Pistol caliber rifle

[H2oPumper]

I like my deer hunting, but I live in what's traditionally known as a shotgun slug only area. We can use pistols from a 9mm up. I would like to see the laws open up more firearms, particularly pistol caliber rifles, and was just wondering how the 357 or 44 sent down a rifle barrel compare to 12 or 20 gauge for deer hunting. I would really like to try a Hawkeye 77/357 or 77/44 on a deer in my backyard instead of driving 200 miles to use my 280.

 

[StrawHat]

Ask the handgun hunters how the 357, 44 or 45 cartridges work on deer. I use a 5 1/2 barreld 45 long COlt and have great success. I reload with black powder so I am not even pushing it to extremes like some feel they have to. My point is, if handgunners can use the cartridge successfully, how can it be different if shot from a longer barrel. Most would consider the added velocity a benefit.

 

[Salmoneye]

My Ruger Super Blackhawk will toss a 240 grain 'USA Made' at 1410fps for 1060 ft/#'s, and my Marlin 1894S will toss the same round at 1750fps, for 1632 ft/#'s of energy...

How this translates or compares to whatever 12 or 20 gauge slugs you are firing, I have no idea...

 

[helotaxi]

The .357 mag sees HUGE gains in a carbine. The .45C sees some gains as well but not nearly the same level; it does become much easier to shoot accurately at longer ranges, though.

 

[CraigC]

The .357 and .44Mag will get the job done with FAAAAAAR less recoil than a shotgun slug. With more accuracy and range to boot. The .357 tends to gain 300-500fps while the .44Mag gains 300-400fps over revolver velocities.

PS, the 77/17, 77/22, 77/357 and 77/44 are not Hawkeyes.