Author Topic: Automatic for hunting... (Read 1442 times)

DavOh · « **on:** February 22, 2007, 02:52:59 AM »

Anyone here use an auto for hunting? I know the general consensus is to us a revolver in 44 mag... but there are powerful cartridges like the .45 ACP that seem to me that would be adequate for whitetail, with accuracy being the vital component.

I'm considering using a handgun for hunting, but want to do it in more of a bowhunting type scenario with ranges maybe out to 40 yds.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2007, 03:25:48 AM »

Sure a 45 ACP could be used in it's effective range for deer. I think 40 yards is pushing it a little. The other thing is bullet selection. Also check your State laws on use of Semi-auto's.

Lone Star · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2007, 03:40:59 AM »

A big bore auto would work fine with the correct load. The 10mm Auto and the .45 WinMag come to mind as very good hunting cartridges for auto pistols....again with the right load. I'd opt for penetration over expansion in the .45ACP, but the 10mm and the WinMag have enough velocity to expand good bullets. I assume you are not interested in the huge Desert Eagle autos with true handgun hunting chamberings.

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Heavy C · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2007, 03:22:31 PM »

Consider the 460 Rowland. It's fairly straight forward to convert a 1911, provided you own one. Brownell's carries the drop-in kits. It does require a steel frame though. This round yields 44 mag performance out of a 5" barrel in a 1911. Pretty cool stuff if you ask me.

DavOh · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2007, 04:55:30 PM »

oh yeah... forgot to mention the only pistol i've handled was a 5 shot 22LR revolver... might oughta start small and train first before picking up a big boomer... :p

What is the recoil like in these so-called hunting rounds?

Heavy C · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2007, 05:39:23 PM »

It's difficult to describe recoil because of how it's perceived by different people. What might make me flinch may end up not even bothering you. The 45 ACP, 10mm, and the 460 Rowland I would have to say are not bad at all. Especially when fired from a semi-auto vs. a revolver. I have no experience with the 45 WinMag. If you have any buddies that own a 1911 and let you shoot it. Best way to know what it's like is to experience it.

S.B. · « **Reply #6 on:** February 23, 2007, 04:28:30 AM »

I've often considered a Desert Eagle in .44 mag. but have never owned one. Or of course, one of Dirty Harrys favorites, the Auto Mag?

Castaway · « **Reply #7 on:** February 23, 2007, 05:03:21 AM »

I'm a little prejudiced on this one. If you're talking hunting power, you're talking also talking significant recoil. In my opinion, you are limiting the flexibility of your purchase. An autoloader must be loaded within a fairly narrow window of pressure to operate. All loads must be full house. This means you don't have the option of loading down for other applications such as plinking or taking game where full powered loads aren't necessary. If you don't reload, a revolver in 44 Mag gives you the option of shooting 44 Spc ammunition. Ain't nothing wrong with the autoloader if you are willing to accept the limitations, but something I woudn't do.

S.B. · « **Reply #8 on:** February 23, 2007, 05:39:18 AM »

I don't load down much, anyway?

Lone Star · « **Reply #9 on:** February 23, 2007, 06:30:46 AM »

Quote

An autoloader must be loaded within a fairly narrow window of pressure to operate. All loads must be full house. This means you don't have the option of loading down for other applications such as plinking or taking game where full powered loads aren't necessary.

This simply isn't true. All it usually takes is a simple change of the recoil spring and low-level loads can function perfectly - at least for the recoil-operated actions. I don't know about the Desert Eagles and other gas-operated actions.

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Castaway · « **Reply #10 on:** February 23, 2007, 06:47:13 AM »

Can they shoot a 44 Spc?

redhawk500 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 23, 2007, 07:38:23 AM »

Quote from: DavOh on February 22, 2007, 02:52:59 AM

Anyone here use an auto for hunting? I know the general consensus is to us a revolver in 44 mag... but there are powerful cartridges like the .45 ACP that seem to me that would be adequate for whitetail, with accuracy being the vital component.

I'm considering using a handgun for hunting, but want to do it in more of a bowhunting type scenario with ranges maybe out to 40 yds.

