Author Topic: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters. (Read 6580 times)

iunderpressure · « **on:** May 09, 2009, 06:30:22 PM »

Besides looking for a lever action, I'm in the market for a revolver that I can deer hunt with, but I haven't shot enough big bore revolvers to compare recoil and handling. I may in the future get the oppertunity to hunt something larger. I have looked at and messed with several different gun brands in the store. I believe I would like either a S&W or Ruger. I own a m&p 340 and find myself really enjoying it at the range over automatics. I have shot several different loads, but the double tap 125gr gold dots loads are probably the hardest kicking. I'm looking at the 629, 686, Ruger Redhawk, and 500 S&W. I was really shocked at how well the 500 balanced and didn't feel overly heavy, but I don't know how it would feel in a holster. I plan on using iron sights at least for now. I have a scoped 308 pistol for longer range. I was kind of looking at the 686 .357, so my wife could shoot it. I know several people like at least a 44 mag for whitetail. I want the animal to have a quick death, but I'm a very picky shot. I have let several deer walk because I didn't have a perfect shot. I shoot one time and don't unload. I have no idea how the recoil compares between the 357, 44, or 500.

Based on my little 357, how would the recoil of the others compare? Just tell me about your experience with different calibers, different guns, and any random good to knows.

I would also look at the 45lc. How do the blackhawks feel in your hand?

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** May 10, 2009, 01:29:22 AM »

How do Blackhawks feel in MY HAND? Like an abomination but the Bisley is much better.

The .357 is entirely adequate especially at iron sight ranges for deer. The .44 mag with most factory loads and especially with the loads that used to be factory standard is a quantum leap ahead in recoil in comparison.

My personal choice is the .44 Magnum and I do prefer the S&W 29/629 platform tho these days I also have an FA83 so chambered that is far more accurate than I am and is quite pleasant for me to shoot.

Bigeasy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 10, 2009, 01:50:18 AM »

Forget the 500 Smith if you are serious about learning how to handgun hunt - it's way to much of everything for what you want. The 629 and Redhawk are both good choices. I tend to like the Smith when I am shooting open sights cause of it's good balance and trigger. Can't beat the Redhawk when you are scoping it because of the built in scope mount bases and supplied rings.

The .44 mag is a good choice for deer. The 357 will kill deer, but can be on the light side, depending on what bullet you use, and what shot angle you take. If you reload, load the 44 down to about 850 fps for practice loads, up to about 1200 fps or so with a 250 grain bullet for serious use. If you don't reload, there are plenty of factory loads available in each catagory. Its important to do a lot of practice using reduced loads. They are easier on you and the gun, and allow you to concentrate on grip, sights and trigger control - the three fundamentals of handgun accuracy. Shoot single action, as it will give you your best accuracy. As you gain experience, start mixing in more and more hunting loads until you can shoot them with equall accuracy compared to your light practice loads. My personal standard is what range can I keep all 6 shots on a paper plate from a field position, not a bench rest. A bench rest should only be used for initial accuracy testing and sighting in. Might want to look at a "pair" - a 629 and a matching .22 double action revolver for cheap practice. The more you shoot, the better you get....

Larry

Mikey · « **Reply #3 on:** May 10, 2009, 02:16:22 AM »

I have never had a whitetail walk away from a solid hit with a 357. Well, actually,they run just like they have been hit with a 44, 30-06 or whatever. The only time you anchor them is when you bust a shoulder and the bullet passes through the chest - they are pretty much drt.

If you are looking at a 686 with a 4 or 6" bbl, most any factory load in 158 gn weight or heavier will suffice. If you want a heavier load they are available from different commercial loaders like Buffalo Bore, Garrett or Cor-Bon and will go to 180-200 gns. From a 6" 357 you will most often get complete pass through at open sight range with a chest shot. With a 4", I prefer the heavier loads. With a 357 you can get lots and lots of practice for your wife with 38 wadcutters and other standard 38 loads. If you handload, the field is wide open to you.

I own S&Ws and have had Rugers. I prefer the S&W trigger system and how the guns fit to my hand. If you take the same revolver in 357 and open it up to 44 caliber, you simply have the same gun that weighs less but shoots a heavier slug at near the same velocities - this amounts to more recoil. However, if you reload, the field is again wide open to you. HTH.

