38 special for deer

[cajun hunter]

wanted to know if a 38 would work for close range 0-30 yds.

[Redhawk1]

Yes it would, shot placement, and a well constructed bullet. Keep shots under 30 yards.

[Badnews Bob]

Nice answer by Redhawk, And I agree. Be vary sure of your shot placement.

[irold]

Not sure I agree with the other posters.  Personally I believe the 38 just doesn't  have enough guts to be considered a deer cartridge.  I mean really , the guys are talking shot placement....that be the case, why not use a 22lr ? I'm sure many whitetail have been brought down by the 22 , but it certainly isn't considered a viable round for deer.  Maybe if we're talking a rifle or a contender, where ya wouldn't lose any pressure...even then I'm not sure.  Thats OMHO !  It will be interesting to see what others say or think.  regards, irold

[Bigeasy]

A long time ago, I shot a nice buck with a 30-06, in the chest, real close.  He didn't die right away, and instead started kicking and crying.  I felt bad, and pulled a 4 inch S&W loaded with 38 spl lead wadcutters at about 750 fps, and placed one right at the head / neck joint to put him down.  The bullet went in about 1 inch, and stopped in the bone.  I could see the base of the bullet sticking out.  That really got him going.  I was about ready to hit him again with the rifle when he expired.  If there is a moral in there somewhere, I guess it's use enough gun.

Larry

[Dee]

cajun there is no tellin how many deer MOHAWK has killed with a 38 specials. Send him a pm and ask him. Last time I conversed with him he was using 158 grain lead hollow points on deer.

[45-70.gov]

sure  it  will  ''work''

but why??

are  you an  experienced  hunter  looking for  a challenge
like  a  bow  hunter?

is  that the only gun  you  have?

i  would  use  a 38  over  a bow and  arrow
and  plenty  hunt with  a bow

i am good with  a bow  but  better  with  my 38/357
and have considered  using  my snubnose on  deer
 just because  its  my daily carry gun

if  you are very  good  i say  go for  it
if  not buy  a rifle or shotgun

also check local  laws
i am in florida
i  checked....my   2 inch  357 mag  smith [640] is  legal

[SHOOTALL]

Like the 30-30 the 38 spl. would not kill a deer at point blank range ! 

[fr3db3ar]

Like the 30-30 the 38 spl. would not kill a deer at point blank range ! 

And neither will target points on arrows 

maybe not ideal....but good shot placement over rules a lot of opinions.

[SHOOTALL]

I believe some hunters can jump out of a tree and bite deer on the neck to get them . I was just making fun  I find it funny that for years the low 38 spl was depended on to bring 200+ lb men to task but can't be expected to drop a 90 lb. deer . Guess if the deer start using PCP we might be in trouble .

[45-70.gov]

man  is  the  MOST dangerous game

the  38  is depended on  probly  more than any  other  for  the  last  century

i  am  not  trying  to  find  find fault  when  i ask  why

just  want to know  is reason
so  as to give  a better  response

the  why  might  call   for  a different answer

[cajun hunter]

I was just thinking about it . I had a few deer come very close the last few years.some close enough to touch. the gun i have is colt mk3 trooper 357 mag. i was just curious about 38 special.

[Redhawk1]

Personally I prefer bigger holes in my game. I have killed deer with a ton of 357 Mags that I loaded light because I was shooting for accuracy. I used soft point bullets and hand cast bullets on deer with my 357 Mag.  But knowing how well I can shoot my 357 Mag using 38 specials, I know I could get a hard cast bullet into the lungs of a deer with no problem at all.

Would I choose a 38 special as my round for deer hunting, no, like I said, I like bigger holes in my game. I much more prefer to use my 45 Colt or something bigger.

Now if I only had a 38 special, I would use it and know it would work. I would just have to pick my shots and punch a hole through the lungs and I would have a dead deer.

Oh just so you know, I would not use a hollow point bullet for hunting, that is just me though.

[kynardsj]

I would shoot one within reasonable range with one of my handloaded 158 grain 38's but wouldn't want to do it with a factory loaded round. Mine are scooting, safe but scooting.

[Bigeasy]

To think, all these years I have been under the "Big Bore Spell"  All I ever really needed is my 4 inch S&W 586.  38 wadcutters for target and small game, 38's with hollow points for self defence, deer and antelope, and .357's for moose, elk, and big bear.

Honestly, just because, under certian ideal circumstances a 38 spl will kill a deer, does not mean it is a proper deer hunting cartridge.  Any big game animal deserves a round that works under less than ideal circumstances, as often happens when hunting.

Larry

[kynardsj]

Larry, you are correct. Just because I could kill one with one of my 38's doesn't mean I'm going to start hunting with them. I have much more powerful weapons that will do the job much more humanely if my aim is off a tad. I believe that any animal that is shot deserves a quick, humane death.

