Author Topic: barrel for IL deer (Read 674 times)

gunracer · « **on:** January 06, 2004, 07:22:22 PM »

I am planing on getting an Encore pistol barrel for deer hunting here in IL. We can only use bottlenecks cartridges 30 caliber or above less than 1.4" long or straight walled cartridges 357 or bigger. So I've pretty much decided I want either a 300 whisper or a 357 max. I have the TC synthetic pistol grip and forend so I assume I would need a std tapered barrel. Which of the two is the most effective and have the longest range? Also what barrel length would you think would be best for shooting out of a deer stand?

Thanks,
Carl / IL

helobill · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2004, 06:06:11 AM »

300 Whisper is going to be a longer range shooter than the 357 Max, but everything is relative when it comes to which is better or more efficient or more effective, etc. A couple of us on here also are in Illinois and have fought the same decision. I settled on the .30 Bellm, some folks like the 300 Whisper better, personal preference for the most part, they're very close in ballistics. 357 Max used to be hard to find brass to start with and had to be hand loaded, now you've got brass available (Midway box of 100 for about $12) and "factory" ammo available from CNC and CPC. Someplace has to sell it as a factory loaded round with at least 500 ftlbs of energy, that's the other qualifier in Illinois. Of the two rounds you mention, I'd take the 300 whisper in a 12-14" barrel, only the 150gr JHP is available from Cor-Bon right now, but I prefer the 125 BT or 130 SSPB. You'll get around 2100-2300fps, nice flat shooter with plenty of energy out to 200+ yards. Mad Max is better if you're only going to have shorter shots, bigger bullet going a little slower, same energy at muzzle that the 300 whisper has at 150-200 yards. Soooo, you need both :grin:
Bill

Catfish · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2004, 09:10:10 AM »

Here in Ohio we cannot use the bottle necked rounds so I went with the .357 max. as 1 of my deer handguns. Others are .44 mag. and .454. I did find out 1 thing with the .357 max. Do not use Serria bullets. I love Serria bullets and shoot more of them than any other brand, but they will blow apart if you hit a shoulder joint. They are great if your shooting lung shots and stay away from the shoulders.

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2004, 01:07:30 PM »

Quote from: gunracer

I am planing on getting an Encore pistol barrel for deer hunting here in IL. We can only use bottlenecks cartridges 30 caliber or above less than 1.4" long or straight walled cartridges 357 or bigger.
Thanks,
Carl / IL

Carl
One minor correction: Straight walled cartridges need to be 30 cal or larger same as bottlenecks.
http://dnr.state.il.us/pubaffairs/2003/Nov/Gunopp-Nov13.htm

I agree with Bill, you'll probably end up with both of these barrels eventually, I know I did! Now you need to decide which one to buy first! Do you hunt where a 200 yd shot is a real possibility or just an outside chance? Do you intend to ever hunt hogs or bear with this barrel?
If bigger crittters than deer may be in the future I'd give the edge to the 357 Max. If deer and varmints are only on the menu, the 300 Whisper would get the nod. If longer range shots at deer are the norm the 300 Whisper has a better trajectory. As I said in my PM, bullet choice is more critical in the 300 Whisper, to get proper terminal performance.
You really can't go wrong with either one of these for our Illinois Whitetails.

Kurt Heckman · « **Reply #4 on:** January 11, 2004, 04:24:23 PM »

I have been gone for a week bowhunting but while I was gone my 300 whisper arrived ye ha also they tried to deliver the Corbon ammo on friday but no one was home so the will deliver tommorro Corbon has both 150gr and 125gr availible now I bought both to try hopefully I will be able to get out first part of the week to sight it in. The barrel I got was 16 1/4 so I can put the stock on if I choose shouild be ok in pistol as I will be shooting from a stand with a rest.

SingleShotShorty · « **Reply #5 on:** January 12, 2004, 10:39:03 AM »

At first you had me going there I thought maybe Illinois Whitetail were special or wore body armor. But all kidding aside I would go with a 15" 308 Winchester Barrel. I have one and love it, it's recoil is less than a 44 mag and I have taken 3 deer with mine so far out to 175 yards. I shoot eith 125 or 150 grain Nosler ballistic tips. I would suggest putting a good scope on it. I currently have a leupold 2.5X8 on mine and carry a set of shooting sticks. Good luck and good hunting.

helobill · « **Reply #6 on:** January 12, 2004, 10:47:49 AM »

308 Win isn't legal for deer in Illinois during any season. Bottlenecks have to have a maximum case length of 1.4" .

Bill