I would think if you're around 900 fps, and 3" high at 25, you're no more than 3.5" to 4 at most high at 50 yards. But I'm not a fan of taking that gun hunting without knowing for sure where you're hitting out to your maximum range.
44 special for deer??
- Thread starter johnnyjr
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LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Going hunting with a revolver that you have not positively zeroed with the ammunition you intend to use is much less than ideal. I would not recommend doing so, unless you can get a deer to stand perfectly still at exactly 25 yards so you can aim exactly 3" low for a perfect shot. Otherwise every opportunity will be based on a guess.
My $0.02 worth.
BigMuddy
Member
I have taken several deer with a handgun, four of which were with the 44 Special. The 250 Keith bullet did very well on one with complete penetration. One double lung shot with a 260gr. WFNGC LBT bullet was an almost instant DRT. A 210gr. Speer Deep Curl at about 1200 fps worked terrific. So yes the special will work and work well.
I have to agree with some in that it sounds like you are not properly prepared for this hunt. Taking a handgun without proper preparation is just asking for problems. My first handgun killed deer over 30 years ago was a botched up affair due to lack of trigger time and practice. I promised myself not to let that happen again.
Dan
I have to agree with some in that it sounds like you are not properly prepared for this hunt. Taking a handgun without proper preparation is just asking for problems. My first handgun killed deer over 30 years ago was a botched up affair due to lack of trigger time and practice. I promised myself not to let that happen again.
Dan
Almost all of my .44s, including both .44 specials (1 S&W, 1 Ruger) shoot high with the rear sight screwed all the way down. I have to use a 6 o'clock hold with all of them. With a center hold, they shoot just about where the OP is describing; about 3" high at 25 yards.
Biggfoot44
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I won't go so far as saying that anything that kill a human is suitable for deer hunting, but 900-ish fps .44spl certainty is .
For iron sighted pistols in that velocity range, I prefer sighted 1.5in high at 50yds . Your revolver as currently sighted might or might not be usable , but without verifying POI @ 50yds , we really do know. Until verifying/ resighting , IF you take it hunting , limit yourself to 30yds or closer, with 6 o'clock hold .
For iron sighted pistols in that velocity range, I prefer sighted 1.5in high at 50yds . Your revolver as currently sighted might or might not be usable , but without verifying POI @ 50yds , we really do know. Until verifying/ resighting , IF you take it hunting , limit yourself to 30yds or closer, with 6 o'clock hold .
ok people..got up to the range earl this morning..Told work I was going to be a few minutes late..Got the handgun now sighted for like maybe 1/2 inch high at 25 yards..5 shots in approx.2 1/2 inch..I feel so much better about this..Just wanted you all to know this..Johnny
StrawHat
Member
When I finally sized up and got rid of the magnums, I choose to use the 45 long Colt and blackpowder. A 260 grain SWC at 900 fps will pass through an Ohio white tailed deer from stem to stern unless a major bone is hit.
A bullet slightly smaller at the same speed should perform the same.
Kevin
A bullet slightly smaller at the same speed should perform the same.
Kevin
Any load you would use on man should get the job done, if the bullet goes in the right place. If a 138 grain roundball from a muzzle loader is considered more than sufficient by legions of black powder hunters why shouldn't a 240 grain semi-wadcutter do as well?