Mohawk · « **Reply #4 on:** May 10, 2009, 02:30:53 AM »

Sorry, was gonna respond last night but had a guy bleeding all around me during a gang fight but, anywho, the .357 Mag is good for deer. Anything heavier I would opt for the .44 Mag...ie" elk, bear, etc.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #5 on:** May 10, 2009, 02:31:28 AM »

I have no problems shooting any handgun made although the 500 smith makes no sence to me at all, people like them thou.

My favorite hunting pistol is a Ruger GP 100 .357 with 180gr bullets, I have used the 158 remmy bulk SPs but prefer the bigger slugs.
I have also used a Ruger SBH and a Ruger SRH .44 mag they performed flawlessly. I can't say they outperformed the .357 because the results were the same, One shot 30 to 70 yard run, dead deer. That suits me fine.

I will be hunting this year with a Ruger Bkackhawk .357 Maximum.

I have shot Smiths and they are fine revolvers but I like my rugers (They are tough as a tank) and my wallet likes them to.

I personally don't care for most revolvers unless the were built by Ruger, Smith, FA, Dan Wesson, Or Colt, Prolly in that order.
I'd love an FA but can't afford one.

I also hunt with a Marlin .357 lever gun it takes the range out to 100 yards easy with the same load as the pistol.

bluecow · « **Reply #6 on:** May 10, 2009, 02:48:10 AM »

i love the feel of a balkhawk but i was shooting ruger S/A as a kid and still do. the 357 is just fine but i like my 44, i dont feel the need for anything bigger in a handgun

S.B. · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2009, 03:28:55 AM »

If you belong to a local shooting range, try and borrow as many as possible and get first hand experience with as many calibers and gun types as possible. Ask at your work and see who owns what, also? One mans porridge is another's poison.
Above all, don't be in a hurry to buy.
Steve

buck460XVR · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2009, 03:46:09 AM »

When I hunted deer with my 686 I looked at it like I was hunting with my bow and limited the range and the type of shots as such. It also was a backup to a long gun. I took several deer with it and none went more than 40 yards. As others have said, the .357 is a fine deer round as long as one respects it's limitations. It is also a very viable round outta a long gun and a pleasant gun to shoot at the range. Nowadays, I leave the long gun at home on most hunts so I use either a 629 or my .460 X-Frame. I would suggest that unless money is no object or unless you reload, to stick with either the .44 or .357 so you'll be able to practice enough to be fair to your quarry and still not break the bank.

Masterblaster1 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 10, 2009, 03:57:21 AM »

I would vote for a .44 Mag if you plan on using factory loads. Recoil in a full size revolver will be manageable. If you handload I would go for a .45 Colt. At iron sight ranges with ruger level loads it is enough oomph for most big game in north america.

GRIMJIM · « **Reply #10 on:** May 10, 2009, 04:03:47 AM »

If you decide on a shorter barrel, check your hunting regs for minimum barrel length. You'll be safe with a 6" for sure.

Mohawk · « **Reply #11 on:** May 10, 2009, 04:41:20 AM »

Quote from: buck460XVR on May 10, 2009, 03:46:09 AM

When I hunted deer with my 686 I looked at it like I was hunting with my bow and limited the range and the type of shots as such. It also was a backup to a long gun. I took several deer with it and none went more than 40 yards. As others have said, the .357 is a fine deer round as long as one respects it's limitations. It is also a very viable round outta a long gun and a pleasant gun to shoot at the range. Nowadays, I leave the long gun at home on most hunts so I use either a 629 or my .460 X-Frame. I would suggest that unless money is no object or unless you reload, to stick with either the .44 or .357 so you'll be able to practice enough to be fair to your quarry and still not break the bank.

Best reply I have heard in my life!!! And Steve brings up a good point. Find out what "you" like and go from there......

