What is your choice of handgun calibers & bullets for deer & critter hunting?

[northkid]

I just got into the TC handgun hunting and I have bought a LOT of 12" & 15" barrels for the Encore. Most of my shooting will be 25-200 yards for deer and critters. What calibers do you folks prefer? Bullets cast or jacked? I have caliber from .223 thru 460 S&W and I think I went a little overboard on the barrel buying .

Thanks
nothkid

[blhof]

If I weren't into B/p also, I'd have more barrels for mine.  I use cast as much as possible, don't with the 223, too much trouble for such a small bullet; the best for prairie dogs and coyotes.  I use the 357max and 3030 for deer out to 170yds, my longest shot yet, with a bang flop in 3030 cast 155gr GC flatnose.  I've used the 3030 with 110gr vmax for prairie dogs and a skunk at about 80yds.

[pozoutdoors]

I'll be trying the tc handgun hunting this fall too!!! I bought a 15" .45 acp barrel this spring. I've been loading some pretty wild loads for this and it shoots good. The recoil and the blast aren't nearly as bad as my .44 mag. but as far as speed I can't tell much difference. It should be around 1100-1200 fps with a 230gr bullet!!! I want to buy more pistol barrels too but can't decide what I want next!!! But I do know I want a slug barrel and another rifle barrel or 10!!! I think it is a non-stop thing with TC's!!!!

Good luck. It should be fun!!!
Poe

[stubshaft]

357 max - 180gr Remington JHP over 19.5 296!

[MnMike]

Deer- Out to 150 yds. - 7-30 Waters, Nosler 120 gr over Varget
Deer- Out to 75 yds. _ .45 Win Mag, 230 gr JHP over 296
Critters - .223 Sierra 50gr over Varget

mike

[GameHauler]

I love 7MM
If I owned a Encore I would use a 7MM-08
I only have Contenders and am VERY happy with the 7-30 Waters.
I now have a handgun barrel and a Carbine.
Both are on the frames in the safe and waiting the next range trip.
PS. now up to 10 barrels and am long from being done

[handgunhuntr]

I am a fan of the 308 Win.  I can load 110 gr for long range groundhogs, or I can load 150gr for deer, and you can load 180gr - 200 gr for hogs, bear, elk...  To me its very versatile

[blhof]

357max with 200gr LFN GC and don't overlook the 3030.  My contender with a 14" barrel and 3030 has been my deer slayer for the past 3 years, with 5 kills and one out to 170yds.  I've been using the Wally World Federal 150's since the previous owner gave me some rounds with the barrel and said that's what he sighted in with.  Took it to the range and set up target at 100yds and made one ragged hole with 6 shots, so I didn't touch anything and hunt with it as is.