.40 Auto for Deer Yes or No
Anyone out there use a .40 auto on whitetail deer? If so what Factory ammo do you use, I'm not a reloader, & max range?? Thank's
Ken Munger
Ken Munger
0
-
An old saying that usually ends all disscussions on the virtures of one cartridge over another in it's ability the kill whitetails goes something like this: Do know what has killed the most deer in the state? A 22 long rifle. This is reference poaching of course. But is that a 40 S&W may the animal if the given range and shot placement is conservative but it does not allow for a margin of error. A 40 S&W best left in the holster unless used for the "Cou de Gras." Also check your states regulations on legal definitions. 0 -
Semi-auto handguns are not allowed in my state to the best of my knowledge. Frankly, I could not recommend this caliber no matter what the law. Those in the know use magnums. If I were going after deer, I'd probably pick a 44 magnum with a scope.
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0 -
I know two police officers who carried their .38 revolvers along while deer hunting, and who used those revolvers to kill deer with one shot when one came close enough.
The key is, close enough.
If it is a legal caliber, and if I had my .40 on me while hunting from a stand, and if the deer came within 20 yards, I would shoot it with the .40.
I could HIT the deer at 50 yards, but I don't know if the round would be effective enough at that range, so I would play it safe.
I would use Remington Golden Sabres, 165 grain.
SIG pistol armorer/FFL Dealer/Full time Peace Officer, Moderator of General Discussion Board on Gunbroker. Visit www.gunbroker.com, the best gun auction site on the Net! Email davidnunn@texoma.net0 -
Legal in Texas. Why not? Less has worked.
If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !0 -
depends on the gun. An accurized 1911 style gun? probably. loaded as long as a 10mm if the barrel will allow and you essentially have a 10mm in theory. Would need to be handloads to seat longer and keep down the pressure. Then a daring guy would start working up the loads from the 40 data to the 10mm data and see what happens. Or just get a 10mm barrel. Ohio laws require a 5" barrel and minimum .357 dia.
rich0 -
I think the real issue is whether or not it is appropriate--not whether it would work. A friend of mine was hunting deer a couple of years back and he said it took several rifle rounds to finish off a deer. Pistols are anemic by comparison. You want a swift and humane kill.
OTOH If you can find a good scoped carbine that'll take the 40, that would be worth consideration if you want to stay with a single caliber.
Three Precious Metals: Gold, silver and lead0 -
IMHO The .40 auto is more than enough to put a Whitetail down.But shot placement and a logical distance would have to be considered.If I had something more suitable I would use it.
Good Luck!!!
Rugster
Toujours Pret0 -
Remember they do make a .40 rifle. Ruger still has it listed. My 2 cents 0 -
Don't get me wrong, sure there are many more practical cartridges, but in my mind I see that if a bow and arrow can effectively kill a deer, a .40sw darn sure will.
I totally agree that shot placement is essential. U may look into handloading for an optimal carbine cartridge.
If I'm wrong please correct me, I won't be offended.
The sound of a 12 gauge pump clears a house fatser than Rosie O eats a Big Mac !0
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
9 comments