Handgun hunting basics and calibers ~ From varmints to large game

Lifelong veteran with handguns of all kinds, NRA Distinguished Expert handgun shooter and professional city police instructor explains the aspects of handgun efficiency, and often misunderstood limitations for hunting. Whether you go afield for squirrels, rabbits or deer, this informative video will help you to select the appropriate caliber, to best suit your needs.

[@nimst3]

Nothing like a nice day in the woods with a hunting handgun. Been going for rabbits lately with my 10" .410 Contender barrel.

[@toguro5117]

I keep coming back to your videos i try to share your knowledge to all my hunting buddies. I feel alot less hunters would need a tracking dog or lost their trophy buck if they took the time to listen to your content.

[@JoanieKennedy]

My deer handgun is a Ruger Old Army with percussion cylinder I use a 255 gr bullet and 35 gr of Triple 7 3fg it's pushing about 900 fps. Or witb the conversion cylinder. 45 colt 255 gr bullet, 35 gr of Goex Old Eynsford powder 2f bout 830 fps. Works great inside 50 yards 😄

[@Cole4737]

I know you hear it all the time but thanks again, love watching and learning.

[@jkirkl99]

Another informative video, thanks again.

[@j.w.blizzard7650]

Thank you for all the videos. I vote that you sir! You are KZbin's most knowledgeable firearms expert.

[@donzo3j]

Wow.. this is AMAZING INFORMATION. You have a gift for teaching... 45 mins video on KZbin is an eternity. But you kept me interested the whole time.

[@sparky_-mf2cs]

Thank you for all your teachings and knowledge 🙏 ive learned so much from your channel

[@ccfitzcook]

This is such valuable information as a newbie to shooting and guns in general. Keep making these!!

[@oilhammer04]

Thanks. I enjoy your videos. You are a great help to the gun owners community.

[@SouthernShodan]

"If he doesn't feed me soon, I'm gonna have to take up hunting" - Cat

[@gorillahd9247]

Excellent video. Keep sharing your knowledge.

[@crashjump1849]

Thank you for making this video , much appreciate you insight.

[@mattmcnicholas3735]

This video was awesome, I bought my first 6" barreled .357 last year and have spent the whole year practicing with it and finding the right load to use handgun hunting for the first time this upcoming season! I went with Underwood Ammunition with a 158gr Hornady XTP at an honest 1,500 fps. Pretty nice long bullet like you talked about, good velocity, and plenty of energy to make the bullet expand well and carry through the animal. I practiced to 50 yards with open sights holding groups in the 2.5-3" range so I think that'll be my limit but I am stoked to get out!

[@5jjt]

Did you get a chance to hunt with it yet?

[@Lakikano]

That setup sounds ideal!

[@worddunlap]

Great video, as always.

[@chrissanchez9935]

Sir, Thank You Very Much. Now I am more informed regarding my future handgun purchases and decided to settle and standardized on the 9mm and .44MAG.

[@kenstory6713]

Thank you very much, the information you gave was very helpful , I will apply it.

[@seapimpnh.9307]

Another fantastic visit with my favorite you tuber . Thank you again . Also just watched your video on the 41 mag .

[@robertpatterson3406]

I got a 10mm with a 6” bbl. using Double Tap ammo 155 gr. Bullet .it leaves the bbl. at 1500 FPS. This will be my first season to hunt with it I plan to limit my shots to 50 yds. Thanks for your great videos you have forgotten more about guns than I will ever know but one thing that the Navy taught me was how to find information and I found a treasure trove of info. when I found you.

[@armchairdisaster905]

I have a mod.57 -6.5inch barrel and I love it it will do anything !!!

[@babaybluegill3273]

great job!

[@700Strat]

Thanks Sir

[@862brady]

I concur. Going after Coues Whitetail this year. 50 yards and small deer. :)

[@862brady]

You nailed it Sir. I went on a Coues White tail Hunt in SE Arizona in October. I went out in the afternoon found a nice drainage . Set back under the canopy of a Juniper used my range finder to get my markers. My intention was 75 yards maximum.. After two hours two Bucks about 65 yrds below me jumped up and started up the other side I whistled the Big one stopped. About 85 yards my best guess. Squeezed off a shot. He hunched a little and started walking . I hit him again and again and again. and he went down. Ruger Blackhawk 6" original iron sights.240 grain 44magnum JHP. Took out the lungs , the heart broke both shoulders. Recovered all four slugs under the hide on the far side. I never would have believed it. 8 point or a 3x3 here. Nice Buck about 140 lbs live weight 15 in wide 80-85" Coues. I had made myself a promise I would come back and respond. If I had an experience to relay. Thank you for putting out excellent information practically and clearly.

