.40 for Whitetail

[Peakbagger46]

I would like to hear from anyone who has hunted deer with a .40 S&W. I usually hunt with a longbow and am very interested in taking a deer with a defensive handgun.

I know many will say the .40 is underpowered; this kill would be at 35yards or less and the shot placement would be behind the shoulder.

 

[jaysouth]

I have killed these smallish whitetails around here with 9mm and .45 ACP at archery ranges from a tree stand.

Lots of folks have different opinions. Those who have not tried it will probably tell you that handguns are not powerful enough for hunting deer.

In decades past, half our deer were killed by poachers with .22s.

 

[HGUNHNTR]

I have successfully used the 40 with 165 Gr. Golden sabres, and a souped up 180 gr XTP.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

A prudent range to use a service handgun is about the same as that which you would use for bow hunting, so you already possess the necessary hunting skills. The handgun and round should be no problem if you can shoot.

 

[MikePGS]

I could be wrong, but I believe Mr Stephen Camp has used a 9mm to shoot deer before, so if thats the case .40 should be no problem.

Of course, this is a 15 yard grouping from Mr Camp



so YMMV

 

[IdahoLT1]

call your state fish and game on the leagllity of it. Some states have certain calibers the feel "acceptable" for hunting game with hand guns.

 

[osteodoc08]

In Georgia you can use any 22 or larger centerfire cartridge.

 

[CPshooter]

I think it's easily possible. I, too, want to accomplish this with a standard service pistol like my USP .40 or maybe my Commander 1911 I just want to be able to say I took it with a fixed sight handgun!