Author Topic: straight walled deer cartridge (Read 2874 times)

killer · « **on:** November 17, 2007, 04:46:43 PM »

i can only hunt deer in my area with a straight walled round. so what is the best deer cartridge out to 100 yards? most shots are 60 or less. is 45 lc a good choice? i would like minimal recoil. thanks denny

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** November 17, 2007, 05:39:12 PM »

I would say a 45 Colt would work just fine, just know your personal limitations.

maxhunter · « **Reply #2 on:** November 17, 2007, 10:27:53 PM »

I would say .357 Max or 44 Mag. Do it right the first time. Pick a caliber to do the job.

sigbbred · « **Reply #3 on:** November 17, 2007, 11:43:51 PM »

i agree with maxhunter, try the .357max or .44mag.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #4 on:** November 18, 2007, 02:35:54 AM »

maxhunter, there are loads for the 45 Colt that are just as powerful as the 44 Mag. I can reload my 45 Colt to match any 44 Mag out there, so don't count the 45 Colts out so fast. Many deer and hogs have fallen to a 45 Colt.

sdb777 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 18, 2007, 03:12:42 AM »

Don't do it!
Everyone knows that you need a UltraMaximumWizzBangerSuperMagnumBelted cartridge to take deer with perfect bullet placement!!

I vote .38Special

Scott (get a bazooka) B

Graybeard · « **Reply #6 on:** November 18, 2007, 03:15:46 AM »

My choice would be the .44 magnum. There are huge numbers of good factory choices in ammo and if you reload you can tailor it to whatever recoil level you like as well as finding a load that is most accurate in your gun.

The .45 Colt is plenty adequate and versatile but unless you reload not a real good choice. If you do then it really takes no back seat the .44 mag.

Grumulkin · « **Reply #7 on:** November 18, 2007, 03:26:21 AM »

Quote

The .45 Colt is plenty adequate and versatile but unless you reload not a real good choice. If you do then it really takes no back seat the .44 mag.

So, what kind of accuracy do you get at 100 yards with a 44 Mag. or a 45 LC? For whatever reason, I've found it easier to get excellent 100 yard accuracy with the 460 & 500 S&W than with a 44 Mag.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:09:20 AM »

Quote from: sdb777 on November 18, 2007, 03:12:42 AM

Don't do it!
Everyone knows that you need a UltraMaximumWizzBangerSuperMagnumBelted cartridge to take deer with perfect bullet placement!!

I vote .38Special

Scott (get a bazooka) B

Wow that post was real helpful... (NOT)... There is always one in every crowd.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:11:24 AM »

Quote from: Grumulkin on November 18, 2007, 03:26:21 AM

Quote
The .45 Colt is plenty adequate and versatile but unless you reload not a real good choice. If you do then it really takes no back seat the .44 mag.

So, what kind of accuracy do you get at 100 yards with a 44 Mag. or a 45 LC? For whatever reason, I've found it easier to get excellent 100 yard accuracy with the 460 & 500 S&W than with a 44 Mag.

That is what I use, even thought the power is not needed, I perfer to use the 460 and 500 Mag. Personal choice.

killer · « **Reply #10 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:16:15 AM »

how is the recoil on a 460 or 500?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #11 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:22:55 AM »

The recoil in the Encore of the 460 and 500 Mag are harsh to say the least. The 460 is a lot more tolerable then the 500 in the Encore.

dave375hh · « **Reply #12 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:27:01 AM »

A .44mag is my choice, but a .41mag, .44spl. or .45colt would work just as well. If a "straight walled case" is the only restriction then a 45-70 in a TC or BFR would be legal.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 18, 2007, 04:39:16 AM »

Quote from: dave375hh on November 18, 2007, 04:27:01 AM

A .44mag is my choice, but a .41mag, .44spl. or .45colt would work just as well. If a "straight walled case" is the only restriction then a 45-70 in a TC or BFR would be legal.

Some States also list it as a straight walled pistol cartridge which would make the 45-70 illegal seeing how it was designed as a rifle cartridge.

Graybeard · « **Reply #14 on:** November 18, 2007, 05:18:52 AM »

I've never owned a TC in .45 Colt so have no experience with it in the TC only in revolvers and lever rifles. But I've owned several TC barrels in .44 magnum and worked with those owned by others as well. You should be able to get pretty much MOA from a TC in .44 magnum with loads it likes. I sure have.

I was helping one guy work up loads for his 14" SS Contender and with me shooting it got MOA at 100 yards with both Hornady 240 XTP and 300 XTP in his barrel for three shots.

Lone Star · « **Reply #15 on:** November 18, 2007, 06:40:06 AM »

Quote

....i would like minimal recoil. thanks....

Then I would suggest the .357 Magnum. For 50 yards and less it is an adequate cartridge, with the right load choice. I would recommend the Federal or Remiongton 180-grain loads, they will give the most penetration and are usually not difficult to find. Either the cast or jacketed bullets will work. Recoil will be much less than with the larger cartridges, but it will kill well with good shot placement.

IMO there is no such thing as the oft-quoted "intrinsic accuracy" among straightwalled pistol hunting cartridges. When I was a very active IHMSA silhouette shooter I saw near-moa capable handguns in everything from .22LR through .32 H&R up to the .445 SM. What matters is handgun quality, ammunition quality and shooter ability. In the field the average hunter shooting offhand will see no real difference between a handgun giving 1 moa or 3 moa range accuracy - there the accuracy limit is the shooter himself.

.

Illhunter · « **Reply #16 on:** November 18, 2007, 08:36:27 AM »

I like a 41 mag but not alot of ammo choices for factory loads other than that i like the 460 for it's versatility if i can ever afford one i would go for the 460and a 41 mag my choices have shot both and the 460 is harsh depending on the gun you use the 41 is manageable and accurate.

