bigsky
Junior Member
Posts: 30 
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Post by bigsky on Oct 19, 2014 20:33:32 GMT -5
I was thinking about using my .357 this year for a change. Anybody use one before and did it do a good job on bringing the deer down without a long tracking? I thought I may wait until they change the rules next year and get another barrel. I also have 2 45.70 Phelps revolvers but would rather keep them unshot and collectable. What caliber would you buy for the contender for the best deer gun
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Post by swilk on Oct 19, 2014 20:38:40 GMT -5
A good bullet put in the right spot will do the job from a 357.... I personally would wait till new rules are announced before buying anything new.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Oct 19, 2014 21:14:21 GMT -5
Both my daughter and my hunting partners daughters have taken deer with the .357. It does the job! I wouldn't hesitate to use it myself if my daughter would let me!  |
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Post by firstwd on Oct 19, 2014 21:24:47 GMT -5
A .22 short will do the job.
What matters is the ability and confidence of the shooter. Confidence in the firearm they use and their ability to place a round from said firearm in the right spot.
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Post by dbd870 on Oct 20, 2014 6:45:27 GMT -5
Use a well constructed bullet and a good shot and it will work. I'd wait just to be sure the rule comes into effect before buying anything now as well. (although I really think it is a done deal)
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Post by hornzilla on Oct 20, 2014 9:48:49 GMT -5
357 will easily do the job. My son has killed several with a 357 in a single shot rifle.
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Post by lawrencecountyhunter on Oct 20, 2014 10:12:44 GMT -5
357 will easily do the job. My son has killed several with a 357 in a single shot rifle. X2. I've shot several with my Handi-Rifle, most drop on the spot. I've had a couple big bucks go about 30 yards. |
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bigsky
Junior Member
Posts: 30
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Post by bigsky on Oct 20, 2014 13:35:58 GMT -5
Thanks for the reply. I think i will use it this year and see where the regulations go next year I haven't before because I was concerned about the knock down power but it sounds like it is fine with a good hit.
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Post by hoosierquest on Oct 21, 2014 3:29:57 GMT -5
the contender is a pistol correct? If so why wait until next year to get a barrel for it? You can use a rifle cartridge in a pistol as long as it is .243 or larger and follow the minimum case length requirement. .243, 7mm, 270, .308 you name it.
unless I am reading wrong and you are saying you are planning on not buying another barrel if you can use a high power rifle next year.
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Post by dadfsr on Oct 21, 2014 5:40:56 GMT -5
I'm with hoosierquest on this one. I've been carrying my TC .308 for a couple of years now and have taken one buck during gun season. I more have it with me during archery season for the coyotes and a couple of wild dogs that I have running my property-yeah it's a little on the heavy side for personal protection but having the ability to reach out a couple hundred yards for the unwanted critters makes it worth it. Oh yeah-you'd have to ask Danf what load I'm using since he's supplied all hand loads to me  |
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Post by HighCotton on Oct 21, 2014 6:40:25 GMT -5
I'll guarantee that .357 will put deer down. Know your range, point of aim and point of impact...and practice. I've put a couple of does down with my old Ruger GP100 in .357 with a 4.2 inch barrel. I never shot past 20 yards. My accuracy also increased after I did a trigger job, smoothing out the pull, down to 2 lbs. If you ever go that low on trigger pull though, be very careful as this can become a safety factor. Real simple IMO, double lung a deer with that .357 and you got meat on the table.
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bigsky
Junior Member
Posts: 30
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Post by bigsky on Oct 21, 2014 8:52:32 GMT -5
I'm with hoosierquest on this one. I've been carrying my TC .308 for a couple of years now and have taken one buck during gun season. I more have it with me during archery season for the coyotes and a couple of wild dogs that I have running my property-yeah it's a little on the heavy side for personal protection but having the ability to reach out a couple hundred yards for the unwanted critters makes it worth it. Oh yeah-you'd have to ask Danf what load I'm using since he's supplied all hand loads to me |
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bigsky
Junior Member
Posts: 30
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Post by bigsky on Oct 21, 2014 9:11:01 GMT -5
I thought the max case length of 1.8 carried over to pistols also. With that assumption i was going to wait for the change that I think will happen next year and get a larger cal barrel for it.
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Post by dbd870 on Oct 21, 2014 9:15:46 GMT -5
I thought the max case length of 1.8 carried over to pistols also. With that assumption i was going to wait for the change that I think will happen next year and get a larger cal barrel for it. Nope; 243 and up good to go; no case restrictions. That is what got me interested in the Encores to start with; my 15" 30-06 shoots lights out and works good on deer too.  |
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Post by squirrelhunter on Oct 21, 2014 10:17:27 GMT -5
I've been using a Contender pistol for years in 35 Remington and have taken several deer with it,being able to use rifle calibers in a pistol is what got me interested in the Contender.
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Post by 36fan on Oct 21, 2014 12:39:14 GMT -5
My .357 magnum bucks:  better pic of the headgear:   ...and then I doubled up on a couple of anterless deer last year. The blood trail hasn't been the best, but it hasn't been needed either. The first one went <100 yds and dropped in the middle of a bean field. The second buck dropped in his tracks, one anterless went ~30yds and dropped, and the other dropped in its tracks. I'm using a Marlin 1894C. The bucks were dropped using 180 gr Hornady XTPs that I bought loaded from a guy at the Indy 1500. I've since switched to 180 gr Buffalo Bore bullets and added a Millett red dot. |
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Post by sprint46L on Oct 23, 2014 4:09:45 GMT -5
My biggest deer killed with .357  |
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