[45-70.gov]

I was just thinking about it . I had a few deer come very close the last few years.some close enough to touch. the gun i have is colt mk3 trooper 357 mag. i was just curious about 38 special.

you  are  obviously a better  hunter  than  i am

go  for  it if  you can  shoot  half as good as you  hunt

but  i would  use  the  357  unles  your  poaching and  noise is a factor
if  noise  is  a factor  get  a  38  rifle  they are  quiet

[Badnews Bob]

Not sure I agree with the other posters.  Personally I believe the 38 just doesn't  have enough guts to be considered a deer cartridge.  I mean really , the guys are talking shot placement....that be the case, why not use a 22lr ? I'm sure many whitetail have been brought down by the 22 , but it certainly isn't considered a viable round for deer.  Maybe if we're talking a rifle or a contender, where ya wouldn't lose any pressure...even then I'm not sure.  Thats OMHO !  It will be interesting to see what others say or think.  regards, irold

He ask if it would work, Not if it was someones preferred deer cartridge or not. Yes it will work, would I use it? Prolly not.

[irold]

I suppose a rock would work.......right ??   If thrown hard enough , at the right place ??

Sorry , I agree with
 Larry completely.

regards

[Redhawk1]

The problem is, you all under estimate the 38 special. I can load a 38 special to come close to a low level 357 Mag. Deer are not hard to kill, a hole through the lungs or heart will kill a deer.

I am not a fan of the 38 as a deer cartridge, but I sure as hell know it will drop a deer in its tracks with the proper shot placement and proper bullet at the right range.

You all can doubt the cartridge all you want, but it will kill a deer with no problem. What I see here is, people not confident in there shooting ability, and have to use a large caliber to make up for poor shooting ability.

Is the 38 special the ideal cartridge for deer hunting, I say no. Will it kill a deer?  YES!

Larry, as I have said many time, I would not use a hollow point on big game animals, I am a hard cast for handguns guy.
Also I did not see anyone recommend a 357 Mag for moose, elk, and big bear. Not that it would not work under the right circumstances. 

[bluecow]

ok people, yes the 22lr will kill deer. done alot in western me, and all over. ( that little pill has to go through the hoof frist for the deer is shielding its eyes from the light.)  will the 38 kill deer?  YES!  should we?  most likely not.  dont want to sound like peta member here but...  we are talking about one of gods animals that was put on this earth for our use. ( an animal with nerve ending if you like)  it needs to be treated with respect.  we dont need anti/non-hunters thinking that we ars stunt hunting for our own self intrest.  ( i can do it with a smaller weaker cal. than you can.)  i have a stoger cat. from the 30's with an ad for using the broomhandled mauser for boar and bear.()  will the 38 kill deer, sure but almost all of us are not wiling/or good enough to wait for that perfict shot thats also vary vary close.  warm 44spl & 45lc, 357 mag.  all work just fine will little recoil practice with these and forget stunt hunting.

sorry if it sounds like im preaching.

[Redhawk1]

I suppose a rock would work.......right ??   If thrown hard enough , at the right place ??

Sorry , I agree with
 Larry completely.

regards

Your post does not even merit a comment! But I will say one thing. Learn how to shoot well, and have proper shot placement with no matter what round you use. Deer are not armor plated.

[irold]

I can see this turning sour........enough said.  I do believe I've made my point.   regards  irold

[Redhawk1]

ok people, yes the 22lr will kill deer. done alot in western me, and all over. ( that little pill has to go through the hoof frist for the deer is shielding its eyes from the light.)  will the 38 kill deer?  YES!  should we?  most likely not.  dont want to sound like peta member here but...  we are talking about one of gods animals that was put on this earth for our use. ( an animal with nerve ending if you like)  it needs to be treated with respect.  we dont need anti/non-hunters thinking that we ars stunt hunting for our own self intrest.  ( i can do it with a smaller weaker cal. than you can.)  i have a stoger cat. from the 30's with an ad for using the broomhandled mauser for boar and bear.()  will the 38 kill deer, sure but almost all of us are not wiling/or good enough to wait for that perfict shot thats also vary vary close.  warm 44spl & 45lc, 357 mag.  all work just fine will little recoil practice with these and forget stunt hunting.

sorry if it sounds like im preaching.

I agree, we need to make the most ethical and humane shot to kill the animal quickly. But in the same token, I have seen guys shoot deer in the hind quarter, and track the deer for miles before they get a chance to actually kill that deer. I am talking with a 30-06.

That is why, no matter what you use, shot placement is key for a quick humane kill. I would not call a 38 special in the right hands stunt hunting.

But as I said before, I use 45 Colt and above for all my big game hunting. Big holes let out a lot of blood. But most of all, I practice a lot and know where my bullet goes when I pull the trigger, I am very conscious about making the best shot I can, no matter the size of the cartridge.