I'd stick with "standard" weights and velocities of .45 ACP ammo for hunting, unless you want to take the time to change the spring set, no big deal, just start with a heavy recoil spring and firing pin spring, see if the pistol functions correctly, if not, reduce the weight until it does. Personally, I think it's too much trouble and just stick with premium manufactured ammo with my autos. My hunting choices would be loads between 200 and 230 grains, using JHPs such as Speed Gold Dots or Federal HydraShoks. I've taken two whitetail deer with JHPs, both under fity yards, but I don't take shots past that range. One nice thing about the .45 ACP, you can practice with cheaper 230 grain ball ammo and switch to JHPs with no new trajectory to get accustomed to. Some slight sight adjusts may be necessary. I like the .45 ACP round in revolver for hunting, no reliability changes with bullet shape changes to hassel with.

DavOh · « **Reply #12 on:** February 23, 2007, 03:08:18 PM »

I was just talking about this issue with a guy I work with today...

I pestered him to let me tag along to his gun club and play with his new Colt Commander 1911... just something I love about that tried and true design... Oh well, that's the beauty of our beloved past time.... daydreaming and window-planning....

corbanzo · « **Reply #13 on:** February 23, 2007, 06:30:16 PM »

The only thing that I really worry about for the autos is range, you have to be willing to go hunting, spend time to get the right shot if you are going to go with a .45acp, 10 mm, or the like. The big boys like the DE, or the rowland will extend your range, and if you expect to want to take over a 50 yard shot, make sure you have the gear to be prepared for that shot.

Maybe try some bowhunting to go along with the regular sized auto hunting pistols.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #14 on:** February 24, 2007, 01:08:35 AM »

I guess if you have to ask id respectably say dont. The 45acp and the 10mm and even the .40 sw will kill a deer but there best used by an experienced hadngunner that is a excellent shot and understands there capabilities in the field. But the catch 22 to this deal is an inexperienced handgunner has no business going into the field with a 44 mag either as it takes alot of shooting to master a hard kicking handgun. So i guess my recomendation is that you dont handgun hunt at all until you have mastered a handgun and by that time im sure you will have your own opinion as to what works and what doesnt. It takes about as much work to master a handgun as it does a bow and not to many people will telll you to go and buy a bow and go out hunting a week or two later. A guy can get away with it with a scoped rifle shooting at ranges under a 100 yards but a handgun or bow takes an aquired skill level to use humanely

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 24, 2007, 02:08:48 AM »

Lloyd Smale, your post should be a sticky, that way everyone can refer too it when the question comes up. I have heard the same question asked a thousand time, and we always have to give the answer you just gave. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind typing it or reading it, but I think anyone that has to ask the question is obviously not an experienced handgun hunter.
There is no substitute for experience.

DavOh · « **Reply #16 on:** February 24, 2007, 07:41:39 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on February 24, 2007, 02:08:48 AM

....anyone that has to ask the question is obviously not an experienced handgun hunter.

obviously so... :p

Quote from: Redhawk1 on February 24, 2007, 02:08:48 AM

There is no substitute for experience.

Can't argue with that....

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 24, 2007, 09:43:54 AM »

DavOh, I hope you did not take offence to any of what I said, it was not meant to be offensive toward you in any way.

DavOh · « **Reply #18 on:** February 24, 2007, 09:49:38 AM »

none taken...

anyone who takes offense at the truth, no matter how painful or embarrassing, has bigger things to be concerned with about themselves...

besides, a wise man only becomes wise by learning... I always surround myself with others smarter than myself...

Lone Star · « **Reply #19 on:** February 24, 2007, 09:52:15 AM »

It is easy for those of us with a lot of handgun hunting experience to forget that others want to do it too, and that includes those with little to no experience. Sometimes we* get too high and mightly about our pontifications (witness a few posts in this thread) - what is gained when we do that? Just the opposite - we risk alienating new hunters at a time when we need as many handgun hunters as possible. If we have to appologize for a post then we have probably stepped over the line. Perhaps before we post our next pontifications we should wait an hour before pushing the SEND button.

* Me too BTW!

