input on handgun hunting

[c_brutsche]

Hey guys, just got a ruger blackhawk .357. heard these were half decent for hunting hogs and white tailed deer. has anybody heard or have personal stories on whether the blackhawk .357 is a reliable hunting revolver?

[eddiemac]

Could work for deer with the heavier bullets but I would consider it a little light for a large boar. .44 mag would be a better choice for both in my book. YOu could always go larger but I have never felt under armed with the .44 for hunting.

[Rule10b5]

.357 Mag. is just fine. I killed a number of wild russian boar with it when I was 19 or 20. I took one that was about 350 lb. or so. That was up close, though. I'd keep it inside of 40-50 yards, and be prepared to empty your gun if you draw a charge.

Whitetail a bit further, depending on whether you're scoped, and how accurate you and your load are. Say maybe 75 yards for whitetail with a 180 gr. cast bullet as an outside limit. Basically your limit is going to be whatever distance you can hold a 4" circle at, in the position you'll be shooting from, and that's still within 75 yards. Unless you're shooting some goofy-ass 12" barrel so you can keep your velocity up out to 100 yards or so.

I know more than a few guys who take whitetail with 9mm (not in Pa.) within 40 yards, so you'll be just fine with a hot .357.

With any handgun hunt, remember, you're going to be more limited by your own ability. Handgun hunting is hard, regardless of caliber.

[Xringshooter]

Three guys in my hunting camp carry 357 BH's when deer hunting. They carry for several reasons; for finishing shots if needed, or for a close shot if they are just beating the brush to get the deer moving.

Personally I carry a 7 1/2" Ruger Redhawk in 44 Mag or a BH in 45LC (depending on what I'm looking to do that day).