caliber for hunting

[Bezoar]

We all like to do the caliber versus caliber debate when it comes down to a particular gun. Im just curious on comparing standard bullets on the market for the comparison.
45 colt vs. 357 vs 44 spl vs 44 mag vs 41 mag

All work for hunting, some have extremely similar balistics. Bullets are roughly in the same type/weight class between each one. SO im just mighty curious as to how it stacks out.
say the 185 grain xtp in a 44spl versus the 45 colt stuff and so on?

 

[Harve Curry]

Unless your shooting targets/steel out to 25 yards those 44/45 short light bullets don't have the energy or stability left when compared to a 200-250 grain bullet. 230-250 grain is much better because you have a longer bearing surface engaging the rifling, sectional density, and energy. The velocity may start out slower but ia heavy bullet sheds it's velocity less then a light weight bullet.
I've tried the XTP's and prefer a cast lead/alloy bullet. They seem to kill just fine.
Elmer Keith figured it all out for us along time ago. We have more powders now, better cases, stronger guns, some fine constructed bullets and some wannabe's. But a simple hard cast bullet in the right place is hard to beat.

 

[foghornl]

Kinda depends on what you are hunting....I have taken small game (squirrel, rabbit, etc) with a .22LR/.22Mag handgun (Ruger Single-Six)

Have put a couple of Bambis in the freezer with .357Mag.

For the bigger deer/small bear/various large cats, a STOUT loaded long barrel .45Colt works for me.

I had owned a .41Mag years back but never hunted with it.

 

[Markbo]

Hunting what?

 

[Bezoar]

deer for sure, maybe bear. Also want something that will do a number on the local wolf dogs in my area.

 

[MCgunner]

.30 wcf

 

[Markbo]

The .357 is out for bear... if it can bight back, I want a bit more energy. I am a huge fan of the .41 mag... I just love it. It can do 95% of what the .44 mag can do with standard weight bullets. BUT for standard weight and heavy for caliber loads the .44 mag & .45 Colt win hands down.

I have built up some .45 Colt loads for hunting with heavy cast bullets that I would not feel shy about shooting anything in North America except the big brown bears. I don't believe anything else that walks these lands would stand up to one. The same could be said for the .44 mag.

The question is... if you have never shot any of these... can you?

 

[kmrcstintn]

.475 Linebaugh on a customized & converted Ruger Super Blackhawk...oh yeah!!!

 

[Seafarer12]

I say 158 grain XTP in a hot 357 is good for anything that doesn't bite back too much for a pistol. In a rifle its even better. If it bites back I ain't using a pistol, I will pack my 45/70.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

357 Maximum with a heavy bullet.

You might as well go unique!

 

[22-rimfire]

I'd say the best choice for the game in question is the 41 or 44 magnum. I believe the 357 is a bit light for deer and certainly light for any bear hunting. 357 works great on dogs!

I honestly prefer something larger for deer, black bear or something like an elk weight-wise. But I don't particularly enjoy shooting them other than just enough to shoot okay. Hence, the 41 or 44 mag is the best all around caliber for hunting and the 357 is the best all around caliber for general use including some hunting. Recoil vs results. I don't even count the 44 spl in this group other than for general use. 45 Colt, sure but you have to load them hot. So, why not just shoot a 41 or 44?

 

[Markbo]

Load it hot? You mean like the .44 mag?

 

[Seafarer12]

I believe the 357 is a bit light for deer

I guess you have never gone deer hunting with one then? I have never seen the .357 mag fail any more than a 300 mag or anything else in its designed range with a good shot.

 

[22-rimfire]

I bought a Python for deer hunting and never scored. It was during a time in my life where I didn't hunt other than ocasionally. The gun rags convinced me that the 41 and 44 mags are far better. And I believe them! In all honesty, I currently use a 480 Ruger SRH for deer hunting and carry a 4" 41 mag if I tote a rifle.

I know a lot of people like the 45 Colt. I'm not a fan in general. I figure why bother and just get a 41 or 44 mag. Different likes and dislikes makes the world go around.

 

[Marshall]

44 Mag is a great all around hunting caliber. Available in most revolvers and compatible with carbines. Very accurate round and can be had in easy shooting to mega rounds.

 

[Markbo]

22 rimfire, I can tell you why I like the .45 Colt. Can't speak for anyone else. But for me it is the ability to load it down or way, way up. Way down for Colt SAA or replica gun target loads then a little hotter to duplicate the real old west loads. These loads with a 255 to 270gr Keith style bullet at 900-1000fps are enough to take deer, hogs and any other small to medium game animal - in an SAA sized package.

For larger I have larger Ruger's. I can load them with the old standard loads and shoot all danged day because of the weight of the gun. Then I can start stepping up. from 200gr bullets up to 1200fps, then moving up to heavier bullets in the 300-335gr weight range. I assure you these loads are all that and a bag of chips!

These 'near' .454 loads exceed the energey of the heaviest .44 mag loads by some 50% or more. Not necessary for deer in any way, but it does show that the .45 Colt has more versatility than most people give it credit for.