Author Topic: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.  (Read 7371 times)

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Offline S.B.

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #30 on: July 04, 2009, 08:13:39 AM »
I'm not of the opinion that the 500 is to much(dead is dead) but, it only takes a 40 caliber bullet at around 900-1000 fps to kill a deer? We have some funny regs here in Illinois but, can still use a 500, if we choose.
Steve
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Offline GradyL41

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #31 on: July 10, 2009, 05:34:12 AM »
while in theminority--try a .41-- plenty of power -less recoil than the larger cal but more than the .357--some say i see no diffeerence but ido by shooting a 7.5 Rhawk on a 41 and a 44 and their is a big difference -- now since I have arthy  right us -the .41 is a good bore for me - and it kills at least deer very well

Offline Mohawk

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #32 on: July 11, 2009, 04:30:36 AM »
  If you keep your deer in bow range, keeping your hits in the vitals, then any of the discussed calibers and guns will do fine. I think personal preference is more of a questions than "what is capable". I've used 12 ga slugs and they are no worse than say a .500 Mag. It's all about damaging vitals with whatever you use and most normal calibers, loads, and bullets in those calibers damage them plenty.

Offline S.B.

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #33 on: July 11, 2009, 06:15:48 AM »
while in theminority--try a .41-- plenty of power -less recoil than the larger cal but more than the .357--some say i see no diffeerence but ido by shooting a 7.5 Rhawk on a 41 and a 44 and their is a big difference -- now since I have arthy  right us -the .41 is a good bore for me - and it kills at least deer very well

Some(many) handgun authorities state that the .41 magnum is their caliber of choice and kills the best of any they have tried, at least for whitetails. Personally, with the right handload, I find it very accurate and hard cast bullets around 210-220 grain penetrate very well, can also be loaded with the heavier bullets up to and including 250-260 grains. Flatter trajectory than the .44 mag with less recoil, so what's not to like? An excellent compromise.
Steve
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Offline mk454

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #34 on: July 11, 2009, 07:23:43 AM »
i would say the SW 629 in 44 mag.  i agree whatever gives the bigger hole is just peachy but i just don't buy the idea that .025 makes any kind of difference and never seen problems putting animals down with a .44 and never seen anyone shooting a .44 mag with any type of dedication at all have a problem with recoil.  my son got his first .44 mag at age 13 and handles it fine.  he shoots 15-20 shots and then goes to the .22 for high volume practice.  he has shot one axis deer and two rams with his .44 mag.  his uncle used his .44 to shoot an 1800lb bison.  sounds as versatile as one could ask for. 
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Offline 41 magnum

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #35 on: September 05, 2009, 09:31:28 AM »
My .41 Magnum Rugers have killed 2 elk, 2 black bear, 2 mule deer and 17 whitetails
The Bisley 7.5" is the most comfortable to shoot as mentioned earlier.
But, my 6" Blackhawk has killed the most, and wears a 2X Burris.
Reloading is the way to go with a .41
Get ammo and/or brass at local gun shows and save a ton.
I started shooting big bore silhouette (out to 200 meters) in the early 80's and to shoot 40 or 80 rounds in a day of competiton, and not get beat up(flinch) , I needed to split the difference between a .44 and .357.
Been loving .41 ever since.
Hope this helps
ole John
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Offline GradyL41

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #36 on: September 05, 2009, 11:02:09 AM »
I have owned and hunted with a .44 SBhawk and a hot loaded .45 colt-/// and a .454 Casull- I have gone back to my .41 and have no problems --all I can speak to is deer and it is sure death on them- I can shoot a 305gr .41 cal at 1250+ (5.5" barrell) or the 210 K hollow pointed at 1420 or a 255 in the 1300 or the 170 at 1550 -all the above is more than enough// I have not and do not miss a .44 in any way -- I have during this time shot a number of .44s// one was ported still prefer my .41- again I have hunted nothing but deer-- and this is a comment on deer only -- if my .41 won't do it  -- I want something bigger than a .44
like my .358 win with a 250 at 2400

Offline S.B.

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #37 on: September 05, 2009, 11:29:02 AM »
I have owned and hunted with a .44 SBhawk and a hot loaded .45 colt-/// and a .454 Casull- I have gone back to my .41 and have no problems --all I can speak to is deer and it is sure death on them- I can shoot a 305gr .41 cal at 1250+ (5.5" barrell) or the 210 K hollow pointed at 1420 or a 255 in the 1300 or the 170 at 1550 -all the above is more than enough// I have not and do not miss a .44 in any way -- I have during this time shot a number of .44s// one was ported still prefer my .41- again I have hunted nothing but deer-- and this is a comment on deer only -- if my .41 won't do it  -- I want something bigger than a .44
like my .358 win with a 250 at 2400
Won't any bullet of 200 grains or + at 1000 fps. handle white tail deer? Why tax yourself and handgun more for no gain? Isn't this where the mad race for more velocity and bullet weight started?
Steve
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Offline GradyL41