[@gilfaver362]

Terrific.

[@butchradke4839]

30 yr. ret. LEO. Sure wish I had you as instructor ! Great vids. Shot my first whitetail buck this year with a 6" Ruger GP100 357 mag. 30 yards one shot in the neck. It was devastating to the deer, instant death. Comparing that to a rifle I saw no difference. Old saying its not how, its where...

[@JBWorkshop90]

What ammo?

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

I plan to use on my GP100 357 mag 6" lead 148 grain Wadcutters only. Loaded to 1174 fps for 453 ft-lbs of Energy. I have shot a hog with 1000 fps loaded for 304 ft-lbs of These Wadcutters (Lee molds) and at 50 Yards allmost all of them (less 1 from 4 hits) were a passthrough. First hit on the guts another center mass and the 3rd was a lung shot. Should do the Job when holding to the lung Thorax area.

[@TheJurgisRud]

Instant death from a neck shot?

[@skeet330]

Great video

[@jerrymoran8323]

Excellent video, especially the shot placement for lung shots. However not losing or have to track deer long distances. Patience and shot placement in the high shoulder has rendered each deer I have shot over decades down at the impact area. Exception when deer moved as shot fired at longer ranges, spine shots and follow up shots position or run to deer dragging its self and head shot. Currently trespass issues suggest dropping at point of impact. Your way of explaining in detail with examples is the best I have seen. Continue. I keep watching. TRJM🦅🙏🍀

[@RonVMeeks]

Hello Sir. I recently discovered your channel and can’t get enough of your videos. Thank you for continuing to share your knowledge. My question is I want to use my Ruger Redhawk 44 Mag to deer hunt. I do not load my own cartridges so what specific factory loads would you recommended. If I understood your video I should use the heavier grain bullet. What type of bullet. Sorry I’m not up on the terms of these and what they are supposed to do. Thank you.

[@PopCorn_Gaming]

Gunblue I really hope sometime you could revisit topic with some more information as to the use of these cartridges in rifles. I enjoy your videos very much and trust your information more than any I have discovered so far. Thank you for what you do.

[@mkshffr4936]

As someone who is hoping to get into small game hunting this is a very useful video. In examining options it occurs to me that the 32s are a potential gold mine. Being hand loadable from 32S&W short velocities on up to almost big game territory makes them very flexible. With the right bullets one shouldn't need alot of velocity or noise for rabbits and squirrels.

[@twagn]

Thanks

[@airbornesoldieramerica7125]

My 2 friends does handgun hunting for deer. So I only tried deer handgun hunting only 1 time. That day used my friends 44 mag Ruger revolver handgun. Did not shoot nothing with it, but the nice thing I will say about hunting this way is it so much easier to carry the gun up a tree and walk through thick brush etc...Other then that I have the most fun and shoot the best with rifle hunting which are my favorite guns to hunt with, except for the exception of pheasant hunting with a shotgun. But 1 time I seen some guy actually hunt pheasants with an recurve bow, which I cannot believe I seen this.

[@graveyardelf6765]

Thank you. Good advice on always staying focused on our eternal salvation, too.

[@mikek8089]

Shooting Bullseye for many years gave me the confidence to take up handgun hunting for deer. I use .357 or .44 mags with iron sights. Also, I'm a very selective shooter. Nothing over 50 yards (.357) or 75 yards (.44).

