Hi all, I'm getting a new S&W revolver for hunting and had some questions. I currently hunt in Florida with a 10mm Auto. I've been up close to pigs/deer in thick brush up to 10 yds away, and also taken shots at pigs at 100 yds, (with my Commander 10mm). I'm actually selling my M1A for a revolver, love the stalking and light packing associated with handgun hunting!!! So while my 10mm is ok for short range, was looking for something when I get that 100 yd shot (in case you were wondering, yes, I did hit the pig at 100 yds, iron sights with my Commander, but not an ethical shot, hence the more horsepower/scope).
So in looking at larger revolvers, there seems to be a lot of pissing matches going on, and I'd like real world data-actual stories or what has happened. I say this because it seems to me that in modern times, every body is going bigger and badder. I'm surprised I haven't read on forums of a story where it took somebody's uncle 6 shots to kill a rabbit with a 22LR, so they suggest a 5.56.....
I reload, and my buddy's trying to tell me that the 460 is the way to go because of the awesome heavy loads and 45 Colt for lighter-but this requires cleaning of cylinders and 2 dies, types of brass, bullets, etc., or 3 of all if 454 Cassull is added, none of which I can find easily in Walmart, etc as well. So 3 rounds for different jobs. Not bad thinking, I suppose. But the 44 Magnum, would be 1 set of dies, and easier to buy ammo if in a pinch, not to mention TONS OF DATA and different powders....
So that being said, a 44 Magnum will never outpower a 460, got it.... but.... At a 75-100 yd shot on a pig, would a 44 Magnum take the pig? I've also heard about deer being torn to shreads in and out with a 460 S&W. Is it just too much power? I mean, 300gr bullet moving at 1,300 FPS for example) out of a 44 mag I would think would be enough for a FL squealer at 75-100 yds, am I wrong in this thinking? I hunt deer as well, but they aren't as tough as a pig, so if itll take a pig, itll take a deer, my thinking at least. With both rounds, I would carry and switch the loads to accommodate the shot/hunt. What pissed me off about the 100 yd pig is I had 155 GDHP in my 1911, and couldn't switch to the 180 Gr Bullets without changing mags, racking, etc..... Might've gone differently with 180's.... Hence the revolver, again, Gotta love revolvers!!! Options on the fly!!!
I know that the 460 is straighter shooting, but is it more accurate? I read that it's more accurate at longer ranges, but with so many options in data for the 44 Mag, surely, I would think it can be just as accurate if the right bullet/powder combo is found. As for straighter shooting, I can hold elevation just fine.... again, not the best shot, but certainly not the worst, either....
Thank you for any advice, it's a really tough choice!!!!
Oh, and for comparison, I'm either looking at the S&W 460v-5" barrel, or the S&W stealth hunter in 7.5 inch-if comparing ballistics....
So in looking at larger revolvers, there seems to be a lot of pissing matches going on, and I'd like real world data-actual stories or what has happened. I say this because it seems to me that in modern times, every body is going bigger and badder. I'm surprised I haven't read on forums of a story where it took somebody's uncle 6 shots to kill a rabbit with a 22LR, so they suggest a 5.56.....
I reload, and my buddy's trying to tell me that the 460 is the way to go because of the awesome heavy loads and 45 Colt for lighter-but this requires cleaning of cylinders and 2 dies, types of brass, bullets, etc., or 3 of all if 454 Cassull is added, none of which I can find easily in Walmart, etc as well. So 3 rounds for different jobs. Not bad thinking, I suppose. But the 44 Magnum, would be 1 set of dies, and easier to buy ammo if in a pinch, not to mention TONS OF DATA and different powders....
So that being said, a 44 Magnum will never outpower a 460, got it.... but.... At a 75-100 yd shot on a pig, would a 44 Magnum take the pig? I've also heard about deer being torn to shreads in and out with a 460 S&W. Is it just too much power? I mean, 300gr bullet moving at 1,300 FPS for example) out of a 44 mag I would think would be enough for a FL squealer at 75-100 yds, am I wrong in this thinking? I hunt deer as well, but they aren't as tough as a pig, so if itll take a pig, itll take a deer, my thinking at least. With both rounds, I would carry and switch the loads to accommodate the shot/hunt. What pissed me off about the 100 yd pig is I had 155 GDHP in my 1911, and couldn't switch to the 180 Gr Bullets without changing mags, racking, etc..... Might've gone differently with 180's.... Hence the revolver, again, Gotta love revolvers!!! Options on the fly!!!
I know that the 460 is straighter shooting, but is it more accurate? I read that it's more accurate at longer ranges, but with so many options in data for the 44 Mag, surely, I would think it can be just as accurate if the right bullet/powder combo is found. As for straighter shooting, I can hold elevation just fine.... again, not the best shot, but certainly not the worst, either....
Thank you for any advice, it's a really tough choice!!!!
Oh, and for comparison, I'm either looking at the S&W 460v-5" barrel, or the S&W stealth hunter in 7.5 inch-if comparing ballistics....