Terry

7-30 Waters · « **Reply #17 on:** November 18, 2007, 08:56:44 PM »

If your shooting a T/C Contender then I recommend a 357 Maximum. I have always wanted to try a 445 Super Magnum in a T/C Contender for heavier bullets up to 300 grains.

brasskeeper · « **Reply #18 on:** November 20, 2007, 03:53:10 PM »

44 mag or If you can find one 480 ruger.

Hopalong7 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 21, 2007, 12:32:45 AM »

I do believe that y'all have hit'm all 'cept one. My newest favorite, the .375Win. Hmmmmm...., But, he did say minimum recoil....60 yd shots. Like Lone Star said, the 357Mag...It will do everything you requested. Walt

LeeH · « **Reply #20 on:** November 21, 2007, 04:18:20 AM »

I highly recommend the .480 Ruger. From the bench, at 100 yds I can group three shots in less than 1 1/2", better if I twitch the same three times in a row. Recoil is not real bad, but there is no question at all when the charge is ignited. 325 gr Gold Dot, 26 gr H110 and a bang flop at 70 yds on a buck last week.

Having said that, all the choices mentioned are great. The cartridge you practice with, and have confidence in is the correct one.

Lee

Dan Chamberlain · « **Reply #21 on:** November 21, 2007, 06:16:14 AM »

Here in Illinois we have similar restrictions. If you have a .30 caliber bottleneck cartridge, the case must be no longer than 1.4 inches. However, there is no restrictions for straight walled cases. I use a G2 Contender in .45-70 with a load from Hodgdon that gives me 1500 fps. This puts me well under .45-70 factory loads for recoil, but in the ball park of the .454 Casull. My 300 grain bullet makes it to 100 yards pretty darn quick and has a lot of energy once it gets there. Recoil is about what you'd get from a Super Blackhawk with stiff loads! On the other hand, if you have flinch problems, you might want to avoid them.

Dan

dstegjas · « **Reply #22 on:** November 23, 2007, 11:34:17 AM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on November 18, 2007, 04:39:16 AM

Some States also list it as a straight walled pistol cartridge which would make the 45-70 illegal seeing how it was designed as a rifle cartridge.

Here in Ohio the regs are not specific about it being a rifle or pistol cartridge. Just a straight walled cartridge .357 caliber or larger. However that is certainly something anyone could over look and get themselves in trouble quickly. I hunt deer with anyone of my three contender barrels that qualify. They are .357 Max, .44 Mag. and .444 Marlin, all three are good shooters but my .44 Mag. barrel is my go to barrel.

Jim

killer · « **Reply #23 on:** November 23, 2007, 11:53:27 AM »

well guys i just traded for a coyote 357 max barrel here in the classifieds, i dont no alot about this round but by looking at my reloading book it should be ok for deer. this will give me a winter project, trying to make some rounds.

7bru · « **Reply #24 on:** November 23, 2007, 03:03:18 PM »

excellent choice. try some 180 gr xtp's or if u can get your hands on some hardcast give them a try. I have a 12 inch g2 in 357 max and it seams to really shine with N 120. lil' gun shoots pretty good also. the most accurate powder i shot with was H 4227 but the velocity was a little slower.

BRU

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #25 on:** November 23, 2007, 04:48:31 PM »

I agree with the others get a .44 mag. If you do not like recoil the 180 grain Hollow points or the Soft points from Remington / UMC would be a good choice. Or the 210 grain Winchester silver tips. You could always load your own to a soft punch or shoot a warm special with a good defense bullet like the gold dot from CCI. Heck carry a couple of the shot shells for the pesky squirrels that hang around the stand all day.

sdb777 · « **Reply #26 on:** November 23, 2007, 11:49:24 PM »

Quote from: Redhawk1 on November 18, 2007, 04:22:55 AM

The recoil in the Encore of the 460 and 500 Mag are harsh to say the least. The 460 is a lot more tolerable then the 500 in the Encore.

Both are overkill......not helpful. Unless your after a completely blood shot piece of meat. The .38 caliber pistol is more then enough for close range, and shots on deer with a handgun at further ranges are very unethical to say the least.

Scott (read the whole post) B

sdb777 · « **Reply #27 on:** November 23, 2007, 11:52:37 PM »

Quote from: killer on November 23, 2007, 11:53:27 AM

well guys i just traded for a coyote 357 max barrel here in the classifieds, i dont no alot about this round but by looking at my reloading book it should be ok for deer. this will give me a winter project, trying to make some rounds.

Excellent choice! If you so choose to use the heavy weight projectiles, give Beartooth Bullets a look....

Scott (more then ok for deer) B

maxhunter · « **Reply #28 on:** November 24, 2007, 12:34:36 AM »

Here an idea, buy both (357 Max & 44 Mag). Reload for both of them,go to the range,sight them in,get good enough to shoot off hand,kill the deer of a lifetime. Make some good memories. The American Dream Good luck to all of you OHIO deer hunter!!!! Go Buckeyes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

begeberg · « **Reply #29 on:** November 24, 2007, 11:53:27 AM »

I use a 10 inch 357 mag on my Contender frame for deer here in Illinois. Have a 45-70 but no fun to shoot in handgun form so I use as a carbine since it's a 16 inch barrel. If you are buying a new barrel I would recommend a 12 inch barrel minimum to really get the max velocity and use Federal 180s, especially if you are going to shoot a 100 yards. I sight mine in 1 inch high at 50 yards and it easily groups less than 2 inches but I really limit myself to 75 yards max with a good rest. Recoil is minimal and ammo is cheap! I think a 100 yards with a 357 mag is a stretch unless you are using a good rest. You can always have it reamed out if it doesn't have enough punch for you but your ammo cost will go up!