[@edwinzambrona6299]

Thanks for a very comprehensive and informative insight on gun velocity. I learned a lot sir

[@dalepete2854]

Awesome video I just had a major surgery on the top part of my spine can’t use a rifle this year have to really each recoil I’m going to take my 357 where I’m going to hunt this year a 30 yard shot is long

[@Deadtileyedie]

44 Magnum best most versatile caliber out there, old Elmer knew what he was doing, with Max 44 Magnum loads and a strong/long cylinder revolver, you're go to go for damn near anything in North America pushing 340 gr hardcast at 1450 fps, or you can load 44 special with a 250 gr Keith bullet @ 800-1000 for a very mild and non abusive load that is capable of changing any legged critters minds and most 4 legged, with follow up shots being very fast from a heavy frame 44 mag, like he mentioned you can also load lead round nose 44 Russian/ special cowboy loads for small game, you can also load/purchase shot shells for creepy crawlers, the 44 Magnum really is a do all caliber with ALOT of flexibility, alot like 38/357

[@Deadtileyedie]

A 460sw 45 Schofield,45 colt,454/460 sw very versatile but the x frame is massive lol

[@toguro5117]

Hey gunblue i finally got my first handgun kill the other day i took your advice and got a 44 magnum the deer dropped where it stood with a double lungshot. Thanks for your advice and god bless

[@brianbell8698]

Man I thought your cats head was gonna catch fire when she started chewing on that cord! And I think she flipped a round at you! Lol Love your videos

[@stevenwagner9205]

Another awesome video! Thank you so much for sharing the great experience you have. I traded a .357 Magnum 686 S&W today at a gun show for a 5.5" Ruger Blackhawk Bisley in .41 Magnum. I'm happy to hear that the .41 gets your blessing as a legitimate deer cartridge! Here in the limited firearms zone in southern Michigan I wanted something bigger than a 4" .357 Mag to hunt deer with at my uncle's farm. I am looking at getting some Buffalo Bore Heavy Outdoorsman ammo to hit the deer woods with this year. I had thought about getting their 170 gr offering because of the high velocity and energy, but after watching your video I will opt for one of their heavier offerings in .41 Mag. I wish you had a video on the .41 Remington Magnum! I would love to hear more about your opinion of it.

[@jacksonwholeexperience409]

I just killed an elk on Sunday at 150 yards with my S&W 686-4 4" using the Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast with 1375 FPS out the barrel.

[@stevenwagner9205]

@@jacksonwholeexperience409 I clocked those .357 Buffalo Bore Heavys out of my old pre-hillary hole 686 4" tube at 1500 fps. I have heard the old Smiths were well known for fast barrels, but I was shocked to get that kind of performance out of a 4"! I now EDC a Ruger SP101 in .357 Mag with a 3" barrel and that is my go-to gun for the perfect packin' pistol! I stoke it with 125 gr Hornady Critical Defense but I always have a 6 shot ammo wallet if Buffalo Bore Heavys in my truck just in case!

[@jacksonwholeexperience409]

Good to know Steve! I haven't clocked mine because I don't have a clocker. I just pull the trigger and click 'er. Those 180 grains are very impressive. I compared them up against the Cor-Bon 200 grain. The BB's went through a tree and blasted the other side out while the CB's did not. The BB's also have more of a snapping kick with my gun, telling me that they're traveling faster. They sure did the job on that elk, though. I'm convinced. But will probably go with something a little different for a griz gun. I'm thinking getting the S&W .44 Mag Scandium lightweight alloy revolver in 4". Those and the Taurus 444 Ultralight are great pack guns.

[@deepiper6529]

Mr. GunBlue490, good afternoon and thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience with us. I was watching this video and I wondered what your experience or knowledge of the Remington XP-100 bolt action handgun was, and where it stood in its day as a viable hunting handgun.

[@GunBlue490]

Dee Piper The XP-100 was built on the model 600 action, and was, and remains, a very advanced handgun, chambered in a fabulously accurate and perfectly mated round, which were quite literally designed for each other, based on the ballistically nearly perfect 222 Remington. Its a very strong handgun, and is highly sought after. Curiously, its design was ahead of its time, when folks gave a cool reception to "plastic" guns, so it didn't become as popular as it might have later, but of course, there is marginal interest in guns lacking a 30 round magazine these days. But they have a cult following and are very much respected, for good reason. Fitted with a good scope that can take advantage of its inherent accuracy, they are known to outperform most rifles, with stunning sub-MOA accuracy. The various handloading manuals have very good data for the 221 Fireball. As a hunting round, limit it to larger varmints, as it really performs best with bullets up to 50 grains or less.

