skill.
 
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the AMMO used has a HUGE effect on the results, because ONLY the bullet and its correct placement will directly effect the target,
so selecting a caliber also requires selecting the correct ammo.Ive found that ammo makes a huge difference in a glock 20 accuracy
Ive also found the better aftermarket 6" barrels DO aid accuracy, and BLUE DOT powder and a 180 grain seem to be a sweet combo in my pistol
Glock2010mm1.jpg

theres now a factory 10mm glock and aftermarket glock 6" and 9" barrel versions
http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=852672&CAT=240


http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Products.aspx?CAT=240


http://cz-usa.com/product/dan-wesson-rz-10-sportsman/
DAN WESSON AND OTHERS MAKE REALLY NICE HUNTING AUTOS IN 10MM
http://chuckhawks.com/eaa_witness_10mm.htm

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http://www.lonewolfdist.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=942

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/197373 ... box-of-100

http://www.doubletapammo.com/php/catalo ... 1e62ab7005

http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/defau ... er&Source=
 
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https://www.shootersforum.com/handgun-cartridges/46256-357-mag-takes-elk.html

I got asked if a 6" 357 revolver might be a good choice for deer and hog hunting?
well I've used my 8" S&W 686 357 mag revolver,

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several times with good results, but Id have too point out that the bullet you use and the shot placement will have a huge effect on your results.
its not a lack of power or accuracy that limits the 357 mag, as both the 357 mag and 44 mag I've used with hard cast bullets commonly shoot completely through deer and hogs and exit the far side from broad side angle shots, but the larger heavier bullets of the 44 mag, 445 DWSM, and 500 S&W do have a noticeable advantage from the results I've seen)
I've used hard cast 170 grain bullets and they are fully up to the job in skilled hands.
I think youll be best served to think of hunting with any revolver as being a bit like archery hunting ,in that even a perfectly hit and mortally wounded animal is unlikely to drop instantly on bullet impact, and a short trailing job is common.
Yes you can and may frequently get "DEAD RIGHT THERE" results but they are not to be expected, as the norm.
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a good knowledge of a deers or elks anatomy is also mandatory ,
remember an arrow or revolver bullet kills by rapid blood loss and critical organ failure,so accurate hits are mandatory for rapid results
you can,t just slice, or punch holes in random parts of the games anatomy and get rapid kills.
some of the faster velocity rifle bullets , and larger diameter pistol bullets add an additional factor, of hydro-static shock , especially when a bullet impacts at about 2200 fps- or higher velocity and it has either a flat melpat (nose or it expands on impact)
, theres an energy shock wave that travels through the internals and this crushes and rips tissue the bullet itself never touched.

deer-anatomygh.jpg


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http://www.neihandtools.com/catalog/index.html
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a properly placed shot with good ammo will be lethal, theres no question there ,
but the fact is that many people are not excellent handgun shots and many people don,t use the best available ammo nor do they hand load or practice constantly.
I've made what I thought were perfectly placed shots with a 357 mag and had deer run off as if un-touched , only to watch them drop stone dead after running 70-80 yards a few times, so Id suggest the 41 mag and 44 mag are a bit better choices.
(but lets keep that in perspective with the time that takes, a frightened & MORTALLY wounded deer can often cover that distance in well under 12 seconds)
Thus I would suggest that having used one,(a 357 mag with hard cast bullets) and also having used the 44 mag with a lee 310 grain hard cast that theres been a rather noticeable improvement in how rapidly , AND FREQUENTLY,the bullets impact had effect with the larger and heavier projectile, GOT MARGINALLY BETTER RESULTS.
both CALIBERS ARE, 100% lethal, WITH WELL PLACED HITS, but the time it takes for a deer or hog to drop will obviously depend mostly on proper shot placement and what organs or internal damage is done so having a larger projectile with more energy certainly won,t hurt your effective results if the shot placements not ideal!

357 mag
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun
41 mag
http://www.handloads.org/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=41 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
44 mag
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=44 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun
445 DWSM
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/t...&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
500 S&W
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=500 SqqqW Magnum&Weight=All
 
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I got a call from my friend Jack a few hours ago, he told me he got his first hog this season using a S&W 357 mag revolver similar to these pictures
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personally Id prefer 1400 fps with a hard cast gas check bullet at about 175 grains cast from 95% Linotype and 5% pure tin, if I hand-load a 357 mag revolver for hunting,
but having shot completely through several large hogs and deer with my 8.375" barrel length, 357 mag revolver
13 grains of accurate #9 (work up to this slowly its a max load)a jacketed 180 grain maxs out at 11.7 grains
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the mod 686 S&W with the same length barrel, also works


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just a point worth knowing, a 8" barrel, 357 mag revolver loaded with hard cast bullets,
like the 175 grain bullet like the NEI design above over a stiff load of h110,
accurate #9
or 2400 powder is remarkably effective.
(use a heavy crimp, and practice frequently)

shot placements critical , but don,t for an instant think a 357 mag is under powered in skilled hands, it does not pack the punch of a 44 mag or the larger bores buts is well documented in longer barrel lengths to be lethal.

