Thinking of getting into handgun hunting, what to get?

[Anchorite]

Personally I find the .357 to be on the light side. Not much margin for error and if you include hogs, you will want something more adequate on a mature boar. I would recommend a .44 Magnum. There is a plethora of reloading components and ammo available for this cartridge that is equal to none. Depending on how you load it you can use it for varmints on up to really big game.

This. A properly loaded .44 will handle anything in the lower 48 with ease. There is a plethora of data for it and components are easy to come by. Deer and hogs are not hard to kill, and unless the quarry can bite back, you’ll do fine with the .44. I prefer a hard cast 240-250 grain over 9-10 grains of Unique, standard primer. That load just works for me.

 

[ApacheCoTodd]

I've hunted from east coast white tail to Arizona Mule Deer and Texas hogs with handguns and while I'd even risk cover shots at Mule Deer here in Arizona with a .357 I'd rather something more for hogs.

If I exclude SA revolvers and semi-autos - which I always exclude from MY notion of hunting - I'm left with generally .44 & .41.

I started with .41 so it holds a special place for me and I am very confident in its abilities within the parameters I choose to apply for handgun hunting. So, I'd not turn my nose up at it in your search.

However, reality says to start and most likely end with a .44 in DA that will be scopeable should you eventually choose to go that way too. Personally, I don't like them on a hunting handgun but I do get others liking them.

Now, I know there are fellas out there happily hunting with semis, single actions, smaller calibers and the like. It's just not my bag, Baby!

Nope, a stainless, DA and of either Wesson flavor; Dan or Smith, seems like the ticket for me. Load it down to Special and below or up to full-house magnum.

My current favorite is a 629-5, 6 inch. Of course, I'd turf it to the safe in a NY-minute for a Dan Wesson.

Now too, "Why DA only, Todd?" Because, in general and especially when there's blood on the ground.... the whole food chain can and often does, dramatically shift. I don't want to be thumbing no SAs when I'm on the menu.

Todd.

 

[Sergei Mosin]

Super Redhawk, .44 Magnum, 7.5-inch barrel, scope or red dot according to taste.

 

[Blue Brick]

I like those 45-70 revolvers.

 

[illinoisburt]

what should I start with for handgun hunting?

Deer or hogs, 50-75 yard max distance, but will possibly have some opportunities for longer shots if I want. Preferably much closer, like 25 yards.

Already have a 4.2” sp101 in 357.

Should I try something else or use that? I have no preconceptions on this. Just starting to think through my options and want some guidance.

I’m probably about an average shooter regarding accuracy.

Thanks for any input.

Just starting out, if you feel confident shooting your ruger it will.be fine for deer or hogs. Grab some of the heavy for caliber loads like the 180 grain flat point hard cast from buffalo bore. If mushrooming bullets are required by law, stay with the heavy caliber soft points as opposed to hollow points. The hollow points tend to.be limited penetration in most loads (like 8 to 14 inches) which can be a challenge with hard quartering or straight on shots. My personal preference is a 44, but what you have will work.

 

[.38 Special]

Just starting out, if you feel confident shooting your ruger it will.be fine for deer or hogs. Grab some of the heavy for caliber loads like the 180 grain flat point hard cast from buffalo bore. If mushrooming bullets are required by law, stay with the heavy caliber soft points as opposed to hollow points. The hollow points tend to.be limited penetration in most loads (like 8 to 14 inches) which can be a challenge with hard quartering or straight on shots. My personal preference is a 44, but what you have will work.

It is good to remember that at one time the .357 was considered an extraordinarily powerful cartridge. Devotees are familiar with the stories of Doug Wesson taking many head of North American big game with it during its development. I have never used it on a live animal and respect the opinions of the many gentlemen with more hunting experience, but I think it is fair to point out that many head of deer and boar have been cleanly taken with the .357. Some day I will work up the courage to try it myself!

 

[JeeperCreeper]

Whenever I can, I always mention the Ruger Blackhawk Convertible....

45LC is similar to 44 mag depending on load and you can then practice somewhat with 45 acp or even 45 super.

Obviously a platform that allows for easy optic mounting if a big plus.

Ballistically speaking, I think the revolver cartridges like 44 mag, 41 mag, 45 Colt are ideal.

But hey, people have taken big game with a .22.

Or... Just say forget it and squirrel hunt with a cheap .22 pistol and see how you like handgun hunting

 

[.38 Special]

Deleted

 

[StrawHat]

If you have a 357, spend some money on ammunition and practice. Sight in from a bench. Then start shooting from field positions, prone, sitting, kneeling, braced and unbraced. Once you build up confidence with the 357, it can do the job.

Is the 357 my choice? No, I started with it, progressed to the 44 Magnum but was annoyed that a buddy was getting faster drops with what I considered a lesser cartridge. He was using a 45 long Colt and with similar hits dropping them faster while my 44 was having me track them. I was loading EK’s recipe. He was using a 260 grain SWC over black powder. It took a while but I switched to the 45 and black powder and have not looked back.

Once you master the 357, consider a 44 or 45 but with loads approaching 900 - 1000 fps. I believe you will be able to control them and hit more accurately.