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #38 on: September 05, 2009, 05:13:37 PM »
I do not shoot 300's even though I have them-- I shoot 255 at 1340 out of my 41/44 to give me the range I want --with an impact of 1100 --that is my cut off-- same with my home 210  cast HP when it gets to 1100 , according to b charts-- that is my limit-- I can go to around 80-100 yards and the guns are scoped --so i start them off a little fast maybe depends on you def of fast-btw while I can from a field position do well at a target at 100 long steps I have never tried it in the swamp I hunt in -- I have with a 41/445 13" TC I have but that is another story--avoiding too much bang and wang is why I use the .41 --I mentioned the different weights just to remind what can be done

Offline lisa1lacy2

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #39 on: September 11, 2009, 06:37:00 PM »
Just to clear things up, I do reload. 

I was not going to post but seeing that you reload. I will tell you what I like.. I like the 357-41-44-45-454-480-and the 500 but all you need is the 45 colt seeing how you reload. you can load them up (in a ruger) and you can shoot the standerd loads for for plinking .and your wife can shoot it to. my little girl is 11 and she shoots mine all the time. I have a redhawk in 45 colt and a bisley in 45 colt and love them. just my 2 cents
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Offline mikemayberry

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #40 on: September 13, 2009, 02:53:22 AM »
Ditto on what the .44 mag guys are saying:  it is easy to be tempted to something bigger by all the hype but if you will research the history and flexibility of the .44 for a handloader, you will begin to see that it is almost the perfect handgun hunting round.

Not only that, but you can have your lever action in the same caliber, completing the circle of what you carry for a long gun and a hand gun.  Even in light loads, it has considerably more energy than the .357.

I am beginning to explore more loads for the .44 and it is good to at least 100 yards before it begins to drop out.  Only if you will regularly shoot beyond that range should you consider the other calibers.

Remember to look at why the .44 was developed, it wasn't for Dirty Harry, it was designed for hunting.

MM
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Offline Swampman

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #41 on: September 13, 2009, 03:01:45 AM »
I'd get a single action 7 1/2" Ruger that will accept a scope in .44 Magnum, or a S&W Model 29 or 629.  A good practice load is 8.0 grains of Unique under a 240 grain SWC.  The double action Rugers are too big & heavy.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #42 on: September 15, 2009, 07:28:48 AM »
the redhawk are to big and heavy , Oh really ? as compared to what ? they are neck and neck in weight to a S&W mod. 29 . Maybe the 29 has the RH by an ounce in some models . And no thats not backwards . Now a Blackhawk hunter as ready for a scope may still hve a slight edge maybe .
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline Swampman

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #43 on: September 15, 2009, 07:31:11 AM »
I've owned and hunted with the Redhawks.  They are too big & heavy.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #44 on: September 15, 2009, 07:36:45 AM »
If they are then the mod 29 is also . check the cat. for both ! Do compare equals !
I have had both really all three you noted . The S&W was a weak  gun compared to the Redhawk IMO. Today i only have Redhawks . I admit the trigger needs attention but with that it is the finest DA for  hunting .
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline Swampman

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #45 on: September 15, 2009, 11:02:11 AM »
The only Rugers I'd consider owning are the Blackhawks & 10-22s.
"Brother, you say there is but one way to worship and serve the Great Spirit. If there is but one religion, why do you white people differ so much about it? Why not all agreed, as you can all read the Book?" Sogoyewapha, "Red Jacket" - Senaca

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Offline Casull

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #46 on: September 15, 2009, 11:45:20 AM »
Quote
the redhawk are to big and heavy , Oh really ? as compared to what ? they are neck and neck in weight to a S&W mod. 29 . Maybe the 29 has the RH by an ounce in some models


Actually a little more than an ounce (about a 1/4 pound).  A 6 1/2" 29 weighs 47 ounces, while a 5 1/2" Redhawk weighs 49 ounces and a 7 1/2" Redhawk weighs 54 ounces.  So, if we take the middle position on the Redhawks, a 6 1/2" Redhawk (if it existed) would weigh 51 1/2 ounces or 4 1/2 ounces more than a 29 with the same length barrel.  Or, you could say that a 29 with an inch longer barrel weighs 2 ounces less than a Redhawk, or that a 29 with an inch shorter barrel weighs 7 ounces less than a Redhawk.
Aim small, miss small!!!

Offline S.B.

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #47 on: September 15, 2009, 11:59:36 AM »
Why not compare a 5&1/2" Redhawk to a 6&1/2" model 29  &1/2" and the 7&1/2" Redhawk to the 8&3/8" model 29? Do you recall the weights of each of these?
Steve
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Offline Casull

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #48 on: September 15, 2009, 01:00:23 PM »
Couldn't find the weight of the 8 3/8" Model 29.  But, best comparison would be same barrel length (unfortuneately, they don't come with same barrel lengths).  Besides, 7 1/2" is just as close to 6 1/2" as the 5 1/2" is.  Besides, I think this summed it up:  Or, you could say that a 29 with an inch longer barrel weighs 2 ounces less than a Redhawk, or that a 29 with an inch shorter barrel weighs 7 ounces less than a Redhawk.
Aim small, miss small!!!