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/rev...s-test/#357mag

http://www.neihandtools.com/catalog/index.html


Id say that if your not killing what your shooting your simply not hitting the vitals
a load like that will certainly punch holes in any bears skull as it punches through and exits many hogs
and the chest gristle plate and breaking bones is rather tough
if you doubt the penetration, load some up with bullets youve cast and test them as listed
cast with that alloy and load some up for testing, compare penetration to anything else,
in a easily carried hand gun, the load easily out penetrates 200 grain 10mm in my glock
in this video he got full penetration of a bear skull with comparatively low quality ammo in the 357 revolver
, the hard cast hand load I suggested penetrates noticeably better and more consistently

https://cdn.gun-tests.com/media/pdfs...AL-DEFENSE.pdf

https://gunblast.com/MilesFortis-AKC...uffaloBore.htm

http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=125_179&product_id=336

have you considered a 44 mag or 480 ruger?



(an excellent choice if your convinced you need more than a 44 mag, would be the 480 ruger or 445 DWSM)
dwsmwbraker.png


an keep in mind, a 44 mag with 310 grain hard cast bullets will kill anything in north america including the largest bears with decent shot placement and a knowledge of the games anatomy


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I asked how it worked out, and Jack said he had no problem,
he had rapidly double tapped a large boar about 40 yards out, one shot hit the chest high over the heart,as the hog reacted, too the first bullet impact, the second hit angled in from the rear rib angling forward into a lung, the hog squealed and ran but dropped inside of 30 yards.
I asked what load he used ,
it was a common 10.4 grains of blue dot under a hard cast 158 grain bullet.
THIS is an exceptionally accurate load in my 357 mag
15 grains of 2400 powder guive you about 150 fps more velocity with the same 158 grain hard cast bullet but in my revolver the groups at 50 yards go from about 2" with the blue dot to 3" with the 2400, and I know jack had similar results (YOU MAY OR MAY NOT)

he said the only real difficulty was in dragging the hog over 1200 yards to a dirt road.
theres always a trade-off in easy handling and your individual ability to handle recoil, the 357 mag allows a practiced shot to hit rapidly in succession,and ammo cost allows a good deal of practice, use of a more powerful revolver, where you might not be able to duplicate that rapidity with something like a 454 casul or 500 S&W, but the trade-off is the larger calibers hit noticeably harder.
I know several of the guys I hunt with have tried the 44 mag and 454 cassul and reverted to their 357 mag revolvers, as they are much easier to hit accurately with in the hands of the guys that don,t want to practice constantly every month and yet they still get the job done remarkably well!
a good knowledge of a deers or elks anatomy is also mandatory ,
remember an arrow or revolver bullet kills by rapid blood loss and critical organ failure,so accurate hits are mandatory for rapid results
you can,t just slice, or punch holes in random parts of the games anatomy and get rapid kills.
deer-anatomygh.jpg


deershot1.jpg


https://www.midsouthshooterssupply....t-mould-number-358156-38357-caliber-155-grain
http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun
BTW NEI makes a couple really effective molds for the 357 for hunting
158 grain
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I prefer the 170-175 grain versions
I find them more accurate and cast from 95% lead and 5% tin they penetrate noticeably better
use 16 grains of H110 powder