[Dee]

I referred cajun to someone (MOHAWK) whom does this type of hunting, and advised him to PM him. I really have been watching this thread, and I must admit it has been interesting. There are here, like any other thread opinions on both sides. Lord only knows I have mine on just about everything.
But watching a listening to this one rather than debating I may have learned something here, and I have a question, I should many times ask MYSELF.
Whom gets to determine what IS proper, and what is NOT proper for deer? One man's deer hunting may have far more variables than an others. Probably one of the funniest I find here, and it has been mentioned, is that some here hunt deer with a bow and arrow, which is accepted nation wide. But a 38 special is not? That's a pretty silly thought in itself.
A PROPER round for hunting deer in ANY ONE'S particular area, is what is both legal, and what WORKS, for that individual.
It is like saying a handgun is the ONLY THING PROPER for home defense. There are some that could not hit the home itself with a handgun, if they were inside it, with all the windows and doors shut.
I believe this comes from a lot of folks READING AND BELIEVEING every thing they read. What many do not realize, is that gun rag writers usually have more experience in JOURNALISM than in the field.
I hope that I never lose the ability to learn, because I constantly learn something here on these forums that I previously did not know.
But an example using myself. I have been hunting with the same rifle for 52 years, and loading the ammo for it for 39 years. Can a 40 year old guy with a degree in journalism and a job with a magazine where he is PAID to convince me the reader he's both an expert, and that my rifle isn't enough, and tell me more about that rifle, and that round that I have been loading for 39 years, and shooting for 52 years, than I myself already know? I think not.
My point? What may not be proper for me, may be very proper for you. I still however, find it amusing that a well placed arrow is always proper, and a well placed 38 special might not be, and many will argue that.
Now before anyone gets all defensive, I ain't doin nothin but giving my opinion, and I have already admitted that I have'em.

[Badnews Bob]

I can see this turning sour........enough said.  I do believe I've made my point.   regards  irold

I don't see any point you've made at all. As for rocks, before guns and before spears man threw rocks or stampeded deer off of cliffs to kill them, so yeah they will work to. Its not legal around here but it can be done.
In Kentucky it is legal to hunt with a .25ACP. Would I use one? Never unless I was starving and that's all I had.

Dee I think your post is a very valid one.

[silly goose]

I think those who have no experience bowhunting, and no idea how an arrow kills would make an analogy of using a less than ideal caliber choice and relate it to bowhunting.  Apples to oranges.

[Doublebass73]

Some good points from Dee and others. I know a hack hunter who will take any shot that presents itself on a deer with his 30-06 then track it all day and not feel bad about it. On the surface he hunts with a 30-06 which is a "proper" deer caliber so he must be ethical right? I think there are way too many variables to make blanket statements about proper deer cartridges. The bottom line is that shot placement is king. I say if a caliber is legal in your state and you want to use it then learn it inside and out, know its limitations and practice with it a lot. I'd rather see a deer get shot by a hunter using a .38 special who is ethical and has the self-control to wait for the right shot than a hunter using a 30-06 who just shoots at any old part of the deer.

A .38 Special is decent out of a 4 inch or longer barrel using the right bullets and powder. From the Buffalo Bore website:

S&W Mt. Gun, 4 inch- 1162 fps (474 ft. lbs.)

Not a powerhouse but if you double lung a deer with this load at bowhunting range the deer will die a quick death.

[Dee]

I think those who have no experience bowhunting, and no idea how an arrow kills would make an analogy of using a less than ideal caliber choice and relate it to bowhunting.  Apples to oranges.

Been huntin with a re curve bow since 1955. How bout you? Did by the way shoot an apple once because I read the story about William Tell, but it never occurred to me to shoot an orange.
My first bow was an all wood Ben Pearson recurve 25# pull. My second "which I still have" is a COLT made by Colt fire arms co. It is an all fiberglass recurve 35# pull. My last two were Fred Bear and the one I shoot now is a Bear Grizzley.

I am fully aware of the art of skewering an animal with a stick, and that's what it is. No way an arrow delivers the energy of a 38 special. I also find it amusing that someone would think a centuries old method of killing (bow and arrow) was foreign to everyone but themselves.

P.S. Pssst! I'm half Cherokee (mother is white). They know about bow huntin too. My Grandfather used to make bows and arrows for me when I was little more than a toddler.

[silly goose]

No sir, not since '55, I haven't been around that long.  I have no doubt I could kill a deer with the above mentioned cartridge, wouldn't set out to do it though.  Now the whole delivering energy thing, I think that is where we may respectfully disagree.  An arrow isn't designed to deliver energy, it is intended to slice, and cause hemmorage(sp).  I all to often see people justify their cartridge choice relative to bowhunting.  I think they, maybe not you, have no idea how lethal a well placed broadhead is.  I haven't shot apples, or oranges, but I have shot pumpkins(as well as some game).  Hopefully you see that I am not attacking or being disrespectful, just seems like a disservice to bowhunters, and bowhunting in general, to try and justify using a less than optimum cartridge by comparing it to bowhunting.  And I apologize to all above for getting off topic.