[@terrymeaden3695]

Your right about the unpolished brass. Just as a policeman with a wrinkled uniform and unpolished boots doesn't make him a bad officer! Just comes down to pride in what you do!!

[@GunBlue490]

Terry Meaden Speaking as a retired police officer and veteran, I never knew a good officer or soldier who didn't take pride in his appearance, and I never knew a slob who cared about his fellow officers or his community. That uniform reflects the people who he wears it for, and when it's wrinkled or stained, he stains his people. What's worse, is that an officer who hits the street with such lack of dignity has a sloppy supervisor who lets him, and it runs uphill to the front office. Pride shines, but sloppy is as sloppy does. Being called the city's finest has meaning.

[@tahertz8544]

Me and my wife are starting are hand 🔫 journey at a half century of Age I'm getting a CZ P07 and she is getting Smith m&p 380EZ . With all the Mad crazy circus around carry ammo you please do a segment on what is practical . 380 seems to have expansion / penetration problems through clothing and most humans have clothes on plus my wife has issues with strength that's why she's got the 380ez in the first place.

[@BR5499a]

My first handgun was the same as yours.

[@mabooali]

thanks for the info. beautifully siad. how about a 10mm Auto 1911, 5" barre as oppose to a 357 revolver of 45 ACP revolver long barrel?

[@leonogueira1636]

The 460 s&w magnum(from a 8inch handgun) have a superior ballistics compare with a 30/30 from a rifle.

[@jaybailleaux630]

The Ruger Mark 1 hast to be one of the most accurate hand gun in the world. Anything one can hit with a 22 rifle one can hit with the Ruger MK 1. I've killed cotton tail rabbits at the 100 yard mark. Makes head shots squirrel hunting. 2 best shots I ever made in my life was with the Ruger MK 1. Shot 4 black birds with one shot . Was laying on my back supporting the pistol between my knees. At 30 to 40 yards lined up on a dead tree limb. Next best shot was a luck shot. Shot a flying bat out of the air one summer evening but missed about fifty I shot at. Never killed a deer with a pistol . Knew of a few fellow hunters that took deer with 357 magnum and 45acp.

[@matthewm7666]

Hello sir. I respect what you say, but I lack understanding on why the 357 magnum is good for hunting, but the 10mm isn't. Looking at the 9th edition of the Hornady handbook of cartridge reloading, it shows the 158 grain 357 magnum sectional density at .177, and the 200 grain 10mm with a sectional density .179. The maximum velocity listed for the 158 grain 357 magnum is 1400. The maximum velocity for the 200 grain 10mm is 1150. So between these two loads, the 10mm has a slight edge in momentum and sectional density. Those velocities are with a 8" barrel Colt Python and a 5" barrel Colt Delta Elite. Using the Taylor knock out formula, the 357 magnum 158 grain load gets an 11, and the 10mm 200 grain load gets a 13.

[@DRandolphOutdoors1]

If I’m understanding correctly, I should be looking at something like the Underwood ammo 180 grain hardcast flat nose or the Buffalo bore 180 grain hardcast flat nose?

[@byrdland3576]

Nice kitty, likes that Ruger Redhawk. Probably wants to use it on squirrels and chipmunks.

[@agentoffortune1947]

great video as usual, I was hoping you would mention the 10mm

[@GunBlue490]

Chris Concannon That's correct. It was designed as a law enforcement cartridge, and for that reason, the short .992 inch auto case was never engineered for long bullets for deep penetration. Its heaviest practical bullet is 200 grain, which is a true 40 caliber, which can be driven to only 1,170 feet per second, tops. That is not even close to its bore counterpart, the 41 Magnum with a very long 1.290 inch case, that is a true hunting cartridge, that drives a 210 grain bullet to a standard velicity of 1,630 feet per second. It can also handle bullet weights up to extremely deep penetrating 265 grains, at over 1,550 feet per second. I know that there are silly 10mm writers that promote it as a big game hunting cartridge, and I know tough bullets will improve it, but no amount of romantic talk can add the 500 feet per second that the 41 Magnum has with equivalent bullet weights, nor can it add the additional 65 grains that the 41 can easily handle. It is ironic that the 41 Magnum, which is a wonderful big game performer in every respect, with as good or better penetration than the 44 Magnum, has been diminished by writers who pat the much weaker and less versatile 10mm on the back. The 10mm was quickly found to be too much for law enforcement within months of its release, and can't reasonably be considered as a large game round, when there are so many better options. I think they are trying to find another job for a homeless law enforcement round. On a practical note, revolvers get my nod for hanging onto brass, which isn't flung into the brush, and makes for carefree plinking in the woods, which I do often, as others do. I foresee that the 10mm will continue to fade in time, too.