On a recent trip to the local range I brought my favorite hunting handguns, I use for hunting locally,
at least to my way of thinking a handgun is an easy to transport, and holster compatible firearm,
that is not expected to be used at anything over about 150 yards.
these are very effective in dense cover where a rifle tends to be more difficult to use.
once your hand loaded ammo is easily able to penetrate big game easily from all reasonable angles and reasonable ranges,
with at least some consistent expansion and easily exit power increases give marginal improvement from what I've seen.
many people who are unfamiliar with handguns may be amazed at the effective lethality in skilled hands.
its been my experience, that if you hunt with a mag revolver, at closer ranges its a bit like archery hunting,
you can expect game to run when hit, but unlike archery, the distances are generally not great.
larger and heavier bullets may not be more lethal but you tend to get a faster reaction and less distance traveled.
and a friend brought his S&W 500 mag , all were loaded with gas check hard cast ammo I hand loaded
all the loads are well tested on game over the last few years and accurate in those revolvers
we generally sight in at about 2" high at 75 yards as thats about the max range we see in the thick brush in this area.
for the few guys that hunt with a 357 mag, revolver,
Ive very successfully, used a 357 mag with lyman 170 grain bullets over 13 grains of H110 powder.
but there's been an obvious difference not in lethality,
a good hits almost certainly lethal,

but in many cases in how far a well hit deer or hog ran ,
hit a hog in the neck or head and it drops, heart/lung shots are lethal but you get a death run,
deer shot in the heart/lung area, generally, run but go nose first in mid flight, after a few seconds
after bullet impact, results very but seemed to marginally favor the heavier bullet weights
you rarely get instant kills, but most well hit game I've shot rarely makes it 20-30 yards
all these revolvers have the bullet mass and velocity to push a hard cast gas check bullet fast enough,
to be very effective PROVIDED you place your shots well and know the anatomy of the game.
once you get good with a 44 mag or larger revolver I don,t see a big advantage in going much larger,
the 44 mag and 445 DWSM easily shoot clear through most game and exit,
and while theres zero doubt a 454 cassul or 460 mag or 480 ruger or 500 mag hit harder,
I don,t see a big difference in lethality they all work .



for anyone who cares
in my 44 mag
I used a 21 grain charge of H110 under a LEE 310 grain hard cast 44 cal. bullet seated out to the lower crimp groove

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/5...cf-430-diameter-310-grain-flat-nose-gas-check
MOLD DC C 430-310-RF
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the 44 mag silhouette with the adjustable front site and 10 5/8" barrel
293ss&w.jpg

YES IT REQUIRES a shoulder holster to use comfortably
10sho.jpg

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vrhl5.jpg

4144r.jpg

carty.gif



44magcarb.jpg

Ive also used and own a 10" dan wesson 445 super mag
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the same 310 grain lee bullet over 30 grains of h110 powder works rather well.
deer-anatomyghkl.jpg


we found that a 20 grain charge of BLUE DOT powder under a lee 440 grain gas check bullet,
to give very accurate results in his 7.5" 500 mag and it certainly devastates hogs
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1010200848?pid=266944
500s&w.jpg


http://www.neihandtools.com/catalog/index.html

http://www.guns.com/2015/10/07/is-the-357-magnum-enough-for-deer-hunting/

http://www.castbullet.com/hunting/th.htm

http://www.realtree.com/guns-and-shooting/articles/get-into-handgun-hunting

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2013/9/6/the-almost-forgotten-357-mag/
 
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I'm sure there's several members here that have extensive experience hunting with larger bore size revolvers,
and I'd like them to post their experiences.
but I'll put my 2 cents worth in as I've been hunting with larger bore size revolvers and cast bullets for over 45 years now.
you may or may not agree with my experience, but before you discount that experience ,
keep in mind, I'm taking the time here, mostly because, I see a good many people who don,t seem to grasp the strong and weak points of using a common iron sight equipped, revolver as a tool to hunt with effectively, so while your experience may differ and you may want to add, too this thread, or discuss a few points I doubt you'll find too much to argue with.
first, Id strongly suggest you may want to think of an iron sight revolver as a fairly short range proposition, as its very rare in my experience to find someone who can consistently ,(and from field positions )place their first shot, out at ranges past about 100 yards in a 6" paper plate
(simulating a large game vital area.) this limits the range most people can ethically use a revolver and make consistent kills.
within reasonable limits power is not a serious issue as even a properly loaded 357 mag can, and certainly a properly loaded 44-50 caliber hard cast bullet will, deliver a lethal wound out at 100 yards if the person using it has the skills to accurately place his shots and knows the targets anatomy.
theres always a compromise between, accuracy, bullet weight, velocity , and recoil, generally you'll want too use a heavy projectile for caliber thats moving at least 1200 fps-1600 fps.
keep in mind you can,t predict the range or conditions under which you'll get a shot at game, and it will rarely be a well defined, well lighted , stationary target
I,ve seen several deer and hogs , very effectively killed, almost every year, with a 357 mag or 41 mag,and 44 mag, revolvers,
that were properly loaded.
once you can easily and consistently punch holes completely through the intended game, and leave exits, from most angles and from reasonable ranges added power gains you little more.
even the older standard magnums , if loaded properly, have a very good record, so you certainly don,t need a 454 casull or 500 magnum

