MNgoldenbear
Member
FWIW A note about the archery comparison. Not a handgun hunter (as of yet), but did a little bow hunting. The recommended ranges are about the same, but the arrow relies on cutting an opening (usually about 1-1/4"-2") in the animal --preferably through vital organs. Bullets rely on a combination of the damage to structures actually penetrated by the path of the bullet along with the "stretch and crush cavities" (basically the "splash" of the shock wave as the bulet passes by through nearby tissue). With most handguns, I understand that the first part of that combination is the most important, since handgun rounds don't usually have the velocity at hunting distances to "splash" much. (This is behind the recommendations for a hard, flat-nosed bullet, which will basically make a bigger hole -- and also "splash" more tissue than a pointed or rounded bullet.)
Been thinking about trying the handgun thing too. In this area of MN, we're restricted to shotguns, pistols, and muzzleloaders. (Biggest grin I've had about hunting since I've been here -- the MN reg's actually say that "the muzzleloader used cannot be loaded at the breech". ) Also kind of strange that a .30-30 rifle would be illegal, but I could use an Encore or XP in a 300 mag! (Supposed to keep us from shooting each other, as it's REALLY FLAT out here.) I've got a 6" 686, 6" 29, and some Contender barrels that are candidates, but will probably stick to the shotgun so long as we're just looking to put up some meat. Anyway, whatever you choose, practice, have fun, and come home safely.
Been thinking about trying the handgun thing too. In this area of MN, we're restricted to shotguns, pistols, and muzzleloaders. (Biggest grin I've had about hunting since I've been here -- the MN reg's actually say that "the muzzleloader used cannot be loaded at the breech". ) Also kind of strange that a .30-30 rifle would be illegal, but I could use an Encore or XP in a 300 mag! (Supposed to keep us from shooting each other, as it's REALLY FLAT out here.) I've got a 6" 686, 6" 29, and some Contender barrels that are candidates, but will probably stick to the shotgun so long as we're just looking to put up some meat. Anyway, whatever you choose, practice, have fun, and come home safely.