[@Deadtileyedie]

GunBlue490 I've hunted with handguns for 20 years i know I don't have any experience compared to you,i started with a 357 mag and I'll tell you a 220 gr hardcast at 1200 fps from my Glock 40 with kills white tail just as well, I agree with everything else you said it's definitely not a 41 mag but a 44 mag isn't a 44 Magnum either which you seem to think 41 is supior, while I'll have used both and I do believe the 41 can do almost anything a 44 Magnum can, they 44 Magnum is alot more versatile in my opinion if for no other reason then bullet weight alone and 41 is one of my favorite calibers, I just think you're selling 10mm a little short while I agree it's not rubbing shoulders with a Magnum rounds I own a 6" gp100 and a Glock 40 6" barrel and I'll take the Glock any day for deer,I consider a gun that can shoot 40 sw and 10mm in the same gun with no mods with bullet weights from 135-230 yeah they don't have the best sectional density but I promise it more than suffice for whitetail, my normal handgun hunting round is 44 mag with 41 being one of my all-time favorites

[@Deadtileyedie]

GunBlue490 you also say 10mm will fade yet Ruger has realsed 2 new 10mms this year alone a 1911 and super RedHawk, Sig has a new 10mm,Glock 40 just came out, lots of ammo manufacturer are now making soft point 200 gr bonded hunting bullets, I'm a wheel gun guy myself, favor 44 mag and 41 as well but don't see what your beef is with 10mm,

[@stevenwagner9205]

Thanks for the first-rate information! I was kicking around the idea of a 10mm hunter pistol, after reading this I am glad I got a .41 Mag instead.

[@BPaul-hk2jh]

@@GunBlue490 10mm ammo selection is critical. 10mm isnt what it used to be. When it first came about, it was a nice round. Most current factory loads arent much better than .40 s&w. Unless you hand load or purchase really expensive hopped up ammo, 10mm is pointless.

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

As well bullet pass through is desirable. Thats the opposite as most "internet ninjas" teach ya. I use only lead truncated bullets for pass through the game.

[@dougrogers835]

Wonderful info as always, but can someone tell me why I got commercials every 6 minutes?

[@richardparker1385]

Sir thank you for these very informative sessions - i love to get a beer and just listen. I am getting into reloading and would ask your recommendation for the best gear i would need only to reload 308 as precise as i can do it - im not shy about cost but i would turn down a great deal either. Would I want to stick to a single press (which is OK) or is there some other gear that would be just as good (primarily as it applies to loading powder) which would speed up the process but i don't want to lose the best precision i can get - I will only be reloading .308 win for now - thanks in advance

[@GunBlue490]

richard parker I have been loading precision ammo for over 45 years, and have done it on different presses and with almost every die that has been made, and some that are no longer made; RCBS, Redding, Bonanza, Lyman, Lee, and names that I cannot recall. Much is made of the press, but it's nothing more than a bottlecapper on steroids that produces enough pressure to drive a brass case into a die and pull it out. Dies alone are responsible for precision, and frankly, way too much hype exists about them, too. Any company makes concentric dies, because they are about the most basic form of cylindrical steel that is turned on a lathe and reamed to standard SAAMI dimensions, and threaded. I have made extremely accurate ammo on every brand that I have used. That said, however, most dies have followed the same designs over the years that use frustrating locking rings that rely on frustrating set screws which have frustrating lead pellets that jam, and have frustrating adjustments. Most dies have not changed these silly principles in over 60 years, and only elaborate on the same problems. Imagine if cars were still so stuck on old technology! I have used Lee dies now exclusively for ten years and could not be more delighted. They think completely outside the box and have come up with fabulous dies that adjust precisely, stay adjusted, can be readjusted easily, and require only bare fingers. Dies are packed with their own shell holder, and are highly polished, and are made in the USA, but cost less than others. Their presses are intelligently engineered, with high strength, precise engineering, and simple die removal. I personally use their Classic Turret press, which is readily adaptable to semi progressive or single stage use. Watch my reloading series for full breakdown.