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #20 on:** February 24, 2007, 10:30:50 AM »

Quote from: Lone Star on February 24, 2007, 09:52:15 AM

It is easy for those of us with a lot of handgun hunting experience to forget that others want to do it too, and that includes those with little to no experience. Sometimes we* get too high and mightly about our pontifications (witness a few posts in this thread) - what is gained when we do that? Just the opposite - we risk alienating new hunters at a time when we need as many handgun hunters as possible. If we have to appologize for a post then we have probably stepped over the line. Perhaps before we post our next pontifications we should wait an hour before pushing the SEND button.

* Me too BTW!

I don't think it is getting "too high and mighty about our pontifications". I don't think anyone stepped over the line, but in the same token, I personally did not want DavOh to think my comments were directed toward him. So no apology was needed.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #21 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:23:26 PM »

and with all the white washed answers from all the internet experts telling someone that taking there 9mm glock out hunting is cool because YOU TO CAN BE A HANDGUN HUNTER is better. The man is an adult and asked an adult question and got an adult answer. I dont sugar coat my replys and i dont post anything unless i believe it is TRUE. I just figured that Davo was an adult and wanted an honest opinon. I think anyone who would do less is the one that should be appologizing. The taking of a life with a handgun is a serious undertaking. Its not like asking what gun should i take to a ppc match. I would hate to think an animal suffered because i passed advise that led to it! Like a said in my post guys wouldnt even think about buying a bow and shooting 12 arrows out of and go hunting so why would anyone that didnt practice long enough to become proficient do it with a handgun. I think sometimes that the men in the US think we are all naturally born to shoot and you hear people all the time say i dont have to practice with my gun I allready know how to shoot. I think they consider admitting there limitations with a handgun right up there with admitting there gay! I admire Davoh for admitting his and asking the question like a man and excepting the answer like a man.quote author=Lone Star link=topic=112537.msg1098350631#msg1098350631 date=1172350335]
It is easy for those of us with a lot of handgun hunting experience to forget that others want to do it too, and that includes those with little to no experience. Sometimes we* get too high and mightly about our pontifications (witness a few posts in this thread) - what is gained when we do that? Just the opposite - we risk alienating new hunters at a time when we need as many handgun hunters as possible. If we have to appologize for a post then we have probably stepped over the line. Perhaps before we post our next pontifications we should wait an hour before pushing the SEND button.

* Me too BTW!
[/quote]

teddy12b · « **Reply #22 on:** February 24, 2007, 12:42:04 PM »

I have a Desert Eagle 44 mag. Currently it's being sold, but not because it's not one heck of a great handgun. I've carried it hunting in Michigan on a couple occations and it's got great accuracy. The desert eagle was orginally intended for target shooting & hunting. Hollywood made it the bad guy killing machine. It's heavy for a handgun, but as far as I'm concerned if an extra pound or two is too much for you then maybe show choir is a better fit than hunting is. Mine has adjustable sights and it's more accurate than I am. You do have to double check state laws in many cases about what's legal to hunt with and what's not especially because it's a semi auto and the capacity, but for the most part it's just as legal to hunt with as anything else. I recommend that gun to anyone who is interested.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #23 on:** February 24, 2007, 02:05:11 PM »

teddy im not a big fan of the DE autos but ive got to say that ive got a buddy who had a 50 ae that i shot alot and it was one of the most accurate handguns of any kind that ive ever handled. No reason why they wouldnt make an excellent handgun as a matter of fact i was with him when he took a safari club book fallow deer with it.

Quote from: teddy12b on February 24, 2007, 12:42:04 PM

I have a Desert Eagle 44 mag. Currently it's being sold, but not because it's not one heck of a great handgun. I've carried it hunting in Michigan on a couple occations and it's got great accuracy. The desert eagle was orginally intended for target shooting & hunting. Hollywood made it the bad guy killing machine. It's heavy for a handgun, but as far as I'm concerned if an extra pound or two is too much for you then maybe show choir is a better fit than hunting is. Mine has adjustable sights and it's more accurate than I am. You do have to double check state laws in many cases about what's legal to hunt with and what's not especially because it's a semi auto and the capacity, but for the most part it's just as legal to hunt with as anything else. I recommend that gun to anyone who is interested.