S.S. · « **Reply #12 on:** May 10, 2009, 06:51:02 AM »

Unless big bears are being hunted, I see no need in anything
larger than a .44 Mag in a revolver. Most of the folks I know who buy larger caliber
weapons do so just for the "Look What I Got" value. I do have larger caliber handguns
myself but in blackpowder. My main hunting revolvers are Dan Wesson .357, S&W 29 .44 Mag.
I have a Ruger Super Blackhawk in .44 mag also but I have only used it so far for finisher shots.
For General hunting I use the DW .357. I use a 158 grain lead SWC cast of moderately
hard alloy. Choice of what bullet to me is more important than caliber.

iunderpressure · « **Reply #13 on:** May 10, 2009, 09:40:17 PM »

Single action, I like the Ruger Bisley with 7 1/2" barrel. You can get it in 44 mag or 45 colt.

Double action, I like the 629 or 686.

How would you compare the Bisley trigger to the Smith's?

I think I would like to shoot cast bullets mainly, but that's another thing I don't know about. Just looking through my midwayusa flyer and mt. baldy bullets website it seems like the 45 lc has the most options. The 357 and 45 colt could get a lever gun to shot the same loads, but the 357 and 44 have more factory loads.

How many times can you expect to reload pistol brass?

I'm pretty sure i want the 44 or 45 just because I have a j-frame 357, and we are going to buy my wife a 3 inch 357 or 38 probably. We are waiting until she can shot mine to see what she likes. She enjoys shoting my Sig 229 .40 and .357 sig, but I think my j-frame is going to be too much for her. She wants a revolver.

Walks with Fire · « **Reply #14 on:** May 11, 2009, 03:41:55 AM »

I shoot a .357 Python 6" and a 629 8 3/8" 44mag. for whitetails in PA. I prefer the .357 for deer because the .44 prefers the heavy bullets and they don't seem to work quite as well on deer in my experience. The 180 Fed. Classics have taken 8 deer with not a issue at all. It's mild to shoot; accurate, and very effective. .44's are ok but I really like the .357 for everything from varmints to deer. It's just so accurate and easy to hit with.

Larry Gibson · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:19:38 AM »

iunderpressure

Single action, I like the Ruger Bisley with 7 1/2" barrel. You can get it in 44 mag or 45 colt.

I have a Bisley .41 with 7 1/2" barrel. I has become my primary hunting handgun when I hunt specifically with a handgun. Although my 50th Anniversary FTBH .44 may surplant it for big game hunting. At any rate given a choice between the .44 and .45 I'll recommend the .44 magnum. Because it is a magnum and the .45 is not. Granted in custom 5 shot revolvers the .45 Colt can be a magnum but in 6 shot Rugers prudence dictates otherwise.

Double action, I like the 629 or 686.

Make sure the larger N frame fits your hand. Felt recoil is amplified with the larger DA grip. I have smallish hands and with grips that fit my hand magnum loads just plain hurt and are no pleasure to shoot. The Redhawk has a smaller grip as does the Colt Anaconda (no longer made). I have a 4" Anaconda and can shoot it DA and SA with magnum loads without hurting my hand. The backstrap fits into the web of my hand where it is supposed to. There are many more shooters who can not handle a .44 S&W N frame than those who can. Note Walks with Fire's post. Not saying he can't handle the .44 but his liking and better shooting with the .357 is indicative of many more shooters than most admit to.

How would you compare the Bisley trigger to the Smith's?

S&Ws generally come with pretty good SA pulls. Rugers need a little work and it's not hard to do or get done. Many times a after market replacement trigger spring does the trick.

I think I would like to shoot cast bullets mainly, but that's another thing I don't know about. Just looking through my midwayusa flyer and mt. baldy bullets website it seems like the 45 lc has the most options. The 357 and 45 colt could get a lever gun to shot the same loads, but the 357 and 44 have more factory loads.

If you get into cast bullet loading you'll find the field narrows down really quick as to bullet choices made because of your shooting needs. While i have numerous moulds for my revolvers they basically are of the same typse (SWC). The .44 magnum is available in numerous lever actions. Actually all the same lever actions as the .357 and .45 Colt except for the weaker M1873 actions. If using just factory ammo the availability and variety of .357 and .44 magnums is a definate + for either.

How many times can you expect to reload pistol brass?

I have some .44 and .357 cases that have been loaded umpteen times. How many depends on the quality of the case, how well annealed, how well the sized case fits the cahmber and the pressure of the loads. I do not consider case life to be an issue here.