[@richardparker1385]

many thanks for the information - i will follow your advice

[@stevenwagner9205]

I totally agree with what you say about Lee. I always thought they were something less in the quality department because they were priced lower than competitors. Boy was I wrong! I was given a couple of Lee die sets and I was blown away by how well made they were and I couldn't believe the value Lee offers for the price. I probably won't buy any other brand than Lee in the near future.

[@nono559]

Hello sir, always a fan of your videos and a subscriber. I was wondering if you have any instructional videos on how to properly grip a pistol, how much pressure one should put on they're grip, etc. And if not would you be interested in making one for all your subscribers and fans to gain your superb knowledge. Thank you.

[@GunBlue490]

nono559 Yes, I compiled a 4 segment series on handgun marksmanship two years ago, which covers those issues and much more. Hope they help you. Thank you for watching.

[@bobsmith-yy9ww]

They were excellent. If there is any chance for viewers to see more of those types of videos I thinks everyone would love to see more of them. You did mention making a video on reading targets......

[@showmewhyiamwrong]

Good day sir: This is a little off topic but I was wondering if you had ever used any of the laser bullets to practice with at home. On the surface they seem to solve some issues and concerns with regard to cost and safety but I don't know how they would pan out in reality. Since you would be using your own gun with its trigger and weight etc it would seem to be, on the surface at least, a viable option. Of course there would be no recoil, but that just means you would not have to think of it and could concentrate on your hold and aim etc. the other plus would be no noise( although at least one of them can be programmed to replicate the sound of the gunshot if you so wish) and no particulates in the air. Of course not having used any of them I cannot speak to the negatives which is what I was hoping you might shed some light on. Any way just thought you might have some words of wisdom in this regard. Thanks again for your knowledge given to all of us freely and I encourage all who use that knowledge to make an effort to support you by making sure to subscribe and click on the "like" button it is the very least that we can do. Lets all make it our goal to make the Likes and View numbers one and the same.

[@GunBlue490]

I have not used these devices. However, it appears to be a very worthwhile version of the old dry firing, and may be a very good means to practice. Of course, whenever one is using a real firearm, safety is of paramount importance. Thank you for your continued support!

[@showmewhyiamwrong]

Thank you sir. The one I was looking at trying out uses your Smart phone hooked up to a target via the phone's camera and when you fire the laser at the target you can see your point of impact displayed on a picture of the target on the screen of the smart phone so you get a picture of your hit just as if you were firing a bullet and you can save it as a record of your progress, of course their is no wind or other atmospheric impacts to effect the result. Just another one of the marvels of our computer age and probably a much more productive use for a smart phone then I see the younger generation using them for IMHO. Take care.

[@showmewhyiamwrong]

Oh, and with regard to you thanking me for my continued my continued support, It is we who should thank you and you are most welcomed sir.

[@nymeriagloves3957]

in my 9.5 inch super redhawk 44mag i got 2 choices for deer hunting, 1st is a 250gr swc expanding alloy at 1450fps, 2nd is a 310 wide flat nose hard alloy at 1350fps, which would you choose for deer, they're both equally accurate.

[@GunBlue490]

Jake A Expansion combined with heavy long bullets are always good. But 430 diameter bullets with a wide and flat meplat, so without seeing them, I would suggest the second option with its heavier penetration. Velocity is certainly more than adequate within 60 yards.

[@almanac520]

The woodchuck story.

[@rhanburrell5499]

What are your thoughts on the 500 Smith and Wesson caliber in a handgun for hunting big game?