one of the big and rather common mistakes I see are guys that are either not familiar with the revolver they hunt with, or not practicing regularly, most would be hard pressed too place two consecutive shots on a stationary 6" paper plate at 80 yards from field positions in under 6 seconds.
Id strongly suggest you select a 357 mag, 41 mag, or a 44 mag rather than a more powerful revolver until you've mastered the art of consistent and accurate hand gun use ,
(if you can,t consistently place 2-3 shots on a 6" paper plate , in under 10-12 seconds ,from field positions,
out at hunting ranges you need much more practice,
and for darn sure the first shot better be on the plate.)
If your going to hunt with a revolver , you need to practice regularly and it helps a great deal if you hand-load and cast your own bullets.
gas check bullet designs cast from 95% WW alloy and 5% pure tin works exceptionally well.
bullets sized and well lubed, at least .001 over bore diam tend to be more accurate.
barrel lengths between 6"-10" with iron sights are generally preferred.
but the key to successful hunting, is the skill of the person using the revolver, and his ability to get close to game and how effectively he can place shots on vital anatomy.


357 mag= 158 grain-180 grain
41 mag= 220 grain-250 grain
44 mag= 270 grain-320 grain
45 caliber -300 grain-350 grain
480 caliber 350 grain-400 grain
50 caliber 400 grain-480 grain
 
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I recently took one of the younger guys out to a rural area to practice handgun shooting , because he purchased his first hunting hand gun, I brought my long barrel 44 mag that Ive used for decades,
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he purchased a ruger, super red hawk in caliber 454 cassul,
long before he purchased the revolver we discussed his options, I told him as a first gun that purchasing a 454 cassul was a flashing neon light mistake, and at a minimum, he should purchase some 45 LC ammo to get used to the gun , with, as full power 454 ammo is something even a few experience hand gunners have difficulty with....but the guy at the local gun shop had assured him it was exactly what he needed......I think the $1075 he paid was the most important factor in the sales guys judgement call on what needed to be sold or used.
as I generally suggest new hunters start with a 41 mag, 45LC, or 357 mag or 44 mag with at least a 6" barrel and 7.5"-8" preferred for the local deer and hogs.
theres not a thing walking in florida one of those caliber revolvers won,t kill effectively if you shoot well.

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theres not a thing wrong with the gun, itself, and if hes willing too put in the time and probably get into reloading he should be ok.
but its certainly not a good choice , in my opinion, too have a new hunter unfamiliar with larger bore revolvers, learn accurate revolver shooting with.
especially if you don,t start with 45LC ammo until you master the basics
on the plus side I had a box of 45 colt reloads in my shop so I brought those along, he bought some full power 454 cassul ammo.
I suggested we start with a few, bio-degradable clay skeet targets,

https://www.walmart.com/ip/White-Flyer-Biodegradable-Targets-Orange-90pk/16767630
39d34758-8763-442a-87f4-5d329b3a54ff_1.f0d5e0b3c7dd1afe87de34351dee2586.jpeg


I placed a dozen clay birds on a canal bank berm, at maybe 30 feet away as targets.. we put on hearing protection ear muffs,
.I did not expect him to consistently break many , if any.
I had him start with the mild 45 colt ammo and he found even that level of noise and recoil hard too control.
I let him try my 44 mag and you could see he was hesitating and reluctant, but remember this is the first major caliber hunting revolver he ever owned, he decided he wanted to try the full power 454 ammo, I suggested he only load one cartridge at first and I think we were both glad.. at the shot the revolver flipped in his grip and was pointing at his head, and he stated he felt like he might have sprained his finger......I tried a couple shots with the full power ammo and its brisk but certainly not un-controllable by any stretch, but again as a first choice on a first revolver... not ideal... and yeah I will re-load the cases at a much more reasonable power level for him, untill he masters control, accuracy and consistency, and slowly work up as he gains experience and skill.

