Best beginner Handgun Hunting Gun?

[RKBAHolsters]

Well, I think I am serious this time about becoming at least a part time handgun hunter.

I've had and sold the following: TC Contender .35Rem, Lone Eagle 30.06, a few Ruger Super Redhawks in both .44mag and .480ruger.


I want a gun that will be mainly be used for tree stand hunting with ranges not to exceed 175 yards.  I will probably stick to game the size of mule deer or smaller.

My criteria for a gun:

Brass easily available.
Bullet choices plentiful.
The less noise the better (no brakes).
Break action or revolver.
Less than 5lbs.
175yds plus or minus for range.
Atleast .243 in caliber
Gun and scope less than $500.


I currently reload .44mag, .45ACP, .223 and .308

So what do you guys recommend?  TC Contender/Encore/G2? Ruger SuperBlackhawk Hunter? ??

Help me I have an addiction, and it needs a fix.

Steve

[Varmint Hunter]

T/C Encore in .308win.
175yds is a fairly long way out there for a revolver. :lol:
Any of the bolt action pistols should fill the bill for treestand hunting and might be easier to shoot than the encore but are certainly harder to get into the holster.  :-D  

[Del]

480Ruger,
With your "wish list" of features etc.
I'd recommend one of the two handguns:
1)T/C Encore .308 Win.(can add barrels, but rear grip harder to shoot?)
2)Savage Striker .308 Win.(3 rnd. repeater & easier to shoot w/mid grip?)

A)Brass & bullets are VERY easy to find, plentiful, & wide range of weight!
B)Noise, w/power & distance comes noise.  I'd still recommend the brake!
C)Either one, ready to hunt, should be about 5 lbs.
D)Getting gun & scope (that will handle .308) for $500 will take some shopping.

With the right loads this will handle ground hogs to Moose!  I'd load a good 150 grn bullet for everything from ground hogs to deer, then move up to a Premium 180 grn for Elk and Moose!!

Go for it, I think you're on the right track!!!

Del

[Paul H]

I'll also put in a plug for the .308 encore.  You're already set up to re-load for it, and it'll fit your criteria to a T.  Well, guess it'll break the bank, as there won't be any funds for a scope though.

The only revolver flat enough shooting for that range is a 454.

[Mikey]

480:  Go with an Encore in the 308 caliber.  I am not a wild fan of the 308 but it will do what you are looking for your hunting handgun to do, and not break your wrist in the process.  The 308 cartridge will reach that distance on the game you identified.  

Since you already reload for the 308 you are one step ahead already.  Also, in the Contender/encore in 308, at those ranges you would not need expensive bullets to do the job, your handloads will do it just fine.  My brother has one of the Encores in 308 and the loads I work up for him, right from the Lyman 45th edition, cluster one hole at 100 yds, whether 150 or 180 grain.  In addition, at the distances you mentioned, round nose 180s might even be the most accurate bullet for you.

Further, using barrel inserts for lighter caliber cartridges with a 30 caliber bore diameter (such as the 7.62x25, 30 Luger, 32 auto) , or light handloads using cast bullets, you can shoot or practice all day enjoyably.  Hope this helps.  Buenos Luck.  Mikey.

[Graycg]

OK,
  I'll be different, try a contender in 7x30 or 30-30.  You might make your budget with a good scope.  You can get  dies, brass and bullets all cheaply.  You can make 7x30 brass from 30-30.  Lighter, cheaper and will kill the deer you want at the ranges specified.  You could also go with 357 Max at that range too as long as you loaded it right and used 180 or heavier bullets.

regards,
 Graycg

[RKBAHolsters]

I like all of the suggestions so far.

I think I'll start saving my pennies, and look for either an Encore in .308, or a Contender in either 7-30 or 30-30.

I really like what I have read about the 7-30, but am already set up to reload the .308.  Guess I could take the compromise 30-30, same bullets as the .308 and new dies and brass.

I'll keep you updated as money and guns become available.

thanks,
Steve

[HappyHunter]

Consider Encore in 25-06,  flat shooter, good bullet choice.

Even consider it big brother 30-06.

Both are accurate cartridges.

I load and shoot the 25-06 and will never get rid of this gun.   (15 inch with Elite 32 scope).

Fred

[Questor]

"Gun and scope less than $500"?  Try used contender with a 7x30 Waters barrel and a used scope. There are a couple of reliable sellers of used contenders, like Ed's Contenders.

[Del]

480 Ruger,
If you go with the 7X30 Waters or .30-30 Win. (tough choice, both are good).  One thing you have to think about is bullets.  A lot of the bullets in those calibers are designed for the .280 Rem. or .30-06, and will likely NOT expand with the slower 7X30 and .30-30 - especially at handgun velocities.  But, a couple of the bullet companies do make Single Shot Pistol bullets, or some people like to use the Nosler Ballistic Tips.

My first Contender barrel was a used Super 14" / .30-30 barrel, the previous owner had taken like 10-12 Pronghorn, Deer, & Dall Sheep size animals w/the Hornady 130 grn SSP bullet - and got excellent expansion & penetration.  The first hunt I took it on, I took a nice bull Caribou w/ Rem. 150 grn RN factory ammo - one shot from 75 yards put it down on the spot!  A hunting partner of mine had a 14" / 7X30 for some time and he liked the 120 grn Nosler BT, he said it was very effective on deer size critters!

I wanted to pass this on, since it seems you might be leaning towards one of these set-ups.

Good Hunting, Del

[ssmith_1187]

Boy.......this Illinois shooter sure is jealous.

Steve

[Gregory]

Boy.......this Illinois shooter sure is jealous.

Steve

Steve
You've got the 300 Whisper or 30 Bellm as a long range options here in the land of Lincoln.  
Greg