Which gun should I use next deer season?

[Bfh_auto]

Contender? BFR?

I wonder what .30-30 velocity is from a 10" or 12" barrel.

I wonder why the muzzle blast is like.

 

[MCgunner]

Contender? BFR?

I wonder what .30-30 velocity is from a 10" or 12" barrel.

12" compensated barrel Contender. I get 2050 fps out of a 150 grain Nosler Partition. It's killed 5 deer for me in the past and it kills DRT usually. If they move, they don't move far. Of course the longest shot I've made is 90 yards and it dropped so fast in the high grass I thought I'd missed.

 

[horsey300]

I tried to vote for both krags but was only allowed 1. Devilry is afoot! My krag has taken its fair share of venison from 150 yds to 35 ft, no excessive blast, no bad recoil, no problems penetrating, no meat loss, no excuse not to use it.
Now that being said, I think it's time to be truly helpful and point out that you're completely missing the beautiful excuse to get a new gun!!!! I'm thinking a dedicated hunting type .357 revolver, 10mm, 41 mag, etc, if I knew for sure that my shots wouldn't be over 50 yds the hanguns would see a LOT more action!
Eta for the walk in situation, carry the krag, or if you acquire a nice .41 with good loads and practice, 50 yds would not be maximum limitation.

 

[buck460XVR]

I already have a 357 revolver. I might carry it, but it won't be my primary arm. The way in is a power line right of way. I would like to be able to shoot father than a hand gun will if I need to.

This is how I was for many years.....wanted to be a handgun hunter, but couldn't leave the rifle at home for fear the buck of a lifetime would stand out there at 125 yards and laugh at me. Finally realized that shooting a buck of a lifetime with a handgun meant more to me than having to pass up a buck of a lifetime, just outta range(been doing that all my life while bowhunting). Realized it was the challenge of taking a deer with a handgun that made it a trophy. Shooting one with a rifle has gotten pretty easy and pretty dull.

That said, you claim your most of your shots would be under 50 yards......more than close enough for somebody proficient with a .44 mag revolver. I regularly practice with my .460 @ 125 yards. My choice of firearms depends on the hunt. Sitting in a stand with shots of 50 yards or less, definitely my P.C. 629.

But that's me, everyone's hunt is their hunt. One should hunt with what they are confident in and proficient with. Not what someone else tells them to use. JMTCs

 

[Bfh_auto]

This is how I was for many years.....wanted to be a handgun hunter, but couldn't leave the rifle at home for fear the buck of a lifetime would stand out there at 125 yards and laugh at me. Finally realized that shooting a buck of a lifetime with a handgun meant more to me than having to pass up a buck of a lifetime, just outta range(been doing that all my life while bowhunting). Realized it was the challenge of taking a deer with a handgun that made it a trophy. Shooting one with a rifle has gotten pretty easy and pretty dull.

That said, you claim your most of your shots would be under 50 yards......more than close enough for somebody proficient with a .44 mag revolver. I regularly practice with my .460 @ 125 yards. My choice of firearms depends on the hunt. Sitting in a stand with shots of 50 yards or less, definitely my P.C. 629.

But that's me, everyone's hunt is their hunt. One should hunt with what they are confident in and proficient with. Not what someone else tells them to use. JMTCs

I get 4-6 days for rifle hunting, depending how I use my vacation. Missouri changed their rules from primitive to alternative methods. This means a handgun is allowed for all but bow season. When I load hunting ammo for the rifle, I'll see how the S&W likes it.

 

[buck460XVR]

I get 4-6 days for rifle hunting, depending how I use my vacation. Missouri changed their rules from primitive to alternative methods. This means a handgun is allowed for all but bow season. When I load hunting ammo for the rifle, I'll see how the S&W likes it.

You're lucky....Wisconsin only allows centerfire handguns to be used during the regular 9 day gun season. I too only have the opportunity to hunt a few days of rifle season because of work and vacation time(I take time off for archery and Turkey too). Still, it's been a over a decade since a rifle has accompanied me to my blind. I do, still use my 77/44 when still(sneak) hunting the big woods/swamps just north of me due to the high percentage of Jump shooting and running shots presented. Still, a weapon limited to 100 yards or so.

If one's main concern is filling their tag, then they should use whatever has worked well for them in the past, especially if one desires to take shots over 100 yards. The power of traditional calibers for deer does not diminish under 100 yards. Back in the days when I used my ought-six, altho some were at 150-200 yards, most of the deer I killed with it, were under 50 yards. It did just fine. Now when folks are looking to challenge themselves by limiting their range by the use of what others consider "marginal" calibers or platforms, it's a different story. I have used my .357 carbine for deer in the past. It will work well with the proper bullets, appropriate for the velocity the carbine gives(Something like the XTP-FP and not the XTP-HP). Same bullet will work in a revolver, just giving more penetration and less expansion. With .357, penetration and making a hole on both sides, is key to success.

 

[Bfh_auto]

You're lucky....Wisconsin only allows centerfire handguns to be used during the regular 9 day gun season. I too only have the opportunity to hunt a few days of rifle season because of work and vacation time(I take time off for archery and Turkey too). Still, it's been a over a decade since a rifle has accompanied me to my blind. I do, still use my 77/44 when still(sneak) hunting the big woods/swamps just north of me due to the high percentage of Jump shooting and running shots presented. Still, a weapon limited to 100 yards or so.

If one's main concern is filling their tag, then they should use whatever has worked well for them in the past, especially if one desires to take shots over 100 yards. The power of traditional calibers for deer does not diminish under 100 yards. Back in the days when I used my ought-six, altho some were at 150-200 yards, most of the deer I killed with it, were under 50 yards. It did just fine. Now when folks are looking to challenge themselves by limiting their range by the use of what others consider "marginal" calibers or platforms, it's a different story. I have used my .357 carbine for deer in the past. It will work well with the proper bullets, appropriate for the velocity the carbine gives(Something like the XTP-FP and not the XTP-HP). Same bullet will work in a revolver, just giving more penetration and less expansion. With .357, penetration and making a hole on both sides, is key to success.

I will probably be using a Semi wadcutter. It works well for me in muzzleloader and velocities are very similar.

 

[buck460XVR]

I will probably be using a Semi wadcutter. It works well for me in muzzleloader and velocities are very similar.

...how do those chamber in your lever? Seems to be a hit or miss with levers as to how SWCs chamber.

 

[Bfh_auto]

...how do those chamber in your lever? Seems to be a hit or miss with levers as to how SWCs chamber.

I haven't had a jamb so far. I have seated anywhere from 38 to the max length that will function in the magazine.
Wadcutters are a little finicky even single loading.