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/when-your-good-or-lucky.8708/#post-30675
 
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If you've ever dropped an elk in some canyon you'll very rapidly come to the rather obvious conclusion that packing his recently deceased butt out, is a major undertaking.
the key to almost all hunting is using your experience and logic to think through your options.
elkout.jpg


transporting a dead elk even in sections out of that canyon,
is not easy even if you have a buddy available to help out!
for many of us that generally means youll dress out and pack out the meat on foot,
with a back-pack, as most of us don,t have horses or mules.
if you have a back pack with a 60-80 lb load of the choicer portions of a recently killed elk, you'll be reluctant to make the several return trips,
to the elk carrying a large and heavy rifle you no longer really need, but you will in many areas also not want to travel totally un-armed,
into what could very likely be an area that may attract predators.
you'll want too get the elk hung up out of the reach of the local wild life and that requires planing , a large aspen and a block & tackle are certainly at times useful.
in all the years I've hunted , I've only had occasion to come back on subsequent return trips to fine a bear on the site twice,
and both times the bears decided that I was a P.I.T.A. but they vacated the area rapidly once we were identified ad human.
from what I read thats NOT always the outcome and having the weapons to defend oneself , in a dispute over meat ownership, is not a bad idea.
thus having a decent handgun rather than the bulky rifle might be a smarter option,
your unlikely to need it but if its needed the ranges will be short and rapidly getting shorter.
miniblock.jpg

http://crosscreektrading.com/shop/hoists/
yes I pack it in and use it to lift ELK but the one I own is rated at 1000 lbs
and while small its lifted dozens of large elk over the years
while $85 for an elk hoist, seems high priced ,
its a damn bargain and youll understand why ,
once its used a few times


Cross-Creek-Trading-001.jpg

Cross Creek Trading Co.
225 Bowes Road
Chinook, MT 59523

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this woodsman (above) and the sharp finger (below),are both a darn good value in a skinning and dressing game knife,
both work, you may prefer one vs the other,
but both get the job done and at the very low price,
you could buy both and give the one you don,t prefer to a son or friend
youll find either available under $29 if you shop carefully

sharpfinger.jpg

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/832351/lansky-tactical-collapsible-diamond-rod-knife-sharpener
youll need a handy blade sharpener no mater what blades you select.
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many of the guys I hunt with simply carry the same pistol they carry daily for concealed carry .
(provided its got some punch like a 357 mag,45 acp, 10 mm )
you certainly don,t want to try stopping a bear with a 380, or similar pocket pistol.
your chances of needing it may be very low... but if you do you damn sure better have something substantially lethal, accurate and 100%
reliable



kind of reminds me of the old joke

new guy asked an old Alaskan guide if he though the 4" single action 38 pistol he had on his hip would be a good defensive side arm on KODIACK island
the old guide looks the pistol over slowly and says
"IF I WAS YOU..
Id file down both that front sight and hammer spur quite a bit before I tried that out"

the new hunter asked why? ..is it to make it faster on the draw?
the guide smiles and says
naw, its just so it won,t hurt quite so much.... when some 800 lb bear shoves it up your ASS!





S&W 1006 10mm
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YES IT REQUIRES a shoulder holster to use comfortably

uncles mike holster charts

http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/opticsplanet/uncle-mike-holster-chart.pdf

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heres a quick memory jog list, for hunt day pack
(remember you might be forced to stay out over night, & weather is unpredictable)
skinning knife
kukri
compact blade sharpener
compass
area topo maps
canteen
licences
cell phone
several lighters
several mil surplus trioxane heat tabs
granola bars
rain poncho
2 gallon zip lock bags
small block & tackle hoist & rope(50 ft parachute cord)
spare ammo
heavy hoodie jacket
large plastic tarp
aspirin
Oxycontin
lip chapstick
water purification tablets, or filter/pump
down vest
gps
pack of wetnaps
toilet paper
emergency food
on your belt
large knife or light tomahawk, or kukuri
the cold steel (TRAIL MASTER, or ( KUKRI) are good choices
canteen


anything that could get screwed up if you fall in a creek like medicine, licences, cell phones etc. gets double zip loc bagged

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/back-packs.2809/#post-72534

http://garage.grumpysperformance.com/index.php?threads/elk-hunting-tips.1095/page-2#post-82790
 