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #49 on: September 16, 2009, 09:02:36 AM »
if you compare SS to SS they are very close an ounce or so .
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline Casull

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #50 on: September 16, 2009, 01:02:47 PM »
Quote
if you compare SS to SS they are very close an ounce or so .


Neither lists a different weight for SS as compared to blued steel, as far as I could find.
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Offline Drilling Man

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #51 on: September 16, 2009, 01:48:45 PM »
  Make mine a S&W 44 mag. 6" please!

  Mines been working for me on everything from moose on down, since the 70's!

  DM

Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #52 on: September 17, 2009, 01:15:47 AM »
Casull both do , go into spec. under a 629 and a ss redhawk . I did and the difference is about 4 oz on the 4 inch guns , the last time i checked it was the gp100 vs 686 they are closer , So i concede right now the S&W has a slight edge in weight but the ruger with a trigger job wins over all .
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline Casull

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #53 on: September 17, 2009, 06:19:28 AM »
Shootall, 4 ounces is not a slight edge in weight (at least not on a revolver).  I don't have a Redhawk, but I do own a Super Redhawk and a M29.  While I like the Ruger (and particularly the cartridge) and it is a sturdy gun, it is nowhere near as smooth or refined as my S & W (and the M29 FEELS considerably lighter in the hand).
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Offline SHOOTALL

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #54 on: September 17, 2009, 08:06:07 AM »
Casull , I have both the Super Redhawk and Redhawk both with 7.5 bbl there is quite a difference there . I noted that the Rugers needed a trigger job to be as nice in that department as the S&W , I have a Redhawk that has a great trigger job and is equal to any S&W i have owned including 5 m-29's . One a custom DX with 5 inch bbl. I choose the Redhawk based on strength mostly and all kidding and ribbing aside consider a S&W a fine gun . But the S&W will come apart shooting Redhawk loads ( trust me i did it , really miss that Custon DX with the 5 inch bbl.). To me  4 ozs in a handgun that is as big as a mod29/redhawk is not a big deal , were it a pocket revolver yes . As a matter of fact if you can't beat a J frame in size and weight why don't waste time trying .
If ya can see it ya can hit it !

Offline S.B.

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #55 on: September 17, 2009, 10:14:37 AM »
Shootall, you must remember that your Redhawk only loads are above the SAAMI standard for .44 magnums. IMO S&W 29s will handle any SAAMI load the Redhawk will for as long as it will? All this while knowing, only takes a .40 caliber of 200 grains bullet at 900-1000 fps to kill deer.

Steve
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Offline Graybeard

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #56 on: September 17, 2009, 10:23:36 AM »
I can't believe you guys are that concerned about two or three ounces on a gun weighting between three and four pounds anyway. My old S&W 29 with 10-5/8" barrel weighted 52 ounces dry with factory wood grips. The Pachmayrs on it no doubt added a couple ounces more. Tamed the recoil nicely and shooting it 500 times in a day was not an unpleasant experience and helped allow me to be sure that when I pulled the trigger the bullet was going where I wanted. I carried that gun hunting in a bunch of states and won a truck load of trophies with it not to mention some cash also.


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Offline Drilling Man

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #57 on: September 17, 2009, 02:30:57 PM »
I can't believe you guys are that concerned about two or three ounces on a gun weighting between three and four pounds anyway. My old S&W 29 with 10-5/8" barrel weighted 52 ounces dry with factory wood grips. The Pachmayrs on it no doubt added a couple ounces more. Tamed the recoil nicely and shooting it 500 times in a day was not an unpleasant experience and helped allow me to be sure that when I pulled the trigger the bullet was going where I wanted. I carried that gun hunting in a bunch of states and won a truck load of trophies with it not to mention some cash also.

  To add to that...  I'm amazed how many guys think they need to "over load" their 44 mags., then proclaim there blah blah blah is better than the S&W, because it can stand more over loads... :o

  DM

Offline Sverre A.

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #58 on: September 22, 2009, 03:59:12 AM »
 
My last Africahunt was done with a 629/4"/300 gr. at 1050 fps. - and a Docter-sight.
A wonderful carrygun with enough power.

Offline HappyHunter

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Re: Looking for Experienced Revolver Hunters.
« Reply #59 on: September 28, 2009, 01:55:13 AM »
Since you do reload...Consider the 41 mag. 

I use a 8-3/8 S&W M 657 in 41 mag and have taken many deer with it.  With my 2x Leupold I have neck shot out to 85 yards. 

My companion rifle is a Marlin lever gun in 41 mag. 

Regardless I suggest a heavy hardcast gas checked bullet in what ever caliber you decide.

The only problem with the lever rifle is that it is too much fun and I do not want to use the revolver anymore.

Fred
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