Kevin

 

[Zaydok Allen]

I think for those critters, and definitive kills, a 44 magnum is a better choice than a 357.

 

[gotboostvr]

Play with a bunch of platforms. Dan Wesson's, Smith & Wesson's, Ruger Black and Redhawks, BFR's, et al... pick whichever platform feels the best to you. Only you can decide which'll be "best" for you. They're all solid performers. Even the "budget" Taurus Raging Bull should serve well, it's probably one of their better hashed out models and is generally well reviewed.

Pick a caliber you like the sound of as long as it starts with a "4". 41, 44, 45, 454, 460, 475, 480. Any of them are good to go for deer through black bear.

I would suggest getting into reloading as well, none of these cartridges are cheap to practice with using factory hunting level loads. A simple Lee Hand-Press and digital scale can turn out very respectable ammo for little cost. The most economical is probably 44mag, the WWB and American Eagle brands are not bad for deer/hog sized game.

 

[labnoti]

what should I start with for handgun hunting?

Deer or hogs, 50-75 yard max distance, but will possibly have some opportunities for longer shots if I want. Preferably much closer, like 25 yards.

Already have a 4.2” sp101 in 357.

Should I try something else or use that? I have no preconceptions on this. Just starting to think through my options and want some guidance.

I’m probably about an average shooter regarding accuracy.

Thanks for any input.

A gun forum will inevitably wind up in a totally impractical contest of advocacy for various cartridges.

Did you hunt this year? Were there any shots in the 25 yards or 75 yards you described?

What about this year and last year? How was the hunting?

Do you have access to private land or public land only? If private land, do the ranchers/landowners guide or just give permission and you're on your own?

It seems like a lot of people here just want to put a big 44 Magnum revolver in your holster and slap you on the back. Do you have a buddy to hunt with or do you hunt alone?

What's your buddy's experience? Who is better at getting the cape off quickly, you or your partner? Since they might be your junior, can they field dress and quarter the game?

What do you do with the quarters? Butcher it yourself or do you pay someone?

What do you hunt with? Truck, 4x4, quad, sxs, on horseback?

As I mentioned already, I didn't get to hunt big game this year. I paid my money but didn't win any tags. It's more likely I'll get a tag next year or the year after that. Where I am, it's open country and short range shots are rare. A friend in the Fish and Game department for over 20 years says he's never met a handgun hunter here and doesn't know anyone who does it. It's not that it can't be done. We do have bow hunters. Here, it's mostly public land but there is a lot of it. The tough thing is the most available tags are a full day's drive away from where people live, and it's impractical to really learn so much land and its game so far away.

I have two partners, my sons, but they're just getting started. They were ready for their first season but also failed to get tags. Probably better than half the men around here hunt, so I get good "intel" but I don't have an adult buddy. For me, that pretty much rules out Elk for now. I can hire someone to pack it out, but it's still probably more work than I want to handle on my own. I apply for deer, antelope, bear, sheep, cougar, and goat. Like I wrote, I haven't heard of hogs around here. The experience I get comes slowly these days. Honestly, in my previous state, I got to the point where for years I wrote off big game hunting as a rich man's game, and just enjoyed birds when I could. Where I am now, I hope things are better, but mostly I'm determined to help my sons as much as possible.

 

[crestoncowboy]

Assuming you are talking about whitetail I've killed many many deer with a 10mm. Put down many a beef too. If you can hit where you are aiming the 357 is fine as its in the same ballpark as the 10mm. Since you have a 357 I'd use that for a while.

I do have 44 magnums and much bigger and if you enjoy handgun hunting as many of us do you will likely step up to one of them. But the gun you have is a great starting point. And I often step back down and kill a few each year with my 10mms. We get 6 tags standard and can go back and buy 2 doe tags at a time whenever we want

 

[Arkansas Paul]

It seems like a lot of people here just want to put a big 44 Magnum revolver in your holster and slap you on the back. Do you have a buddy to hunt with or do you hunt alone?

What's your buddy's experience? Who is better at getting the cape off quickly, you or your partner? Since they might be your junior, can they field dress and quarter the game?

What do you do with the quarters? Butcher it yourself or do you pay someone?

What do you hunt with? Truck, 4x4, quad, sxs, on horseback?

I'm having a hard time figuring out what these things have to do with what handgun he chooses for hunting.
Does he hunt by himself or alone? What does that have to do with the effectiveness of one handgun round over another?

Is he faster than his hunting partner at skinning and quartering a deer?

His question was about the best tool for a particular job.

Maybe I'm missing something.

 

[labnoti]

the big picture

 

[Arkansas Paul]

Care to elaborate on that?

The question wasn't about the big picture. It was seeking people's opinion on whether to use his .357 or get something else.
And you seem bothered by the fact that most people's opinion doesn't match yours, even though at least some of the opinions are from folks who have killed more game with handguns than a lot of people will ever see.

I'd just like to know how the speed with which he and his hunting partner can skin a deer effects what pistol he should use. That's all.

Of course I don't reckon you're under any obligation to answer me. I'm just curious.

 

[MaxP]

Care to elaborate on that?