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just as a point of discussion, why not discuss why you might select the 460 over the 500 S&W revolver
theres no right or wrong, just a different outlook.
now obviously either cartridge has significantly more than the power required,TO DEVASTATE GAME.
how you intend to use the revolver and how long a barrel your willing to select has an effect on most peoples choices,
and theres no question that the 460 has a bit flatter trajectory,especially if you select a 10" or longer barrel.
and while theres zero question to either caliber revolver choices, lethality in skilled hands,....
HOW YOU VIEW HUNTING WITH A REVOLVER COME'S INTO PLAY, WITH YOUR CHOICE!
if your willing to select a barrel over about 8.375" long many guys feel its almost like carrying a carbine , not a pistol.
I've had that discussion several dozen times and I've got several friends who own one or both.caliber revolvers
it seems that the guys that want to use iron sights or red dot sights and under a 9" BARREL,
AND WANT TOO USE A CHEST OR SHOULDER HOLSTER.
and those guys that don,t intend to hunt,at ranges over about 120 yards almost always go the 500 S&W route.
those that want that longer reach go the 460 route,
THEY MOSTLY USE A SCOPE AND A SHOULDER SLING
Ive used both caliber revolvers and shot enough targets to, find I prefer a 500.
yes you can, get a flatter potential trajectory with the 460,
while its certainly not a universally shared , concept,
I don,t see the value , in pushing any hand gun to extreme range while hunting game,
if you can,t place all your shots in a 6" circle, using a rifle or hand gun.... get closer.
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uncles mike holster charts
http://lib.store.yahoo.net/lib/opticsplanet/uncle-mike-holster-chart.pdf

https://www.chuckhawks.com/460_SW_Mag.htm
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https://www.chuckhawks.com/50sw.htm
but I PERSONALLY would not hand-load either cartridge to near its full power potential,
why subject yourself to the increased and un necessary, recoil and noise,
as even under loaded either cartridge has more than adequate power.
I do a good deal of hand-loading for both caliber revolvers, and I don,t even own either one yet
I load a lee 440 grain in the 500
https://www.midwayusa.com/s?targetLocation=%2F_%2FN-0%2B4294943870%3FNp%3D2%26Nr%3DAND%2528p_visible%253A1%252Ccustomertypeid%253A1%2529%26Nrpp%3D48%26Ntpc%3D1%26Ntpr%3D1%26Ntt%3Dlee%2Bbullet%2Bmolds&userItemsPerPage=48&persistedItemsPerPage=0
and a lyman 325 grain in the 460
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/7...er-452-diameter-325-grain-flat-nose-gas-check
around here on deer and hogs either has worked very well.
Ive generally loaded the 50 cal 440 grain to about 1300 fps
Ive loaded the 460 caliber 325 grain to about 1500 fps
neither is near max velocity but both are very accurate.
its nice to hear about other peoples reasoning,for choices they made,
as it gets people too think through their potential choices
and yeah I have had lots of guys tell and show me that the reason they purchased a 460 S&W,
was the theoretical ability to shoot 45 colt and 454 cassul cartridges in the 460 S&W..
with the same dismal results , due in part to the much longer jump into the forcing cone,
hand loading milder loads in the 460 case, (AND the 500 S&W for that mater) is the way to go for accuracy
a 350 grain hard cast gas check bullet at 1000-1500 fps will kill damn near anything within reasonable ranges
and at far lower noise and recoil level than the full power factory loads,
after having killed an elk with a 44 mag years ago with a hard cast 310 grain gas check bullet,
and having that bullet exit,after passing through the elks vitals
it became rather obvious to me that hand gun power levels that greatly exceeded the 44 mag were not ,
going to provide a huge improvement in lethality.
now thats not in any way suggesting a 445 DWSM, 480 ruger, 454 cassul, 460 or 500 S&W are not very useful,
but as always shot placement and a knowledge of the games anatomy,
and the shooters ability to accurately place shots is critical.

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-...ndW-Mag-Brass/

https://www.starlinebrass.com/brass-...ndW-Mag-Brass/
 
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a video worth watching, keep in mind BOTH revolvers can have the penetration increased significantly with the proper bullet and alloy selected,
a 370-410 hard cast in the 460,
and a 440-510 grain hard cast in the 500 mag,
can provide impressive and consistent results
but the larger diam of the 500 provides more shock effect on game,
simply due to its larger surface area destroyed.
Id also point out that you really don't need this power level,
but it never hurts if you have access and required skills
a good shot using a 44 mag with 310 grain hard cast bullets,
can shoot through an elk and have the bullets exit,
after destroying the games vitals.

44 caliber


50 caliber


https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...um-501-diameter-440-grain-flat-nose-gas-check
 
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I recently read a question and answer on a hunting web site

question
" how do you guys hunt with a 44 mag handgun,
I tried sighting one in a friend owns
I shoot a couple cartridges and my nerves are shot,
and my wrists and palms hurt"


youll love the first posted answer I saw

.
.
.
.
.
.
"quote...

" the solutions rather simple
put the revolver down,...
and ask your 120 lb 18 year old girl friend,
to sight in the revolver, for you":D

I read that and I literally laughed until I had tears:D
 
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