Choosing between the 625 or 19 for deer

[ILTim]

I want to consider using one of these two wheelguns for deer. Its the age old big-n-slow vs small-n-fast in two calibers that are generally regarded a little marginal for this purpose by todays magnum standards. But this is loud bow-hunting, not handicapped riflery. Both are legal options in Illinois (min 4" barrel, .30 diameter, and 500 ft-lbs at the muzzle), and I'm certain that both are viable.

Given these two options, which way would you lean?


1) Model 625 4" mountain gun in .45 ACP running Buffalo Bore Auto Rim #32A 255gr LRNFP at 1030 fps and 598 ft-lbs ME.

Exactly the same (maybe 100fps warmer than) standard pressure old fashioned .45 long colt. Please no discussion on 1350fps hotrodding of that cartridge, 44 magnum, or .50cal BFR's. Please. This load is non expanding, but should by all accounts shoot thru and thru any size deer at any angle. Maybe a different bullet shape would be preferable, but this is what I have available, stocked, and tested for this caliber.


2) Model 19-3 6" .357 mag with Buffalo Bore #19C 158gr JHC at about 1460 fps and 747 ft-lbs ME.

More energy, expanding bullet, good apparent track record on deer (above average for caliber?). While it should shoot flatter than the 45, I cannot foresee this being relevant within ethical open sights distances. Potentially a smaller hole if expansion fails. I will consider handloading other 158gr-180gr bullets in lieu of the reference Buffalo Bore. Probably harder on the ears than .45AR, but I'll do some side by side later and find out.

 

[Harrison]

Neither. Just because it is legal don't make it right.

 

[22hipower]

Either will do the job with close (50 yards and under) shots and good bullet placement. I would lean towards the 357 but would use the one I shot best.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

 

[vonn]

Revolver hunting is a lot like bow hunting in that the closer you are the better chance of making the perfectly placed shot for a quick clean kill. Both loads will do the job if you do yours. Good luck and enjoy the hunt up close!

 

[ralph7]

Everything that was said above about 50 yards or less.
I would go with the .45 as it is easier on the ears in a hunting scenario.
The deer won't know the difference between the two.

 

[ralph7]

Neither. Just because it is legal don't make it right.

Guess you're not much of a bow hunting fan, either.

 

[Tom_R]

I would choose the 625, but not B/C caliber, but B/C it is stainless, and in the woods, I think Stainless would be easier to fix any Nicks or Burrs. A nice Model 19 would be easier to get dinged up, if you carry in an open Holster.

Just my $0.02, Either one will get you there with the correct Ammo.

 

[MichiganScott]

I'd actually prefer a hard cast semi-wadcutter in the .357, but if that's not an option, the .45 will make a large hole through both sides. If the .357 expands, it may not penetrate completely.

No deer will go very far with two collapsed lungs or destruction of major blood vessels. I hunted deer for years with a .50 caliber round ball muzzle loader. The deer seemed to die just fine if hit well.

 

[sigp220.45]

I believe I would go with the .45 ACP. A 255 grain bullet at over 1000 fps will certainly handle any deer around.

I'm glad Illinois is allowing handguns for deer. I grew up in Decatur, and then it was shotguns only.

 

[arjay]

Id use the one I shoot the best and keep it at bow range.

 

[Voyager28]

6" Model 19 with the Buffalo Bore, 180 grain hard cast, hands down! Been there done that and Mr. Deer will be rendered DRT with a well placed shot.

Bob

 

[DR505]

I would take the Mountain Gun. Though .45 ACP will work, I prefer the MG in .45 Colt. Deer are not very tough animals.

Like sigp220.45, I grew up hunting deer in Illinois, mostly in Iroquois County, and had to use a scattergun. I sure like it out west better!

 

[jtcarm]

Either will do the job with close (50 yards and under) shots and good bullet placement. I would lean towards the 357 but would use the one I shot best.

Jeff
SWCA #1457

+1

No matter which, practice, practice, practice.

 

[toc1]

To the question as posed I would go with the 357.
I have killed Deer and other game with both although
not with the exact rounds you are using.

Shot placement is the key.
Good luck either way.

 

[-db-]

Have you looked at Federal's P357XB1?

Federal Premium Ammunition - Handgun

 

[mc5aw]

I'd go with the longer barrel, irrespective of caliber.

 

[Rpg]

I've killed deer with 357 mag and 45 acp.

My choice is the 45.

The 45 is much more pleasant to shoot.

For either , keep your shots under 60 yards: as a reference point: no more than the distance across an NFL field.

These mid to short range shots are the large majority of shots you would get even with a rifle.

Either will work, the 45 will work better.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[Old TexMex]

I use a .41 mag w/8 3/8 bbl. The longer barrel in either you have will be my suggestion.

 

[Doubless]

Bullet placement is paramount. As has already been said, either round will work just fine. I would shoot the one you shoot the best, and if that is a toss-up, assuming you can get more than one tag, blood them both!

 

[feets]

Assuming your competency and confidence are similar with both guns I'd take the 625. It's an easy carry and will poke a fat hole through both sides of a deer without having to rely on expansion.