Deer Hunting with .45ACP
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I hunt in Minnesota, where it is illegal to use the .45 ACP for deer.
Much like the .223 for deer hunting debate, the .45 auto is capable of killing a deer, but it must be a PERFECT shot to do so. The .45 ACP, even loaded pretty warm, still does not pack the whallop you really need for a humane kill.
The absolute minimum I would even consider for deer hunting is a .357 Mag with some really hot 180 grain loads. A .41 mag or .44 mag would be the preferred caliber.
Much like the .223 for deer hunting debate, the .45 auto is capable of killing a deer, but it must be a PERFECT shot to do so. The .45 ACP, even loaded pretty warm, still does not pack the whallop you really need for a humane kill.
The absolute minimum I would even consider for deer hunting is a .357 Mag with some really hot 180 grain loads. A .41 mag or .44 mag would be the preferred caliber.
45acp not legal in INdiana either. We go by case length making the 357 mag the very minimum. I got my first deer with a scoped S&W model 19 in 357 mag. If I do it again it will be with a 44 or 45 colt.
I havent heard the last word on the subject but they were talking of making rifles that use handgun calibers legal for In. deer.
We are losing hunting land so fast its getting hard to find a safe place to shoot a rifle anymore. Our green grass land is turning into concrete and asphalt and as the "news media" says tarmac. Where did they ever get the name? probably some one that went to the "South Of France" maybe? Where is that on the map?
Ok ,so I'm getting older and forget that the world is getting smaller.
I havent heard the last word on the subject but they were talking of making rifles that use handgun calibers legal for In. deer.
We are losing hunting land so fast its getting hard to find a safe place to shoot a rifle anymore. Our green grass land is turning into concrete and asphalt and as the "news media" says tarmac. Where did they ever get the name? probably some one that went to the "South Of France" maybe? Where is that on the map?
Ok ,so I'm getting older and forget that the world is getting smaller.
Tarmac is a contraction of tar and macadam otherwise known as crushed stone.
I have shot a few deer with a 45 ACP while performing my duties as a deputy. I have not been very satisfied with the results as in part there are few, if any, suitable bullets for this purpose. Those available are either full metal jacket (FMJ) which are not only illegal to use for big game in most jurisdictions but do not kill very quickly, are of a semiwadcutter design meant for targets, or are designed for rapid expansion for use in defense against humans. This has been deer ranging from 50 pound fawns (these were dispatched handily) up to a near 300# live weight buck. Those deer over about 120# began to be a problem for the 45 ACP regardless of load. In the old days when I carried a 9mm or 38 Spl, these seemed to do a much better job putting down deer than the 45 ACP.
I have shot a few deer with a 45 ACP while performing my duties as a deputy. I have not been very satisfied with the results as in part there are few, if any, suitable bullets for this purpose. Those available are either full metal jacket (FMJ) which are not only illegal to use for big game in most jurisdictions but do not kill very quickly, are of a semiwadcutter design meant for targets, or are designed for rapid expansion for use in defense against humans. This has been deer ranging from 50 pound fawns (these were dispatched handily) up to a near 300# live weight buck. Those deer over about 120# began to be a problem for the 45 ACP regardless of load. In the old days when I carried a 9mm or 38 Spl, these seemed to do a much better job putting down deer than the 45 ACP.
I did it once, 15yard satnding front shot with one 200gr +P Hydra-Shok. The bullet performed as designed and put the deer down pretty quickly. On cleaning it, I found that it had taken out the heart and the bottom of the right lung.
Its not something I would recommend. I jut got caught in an awkward position and couldn't get my rifle into play on the last day of the season.
Its not something I would recommend. I jut got caught in an awkward position and couldn't get my rifle into play on the last day of the season.
I have been thinking about it-Auto pistols are not legal for hunting here in PA, but I have 2 .45 ACP revolvers...
I have read a lot online and in print on the subject, and decided to stick with my .45 Colt SAA 7 1/2" revolver.
I haven't ever seen a bad post on deer hunting with that round at a reasonable distance, and where I live, 30 yards is long range.
mark
I have read a lot online and in print on the subject, and decided to stick with my .45 Colt SAA 7 1/2" revolver.
I haven't ever seen a bad post on deer hunting with that round at a reasonable distance, and where I live, 30 yards is long range.
mark
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