[@GunBlue490]

Well, it's certainly a very powerful handgun on an absolute scale. It's also a handgun that is exceptionally large and heavy, with exceptionally heavy recoil that is not conducive for accurate offhand shooting to all but the most experienced, veteran, accomplished individuals who already can shoot well and controllably, with great accuracy, using other powerful handguns. Most such individuals would take a pass. It's an abusive round in all ways, and not even comfortable to carry. In my life of being around handgunners, I have known only a handful of individuals who could shoot with fine, repeated, consistent marksmanship when using rounds of half the power of the 500. I have not yet seen an owner of a 500 who could accomplish more than the bravado of pulling the trigger with a big flinch. No marksmanship, no crown of glory. Any cartridge which cannot deliver a perfectly aimed shot on target for a shooter is a poor hunting round. If you are a person who can reliably place all shots from a full house 44 Magnum into the black of a 50 yard NRA Slow Fire pistol target from 50 yards offhand from any position, with no rest, I believe you have about a 20 percent chance of doing the same with a 500. I have yet to see anyone manage it. Know thyself.

[@OnHolliday]

Would a 9mm semi auto loaded with the Buffalo Bore 147gr +P+ get the job done inside of 50 yards on a whitetail? Rounds are available in either a JHP advertised at 1175fps and a hard lead flat nose at 1125 I believe.

[@JBWorkshop90]

With proper shot placement. I prefer 357 mag

[@matthewm7666]

I've seen hard cast ammunition in 357 (180 grain) and 10 mm (200 grain), (buffalo bore and underwood) where "bear defense" is being discussed. I don't live where there are bears, but I start to think, if it is talked about being good for a bear (whether it actually is or not), then it should be a good ammo selection for deer also. Is my logic bad? I have a 357 and a 10 mm, and I would like to try hunting with one (or both) of these one day. Is hard cast a good way to go for deer in my 6" gp 100 and my Ruger 1911 10mm or would I be better off with a soft point or an XTP bullet?

[@anthonykaiser974]

Hard cast bullets are designed to penetrate tough animals. Unless you are okay with destroying meat by taking a shoulder shot on a Whitetail with a medium bore handgun, not sure why you'd want a bear bullet for deer at normal handgun ranges.

[@markbowman3475]

I also have both these calibers. The .357 will kill deer but shot placement is critical. I believe the 10mm is a much better hunting round. But be careful when buying ammo. There is hunting ammo and there is self defense ammo and is a big difference between some of them. Do your homework.

[@RustySprocket]

You would absolutely be better off with jsp or hp. "Bear" rounds and hard cast are better left for penetrating bear skulls.

[@jaredwhite489]

Would love to see a video on a 500 s&w magnum

[@GunBlue490]

Me too! Can't afford either the gun or the ammo.

[@jaredwhite489]

@@GunBlue490 I I have one with a 8 3/8” barrel I just got. Could maybe work something out and loan you it to do a video on.

[@thanielsommers4500]

I’ve recently had the opportunity to hunt in Pennsylvania where it is legal to use rifles during the fall season, I am trying to select the best caliber for the purpose I have ruger 77 44 magnum “and a blackhawk” that I use for deer. I’m assuming the 44 magnum may be too much for a 20lb bird. I have heard hat the 357 magnum rifle, 17 hmr, 22 mag, 223, and the 243 are all good candidates. What do you think the optimum caliber would be? Likely range I imagine would be between 50 to 150 yards give or take

[@GunBlue490]

Are you speaking of turkey? I would not recommend any of the cartridges that you mentioned, which are all pretty destructive on such dense targets, or too little. The best cartridge is actually the one that Savage chambered for many years in their over-under combination turkey gun, the 22 Hornet. I believe Ruger still offers it in their 77/22., and it's available in other bolt and single shots. It won't tear up half your bird, and is capable of easily striking out to 150 yards with authority and precision.

[@thanielsommers4500]

Yes turkeys I left the best part out somehow. I looked into the 22 hornet but I’ve never seen them on the shelves and ammo is also rare to come across, I’ve seen it sold online that’s about it. It’s a shame it’s not a more popular round. I’ll keep my eyes open for it tho. Are there any other good options for rifle turkey hunting?

[@brianreif7305]

This may not be the proper venue for such a question, but it’s important. I’m a LEO in a suburban area with a large deer population. Deer are frequently struck by vehicles and we are sent to dispatch them with our .45 caliber duty pistols. In such cases, where is the best place to shoot them for as quick and humane a kill as possible? I did not grow up hunting and would appreciate your insight, as the deer need not suffer more than they have to. Thanks!