I'm pretty sure i want the 44 or 45 just because I have a j-frame 357, and we are going to buy my wife a 3 inch 357 or 38 probably. We are waiting until she can shot mine to see what she likes. She enjoys shoting my Sig 229 .40 and .357 sig, but I think my j-frame is going to be too much for her. She wants a revolver.

As I mentioned, make sure you can handle the .44 or .45. You can always load down if/when you get into reloading and still have an effective cartridge with the .44. Loading down the .357 for hunting is not the best option as it performs best at true magnum velocities. Start your wife out with .38 WC loads in the J-frame and make sure it also has a good grip like the Pachmyer combat style. Get her used to shooting it (several trips to the range) before you let her shoot any .38+P or particularly .357s in it. I base that on jears of instructing many females LEOs in initial training with revolvers. Also consider the .38 target WC with it's flat meplat kills/stops all out of proportion to what you think it will. My wife uses a 2 1/2" M19 RB with Pachmyer grips quite well. I started her off just as suggested. She now regularly practices with .38+P loads and shoots .357 125 HPs (carry load) with ease and accuracy.

Larry Gibson

ccoker · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2009, 10:17:50 AM »

my handgun hunting experience
while I have shot pistols and competed with 1911s, 9mm and 40s for a long time it wasn't until a few years ago I decided to get into handgun hunting

I rented a Ruger redhawk 44 with I think a 5.5" barrel and shot some factory 240g Winchester whitebox
it was NO fun at all

I bought a Smith 41 mag with a 7.5" barrel and shooting about the same "load" (240g at 1200 FPS) it was a LOT easier shooting
wasn't reloading at the time and got rid of it due to availability of ammo

got a 44 blackhawk hunter with the 7.5" barrel and the bisley grip
a lot easier shooting, a lot shooting comparable loads that I was building as well as some factory ammo

wanted something different and recently got a Smith 44 performance center with a 6.5" 3/4 semi barrel and with the stock wood grips
I was a bit apprehensive about felt recoil but am pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to shoot and I LOVE it
currently shooting 255g keith hardcast over 23g of IMR 4227 which should be close to 1300FPS and it's mild to shoot

also have a 6" 686 plus stainless 357 I bought last year I may sell

guess it just goes to show how differerent frame/grips can make a huge difference

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2009, 11:18:31 AM »

a ruger in 44 mag. is a good solid choice and the wife will enjoy shooting 44 spl.
Next ?

iunderpressure · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2009, 04:19:48 PM »

Just to clear things up, I do reload.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #19 on:** May 13, 2009, 12:20:06 AM »

since your reload the best bang for the buck your going to find is a super blackhawk 44 mag in some configuration. Loade it down a touch and learn to master it and go hunting.

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2009, 01:44:15 AM »

For your hunting needs the Ruger Bisley/Blackhawk 45 Colts would be my choice. Sure the 44 Mag is also a great choice, but seeing's how you reload, the 45 Colt can go from mild to wild, and make a bigger hole.

Personally I think the 357 mag is marginal for deer hunting, unless you keep your shots under 35 to 40 yards. That is just my opinion.

As for the 500 Mag, only if you plain on hunting larger game, myself I like bigger holes in all my game. I don't see why people make the statement that the 500 Mag is way to much for deer. People all over the United States use a 12 gauge slug, and you don't hear people saying that is over kill or too much gun. Just an observation.

The main thing is get a gun you are comfortable with, even with my double action handguns, I use them in single action mode. I think 75% of my handgun hunting over the past 35 years, a single action has been my choice.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2009, 01:51:20 AM »

Sorry if you reload then a redhawk in 45 Colt . You can do every thing a 44 mag. will do at less pressure and the wife can enjoy cowboy loads or reduced loads .

ncsurveyor · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2009, 01:52:58 AM »

S&W Model 29N 6" barrel has never done me dirty.

44mag for serious work. 44 special for social activities.

