What do you think of my deer hunting plan?

[Hokkmike]

I put this here instead of under rifles because my question is deer hunting-centric.

I have two lever action rifles. (Well 3 actually, but the .22 is out of this question)

#1. A Winchester Model 94 (1953) in .32 WInchester Special.
#2. A Marlin 1894 Cowboy Ltd. in .45 LC circa-2006.

I am finding real MiXEd MeSsaGes about the efficacy of using the Colt for deer. Just as many say it is OK to use the Marlin for deer as say it is not. Also there is a real difference of opinion as to whether it can handle Ruger Plus loadings.

So, my plan now is to keep the Marlin just for range and (if I get into it) Cowboy action shooting. The .32 will be used only for deer hunting.

I guess the real question is whether or not the Marlin is OK for deer and can it handle the Ruger Plus loads???

 

[jmr40]

I don't know about the hotter loads, but I'm in the camp that says standard loads with a hardcast bullet will be sufficient within the range limitations. There are a lot better choices than either when it comes to performance, but we hunt for fun and hunting with what you enjoy using is a big part of why we hunt. If you want to use it, then use it.

 

[Kevinq6]

I'm looking at some .32 Winchester special, a hornady load shoots a 165gr bullet at 2410fps. That's in the same ballpark as a 30-30. No one would say 30-30 cannot take a deer.

As for 45lc it would have more drop but I read about people using it a lot. The people that use it seem to take a lot of game with it. A 225gr hardcast or soft hollow point would be what I'd probably use if I were using standard pressure. Hard to imagine it would not perform at 100yds if you hit the deer in the vitals.

 

[Bfh_auto]

I agree the 45 is plenty inside it's range limitations.
Don't get sucked into the special loads for the 32. The standard flat point ammo is perfect.

 

[buck460XVR]

I agree the 45 is plenty inside it's range limitations.
Don't get sucked into the special loads for the 32. The standard flat point ammo is perfect.

^^^Good common sense approach. The .32 Special has always performed "in the ballpark" with 30-30. Kinda the whole idea behind it. There's a phrase used about a .45 colt claiming that a 250 gr bullet going 900fps will completely pass thru a horse lengthwise. While I have my doubts, it is a testament of faith from those that use it....within it's limitations. No different than any other caliber. I personally am not a fan of "hot" loads. Just because a gun can handle them does not make them better. Use standard loadings for your lever carbine. It will work just fine, even for deer. Just learn how to shoot it.

 

[Hokkmike]

Thanks for your replies.....

 

[earlthegoat2]

The 1894 can handle the pressure of “Ruger only” loads. You have to watch out on the COAL though as heavier bullets can be loaded less deeply at longer COAL in Rugers giving them an even greater advantage than just higher pressures.

The 1894 won’t cycle these longer “Ruger only” loads.