Let's talk camp guns

Status
Not open for further replies.
The Circuit Judge can't handle Ruger loads.

IMHO you're asking an awful lot from one firearm. The best option I see would be a .45-70 lever gun and hand loading for it. You can load light loads for some areas and monster loads for others.
 
The Circuit Judge can't handle Ruger loads.

IMHO you're asking an awful lot from one firearm. The best option I see would be a .45-70 lever gun and hand loading for it. You can load light loads for some areas and monster loads for others.
Yes, I do know I'm asking a lot lol, and at the end of the day, I'm prepared to acknowledge that likely more than one weapon is ideal, but if that were the case, my current armament would be sufficient and there'd be no need for another acquisition........ ; )
 
I understand why you’d want something more than the 7.62x39 for bears. The x39 will do it, but it’s not what I’d immediately associate with bear elimination though.

Loaded with Hornady SST or Cor-Bon and it would be pretty good though.

It’s a little weird that you’d immediately mention the .44 Mag right after in light of the fact that the muzzle energy of the 7.62x39 greatly exceeds that of the .44 Mag.

Go to the .308 then.
I mention the .44 because I've not seen a .308-311 projectile capable of stopping the larger end that also won't over travel on a miss, a true bear stopper in my mind is going to sling HEAVY lead, I generally think of rifles delivering a MUCH higher payload, but then the recoil comes into play...... with a .44 penetration is possible, but if not a clean hit, the potential distance travelled is far less. A mini 30 or sks fits the recoil and design profile I'm looking for no doubt, but in the dark, with few lights, the tie of over travel and lack of horsepower don't endear me to it for this purpose.
 
I mention the .44 because I've not seen a .308-311 projectile capable of stopping the larger end that also won't over travel on a miss, a true bear stopper in my mind is going to sling HEAVY lead, I generally think of rifles delivering a MUCH higher payload, but then the recoil comes into play...... with a .44 penetration is possible, but if not a clean hit, the potential distance travelled is far less. A mini 30 or sks fits the recoil and design profile I'm looking for no doubt, but in the dark, with few lights, the tie of over travel and lack of horsepower don't endear me to it for this purpose.
Well ... that’s more of a matter of what ammunition you’re using in each.



Hornady 123 grain SST
Penetration: 17"
Retained weight: 69.6gr
Max expansion: 0.535"
Min expansion: 0.454"
Neck: 0.5"
TSC: 8.5" x 4.5"

Velocities in fps:
2,330
2,329
2,321
2,327
2,340
Average: 2,329
StdDev: 6.88
Min: 2,321
Max: 2,340
Spread: 19

.44 Mag penetration with Sig 240 grain V-Crown JHP - 23.1 inches of penetration with 2 and 1/4 inches of bounce back. So actually even further penetration.

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/07/25/44-magnum-gel-test-sig-sauer-240-gr-v-crown-jhp/
 
For the m1 suggestions, is a .30 really going to have the stop I'm looking for? My instincts (and everything I've ever learned about ballistics) are saying that for up to a maybe small black bear it would suffice, but I'm concerned as much about the larger end of the spectrum as I am the two legged critters on down.....
In my neck of the woods, I think its enough.

But I don't really carry firearms for the 4 legged when camping. I am primarily worried about the 2 legged.

Day hiking with the carbine is no sweat:
izstXyMzdYm-RpX4OEOCR6K2JIcG82xtAhoFONUg9AGxgntPSTW0Do4mR7xotB6KMA6cPYLe7MmcQoNsYlw=w475-h633-no.jpg
 
Last edited:
When I say ruger I'm talking about a semi auto .44 carbine very similar to the mini lineup, I've not yet had issues with a long loaded rotary mag as long as it wasn't dirty, BUT that isn't to say I haven't just gotten lucky, this would be a used weapon.
Adding link to show clarification on ruger m44
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ruger_Model_44
Also, lever/pump vs bolt=bolt losing, we grew up cowboy around here.

I wish Ruger would bring back the .44 auto rifle. One in .357 would be very nice as well!
 
My understanding is that 45 acp doesn’t benefit from a longer barrel nearly as much as higher pressure pistol cartridges do. You probably would only pick up 100 fps or so.

Not always true. My Marlin Camp 45 gains almost nothing with GI ball, but over 200 fps with Hornady 200 XTP ammo. My handloads do a bit better, but it isn’t a .44 Magnum. Less recoil, less report and muzzle blast, less penetration and energy. I’ve owned it for 20 years, very reliable with the right ammo. Not for everyone, it is still a lot of fun to shoot, with a practical side. Too bad it’s been out of production for so long, and decent specimens go for $700-$800. :what:


.
 
or maybe a henry in .41 to match your black hawk...can wear them as a pair .

I find some of the new Henry offerings to be very appealing. They even make that gun in 327 Federal of all things! I don't know that I would want to carry a rifle in that caliber when I could have a 44 at the same weight, but if I already had a revolver in that caliber then maybe...
 
Well, I've read the totality of posts, including some additional info from the OP, and had a chance to mull over it a tad. I think heavy bullet/penetration, and reduced riccochet potential are mutually exclusive if only considering one load. With a 2 load option...one being a V-max, frangible or reduced velocity "carbine" bullet, the other a big nasty, a pump, lever or semi-auto in 7mm-08 or .308 would be a strong contender in my book. Either are much more powerful than ANY pistol cartridge. A .35 rem with a reduced pistol bullet load and a good ol' 250 RN might work as well. That would give you an excuse to acquire a Rem 141 pump.
 
Logically speaking, a carbine would be the answer and I lean toward the Mini 30. Simple functioning and points quickly. Folks in the "camp" will already be armed and can certainly grab their firearms with the first shot or two from the Mini 30 if it wasn't sufficient. Much depends on whether or not your talking big bears in the area of the camp. I also like the idea of a 41 mag lever rifle (a 44 would do also) since I read you already have a 41 mag Blackhawk.
 
I don't see what's wrong with a twelve gauge semi (FN comes to mind) with regards to fast stopping power, at close range with the option of 000 Buck if you don't care for those giant chunks of lead called slugs, but if it is not sufficient, I would jump right up to a Browning BAR in your choice of caliber, up to .338 Win. Mag. Simple, fast and effective. Put a 1-4x variable scope on that and be ready to punch holes through anything that breathes, fast.
 
When I go camping I hang a H&R 12 gauge single shot by where I'm sitting. Hot lead 1 1/4 oz lead in the chamber with an assortment in butt cuff.
 
This Draco pistol in 7.62X39 with collapsible SBA3 brace and threaded barrel has become my favorite gun. It is compact and very handy. It lives in a scabbard attached to the headache rack of our Mule allowing quick access while doing ranch work. For woods walking I normally just slap a ten round magazine in it because in my part of Texas I'm at the top of the food chain since we don't have bears. This pistol is proving to be a heavy hitter on my continuous war against pigs. Oh, that is not an American flag in the picture so everyone calm down. :rofl:

Draco.jpg
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top