The question wasn't about the big picture. It was seeking people's opinion on whether to use his .357 or get something else.
And you seem bothered by the fact that most people's opinion doesn't match yours, even though at least some of the opinions are from folks who have killed more game with handguns than a lot of people will ever see.

I'd just like to know how the speed with which he and his hunting partner can skin a deer effects what pistol he should use. That's all.

Of course I don't reckon you're under any obligation to answer me. I'm just curious.

That’s a big can of worms you’re opening...

 

[.38 Special]

That’s a big can of worms you’re opening...

I notice the OP has not responded to any of this. I can only assume he intentionally set us at each other and is now off laughing about it.

 

[desmobob]

what should I start with for handgun hunting?
Deer or hogs, 50-75 yard max distance, but will possibly have some opportunities for longer shots if I want. Preferably much closer, like 25 yards.
Already have a 4.2” sp101 in 357.
Should I try something else or use that? I have no preconceptions on this. Just starting to think through my options and want some guidance.
I’m probably about an average shooter regarding accuracy.
Thanks for any input.

When I decided I wanted to try handgun hunting for whitetails, I already owned a 4" .357, but I didn't think it would be ideal. I chose a scoped Thompson/Center Contender with a 10" 30/30 Winchester barrel and it killed deer with ease. It is incredibly accurate. But after using it for several years, it seems more like a rifle than a handgun.

I'll be buying a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt after the holidays for future hunting use.

 

[Arkansas Paul]

I'll be buying a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 Colt after the holidays for future hunting use.

When I wanted to chase whitetails with a handgun, that's exactly what I got.
That's been nearly 10 years and I still haven't gotten one with it yet, but am still hopeful.

I'm going to put a red dot on it before next deer season, and plan to go out with it, and leave the rifle in the truck. Not every time, but I'm going to push the issue a bit.

As for that gun, my 7.5" Blackhawk in .45 Colt is likely my favorite firearm. I've shot everything from powderpuff cowboy loads to loads that were downright painful in it.

 

[desmobob]

When I wanted to chase whitetails with a handgun, that's exactly what I got.
That's been nearly 10 years and I still haven't gotten one with it yet, but am still hopeful.

I'm going to put a red dot on it before next deer season, and plan to go out with it, and leave the rifle in the truck. Not every time, but I'm going to push the issue a bit.

As for that gun, my 7.5" Blackhawk in .45 Colt is likely my favorite firearm. I've shot everything from powderpuff cowboy loads to loads that were downright painful in it.

I already have a 5.5" single action .45, but it's a Colt SAA. It's nickel-plated, has over-sized cylinder throats that hinder accuracy and, as much as I love it, I don't have confidence in it as a hunting handgun. I would be more confident in a blued revolver with nice sights and the ability to take stout loads... Blackhawk!

 

[.38 Special]

I already have a 5.5" single action .45, but it's a Colt SAA. It's nickel-plated, has over-sized cylinder throats that hinder accuracy and, as much as I love it, I don't have confidence in it as a hunting handgun. I would be more confident in a blued revolver with nice sights and the ability to take stout loads... Blackhawk!

I have a New Vaquero in stainless, .45 Colt. I put a flat, dull face on the front sight and used a cold blue pen on it and the rear notch - which surprised me by working. The gun shoots to POA and is reasonably accurate, and while it can't handle truly stout loads, it is fine with warmish loads and 250 grain flat points. I may someday point it at a pig, if I can get close enough...

<edit> Or I could just stick with the Blackhawk, which always has worked!

 

[labnoti]

Care to elaborate on that?

The question wasn't about the big picture.

That's an assumption on your part. I think it's mistaken.

It was seeking people's opinion on whether to use his .357 or get something else.
And you seem bothered by the fact that most people's opinion doesn't match yours, even though at least some of the opinions are from folks who have killed more game with handguns than a lot of people will ever see.

What do you presume my contrary opinion to be? 9mm, because of my sarcastic comment? Or maybe .357 because I feel a need to advocate for it in spite of having never shot a living thing with it, just because, you know, that's what people do on the internet from their armchairs.

When someone answers a question about hunting with a cartridge, it almost convinces me they don't have any experience hunting at all. Killing animals with a handgun maybe, but probably not hunting.

I'd just like to know how the speed with which he and his hunting partner can skin a deer effects what pistol he should use. That's all.

Of course I don't reckon you're under any obligation to answer me. I'm just curious.

It will be evident when Fordtrucks answers.

 

[desmobob]

I have a New Vaquero in stainless, .45 Colt. I put a flat, dull face on the front sight and used a cold blue pen on it and the rear notch - which surprised me by working. The gun shoots to POA and is reasonably accurate, and while it can't handle truly stout loads, it is fine with warmish loads and 250 grain flat points. I may someday point it at a pig, if I can get close enough...

<edit> Or I could just stick with the Blackhawk, which always has worked!

Good thing you added that edit... It almost seemed like you were trying to talk me out of buying another revolver!

 

[.38 Special]

Good thing you added that edit... It almost seemed like you were trying to talk me out of buying another revolver!

Sir, I would never!