I have only shot one deer with a revolver at 50 yrds. and I, personnally, wouldn't shoot at one much further. (I'm not saying others shouldn't, just that I was only comfortable at shooting that distance with open sights) The pistol I used was a S&W 686, 8.5inch brl and open sight in 357 mag.

I would like to get something larger, say a 44 mag revolver and put a scope on it someday to hunt deer with.

Crackshot wrote:

Sorry dude! That qualifys as a short rifle, Not a REAL handgun. Im talking about handguns chambered in Handgun calibers, 45acp, 460 Rowland, 45 Super, 357 magnum 41 magnum, 44 magnum, 440 Corbon, 454 casull, 480 Ruger, 475 Wildey......................

OK how about a Smith & Wesson Model 29 44 mag? I think the barrel is 7.5-8 inches. It sure does a number on hogs!!

TOUCHE outlawlineman.

Gotchya Crackster. (How are you feeling now mate...all better?)

Cheers, Vince

Crackshot wrote:

Are you hunting (big game)with a Revolver or semiautomatic hand cannon? What are you useing and why? Im useing my old standby Desert eagle 44 mag with 10" barrel and Leupold M8 2X scope.

I don't intentionally hunt with a handgun, however, I carry one when hiking, riding or guiding. My "go to" revolver for this is an old model Vaquero in 45 Colt, 4 5/8" or a FA, same chambering, 5 1/2". I prefer fixed sights and a compact revolver as I consider most useage is going to be short range, 50yds or under and I prefer the reliability of the single action. Over the past 15 years I've killed two black bear and two bull elk with the above handguns, all under 50yds. And a number of coyotes, too.

The load I prefer is a 280gr GC, flat meplat, cast hard from Bear Tooth in Idaho. I begin using this when I compared it to the 250gr XTP, both at around 1,200fps. The cast bullet out penetrated the jacketed, but, the real surprise was that the old obsolete 45 Colt also held its own against my FA in 454 Casull!

Some testing has confirmed for me that a big cast bullet at moderate velocity often does outperform higher velocity in terms of penetration. Velocity does, however, get the shooter more useage range, but, that is not a consideration for me. Too, I believe with the 45 caliber chamberings that penetration is a priority over expansion.

Vince, I have an appointment with my heart specaliast Thursday to find out why Im get hit with Congestive Heart failure every time I wiggle.
Thats more like it Outlawlineman.
I have taken White tailes out to 125 yards with a 44 magnum a few times with excellent results.

Crackshot wrote:

Vince, I have an appointment with my heart specaliast Thursday to find out why Im get hit with Congestive Heart failure every time I wiggle. Thats more like it Outlawlineman. I have taken White tailes out to 125 yards with a 44 magnum a few times with excellent results.

That doesn't sound real good mate. Does it look like this is going to be a major ongoing problem?

There is a way to stop this you know......DON'T BLOODY WIGGLE mate !!!

Seriously though...take it easy matter, kick back, put your feet up and rest. Hang in there mate...we will all do the work here for you. All you gotta do is skowl or laugh at the appropriate time.

Cheers, Vince

Though I have taken deer with my XP100 (120-grain Hornady SSP in 7mm BR) and T/C Contenders (in both 10" .44 Magnum and 14" .35 Remington chamberings) my favorites for revolver hunting as well as convenience of carry are my Super Blackhawk .44 Magnum (5 1/2" changed to the "Dragoon" frame and steel ejector rod housing plus other modifications) and Dan Wessons (again .44 Mag in 6"). Depending on just how much carrying the DW gets determines whether I put the vent-rib or the heavy-vent rib barrels on.

Using the .44s, I have had very good luck with cast LBT-style bullets in the 270 to 300 grain range. The 270-grain version has zipped completely through a medium sized whitetail buck at 70 yards, breaking a shoulder and continuing through the rest of the body cavity to exit through the opposite-side hip. More bullet than needed for whitetail, but it will handle any reasonable shot offered without worrying about bone.

Welcome aboard SingleShotLover...You HAVE pulled up a stump and grabbed a beer haven't you?

Crackpo...Aah...shot...Don't do nothing dumb now...You just read and type until this blows over...I would be a bit careful about laughing. You might giggle a little maybe...

Thanks for the welcome, Bushmaster...and I do tend to get a bit long-winded. Sorry about that.

Long winded?? You wouldn't be the only one here that gits a bit long in the tongue...

Hi all... I currently use a Ruger Super Redhawk in 454 with a 2x fixed Wever scope on it. I use both +p 45 Colt loads as well as 454 loads (that I can handle...). It's a fun gun to shoot...makes a big boom.

I also use a T/C contender in 44 mag with a 10" barrel. I have a pachmyer grip on it. I've had it since 1979. I used to use it in AZ.

Bushmaster wrote:

Welcome aboard SingleShotLover...You HAVE pulled up a stump and grabbed a beer haven't you? Crackpo...Aah...shot...Don't do nothing dumb now...You just read and type until this blows over...I would be a bit careful about laughing. You might giggle a little maybe...

I shoulda thought of that Bushy...a good gut laugh could do our old mate a real mischief. OK Crackster...as Bushy says...giggling only till this problem is resolved mate.

Back on topic...reading all of the posts on this subject has me fretting for my .357 Mag 586 S & W and my 30.30 Contender. I had worked out loads that were "solid and very accurate for both pistols.

I would love to be able to hunt with a pistol, however we are not allowed to hunt with a pistol in Australia. I have "heard" of the odd individual who has taken roos at 100+ metres with a .357 Mag revolver though.

Cheers, Vince

I generally use a Redhawk 45 Colt with 7.5 inch barrel and an encore in 375 jdj, they are both HANDGUNS.

Vince are you the same gentlemen who used to live in Alaska, I remember seeing other sites you were on.

I saw that Vince and have made note.... By the by, the Contender 30-30 will out do the 94 carbine by 200 FPS in the 14" version, it is a stronger action.

I thought this thread folded a long time ago. I guess Bushy kept it going to get a few more posts in. This is my 30-30.
Ed

Tiny li'l thang ain't it....