Takes care of the spectrum of reloading from wild to mild, should you so desire.

ccoker · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2009, 03:38:52 AM »

the caliber is almost irrelavent when you reload
find a gun you like, work up your loads and go have a fun

Ole Man Dan · « **Reply #24 on:** May 13, 2009, 11:34:27 AM »

Comparison:

UGO or Smart Car to an 18 Wheeler.
That is the felt difference between .357 & full throttle.500s

Loyd said it best, buy a larger cal. and handload it to medimum velocities. (.44 or .45) You can also find more reloading supplies in .44 & .45
That said- 10 to 20 yrs ago I killed several deer with .357s, they will do the job if you place your shot very carefully.
If you go as light as .357 plan to shoot something that weighs at least 158gr. to get penetration.
JSP will give more penetration than JHP.

Today-
I mostly shoot .44s or .45s with 'Hard Cast' loaded to medium velocities.

ratgunner · « **Reply #25 on:** July 02, 2009, 02:45:28 PM »

Quote from: ccoker on May 13, 2009, 03:38:52 AM

the caliber is almost irrelavent when you reload
find a gun you like, work up your loads and go have a fun

Correct.

Handgun Hunter · « **Reply #26 on:** July 04, 2009, 03:16:56 AM »

"As for the 500 Mag, only if you plain on hunting larger game, myself I like bigger holes in all my game. I don't see why people make the statement that the 500 Mag is way to much for deer. People all over the United States use a 12 gauge slug, and you don't hear people saying that is over kill or too much gun. Just an observation. "

Underpressure,

I've made this same statement to people I meet that think a 500 is too big. The balistics are realy close to that 12ga. sabo. That being said, I do not recomend a 500 to begin with. I made the mistake of going from a 22lr. revolver to a 44mag. when I was 18 and just getting into handguns. Some of the bad shooting habits were hard to break. But if your all ready proficeint with your 357, then a 44mag would be great. You can load a 44 to cover a wide spectrum of handgun hunting. To me, it's important to make sure the grips fit well in your hand.

One more thing. I thank you for showing the respect for the game you hunt by waiting for the corect shot. My first 4 deer I got with my super blackhawk took me 7 seasons. I maybe could have got 6 or 7, but I passed on those because I was not 100% sure I could place the shot correctly. Good hunting.

S.B. · « **Reply #27 on:** July 04, 2009, 03:58:22 AM »

Handgun Hunter, I think you've mixed up the reasoning behind so many people using a shotgun for deer? Many state only alow shotguns during deer season, Illinois just recently opened up the use of certain handguns for whitetail deer hunting.
The 12 gauge shotgun is a powerful, short range weapon but, many don't know how to use it's power to their advantage? I see an awful lot of wounded deer escape here in Illinois. People think just because it has so much power, they can shoot just to hit the deer? Deer shot with a 12 gauge show the devistating effect of this cartridge. It makes a mess, if things aren't done right.
Steve

Handgun Hunter · « **Reply #28 on:** July 04, 2009, 05:24:24 AM »

Steve, I'm with you brother. It's the same here in Ohio. As a matter of fact, they now make you plug your shotgun here so the gun only holds 3 rounds because of the people who see how much lead they can through in the direction of the deer instead of placeing 1 good shot. Some of the shotgunners were upset, but the way I see it is the air now has 1/3 less lead flying around Mon. morning.

I have hunted with a handgun here in Ohio sinse they first alowed it, I think in 1988? I like it for the chalenge as most others do, with my 44mag., a Lone Eagle in 444 Marlin, but for some reason, the 500 seems to have a stigma attached to it as being too much for Whitetails, when it's essentialy the same performance as the 12ga. sabo. That was the only comparison I was makeing sir. And, another thought, if rifles were made legal this year in Ohio, these same guys would be out there with their 30/06 or 300 win mag

No offense to shotgun hunters, I am one if we are still hunting or get enough people for a small drive. I just enjoy the chalenge of getting a deer close enough to snipe him with a handgun, It's a rush for me. Underpressure will get hooked on this sport like we all have, sort of like bow hunying you know?

Good luck this year S.B. Tim.

ratgunner · « **Reply #29 on:** July 04, 2009, 07:01:33 AM »

I think the .500 is too big.

But not in the way you may think.I think the gun itself, the X frame is just too big and heavy.It kinda takes away from my idea of the convenience of handgun carry for hunting,I can carry my rifle easier. I would'nt use a 12lbs. .458 Win.Mag. for deer,but if someone else wants to thats fine with me.But thats just my opinion.