[@GunBlue490]

It's not easy to do it with animals that are thrashing about. The best spot is certainly the cranium between the ears toward the spine. A moving animal is a dangerous target in a confined urban area and a miss or pass through can cause serious issues. The safest shot is through the lungs, but it will rarely cause immediate death. Use a light, quick expanding bullet of 200 grains or less for the safest and swiftest kill, and be certain of your backstop. Avoid pavement, and drag it to soil if possible to confine pass throughs or misses, and shoot directly down to prevent ricochets.

[@brianreif7305]

GunBlue490 thank you much!

[@jonsmith3574]

How do you feel about aiming for neck of deer? I find it drops them in tracks. I use 30/06 150 grain Remington Core Lokt. Thanks for your reply

[@GunBlue490]

Jon Smith I do not recommend the practice. I personally am aware of individuals who used to do that, until they wounded deer, requiring tracking and follow up. While it works fairly well on does where their small neck structure incorporates a large percentage of vitals, bucks in rut are not so constructed, with large swollen non-vital tissue that will suffer very serious wounds and very high risk of escape. I'm not sure what you seek to gain by not shooting at the lungs, where very little edible meat is involved. Good sportsmanship doesn't risk wounded game or chance shots on magnificent animals, and uses marksmanship to maximize efficient and sure kills, not to test skill.

[@jonsmith3574]

GunBlue490 thanks for your reply. I enjoy your no nonsense videos. You may find it interesting to know; you've convinced me to buy a .270 Winchester. I plan to use it in place of the 06' on deer next season. Best regards

[@k-sea2042]

Where would I find your handgun training videos?

[@GunBlue490]

K-Sea Subscribe, and then simply list the videos. I currently have about 75, and they would be among the early ones.

[@lavida57]

Love going though your videos. But hope there paying you well . This one has so many commercials.

[@VoiceOfReason209]

Mr.GunBlue I know this is about hunting but would you consider 357 magnum with 180 grain hard cast out of a 4 inch barrel a decent woods defense cartridge for black bears and mountain lions?

[@stevenwagner9205]

I always carried a .357 Mag with 180 gr Buffalo Bore Heavys in Bear/Lion country in Arizona. I have tested those rounds and the penetration is awesome. If you do your part I believe that round is as sufficient as you can get with a handgun and be able to control the power, practice a lot and shoot fast and accurately under pressure.

[@stevenwagner9205]

I had a early 90's S&W 686 4" and I clocked the 180 gr Heavys out of my barrel at 1500 fps. I guess Smiths are known for fast barrels, but that was with a $100 chrony so take that with a grain of salt. Still, I could run that pistol like a boss with those heavy hitters and I never felt too undergunned in the Arizona desert and mountains. Full disclosure though, I just traded that 686 today for a Ruger Bisley in .41 Mag. I still carry a 3" Ruger SP101 though and I have no problem relying on that stoked with Buffalo Bore Heavys for bear duty in the Northern Michigan woods.

[@jacksonwholeexperience409]

I just killed an elk on Sunday at 150 yards with my S&W 686-4 4" using the Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast with 1375 FPS out the barrel.

[@whiskeykilmer1866]

@@jacksonwholeexperience409 Sure you did.

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

Interesting that About the >>sucking Thorax lung wound

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

No I disagree. I am going away from open sights. Definatelly. And yes the scope is a replacement for glasses (I refuse to wear glasses). Ruger GP100 357 mag is getting an 4x32 scope for Zero at 100 Yards and my 9x19 5" pistol gets an red dot sight as well Zero at 100 Yards (if not in the future a scope as well).

[@GunBlue490]

AJ G I have no clue what you disagree with. I never advised not to get a scope for a handgun.

[@Prussia_is_not_yet_lost.]

I thougth you said iron sigths are the best. With my 9mm pistol I abandoned the red dot since I just cant zero it and the bullets jump all over the place. Went back to iron sigths. Or its the IMI defense plastik rail which throws the bullets around or its the red dot sigth since at 20 yards I hit an 20 liter bin center mass using a rest.

[@tjmooremusic]

do you eat squirrel? I never have. there aren't any around where I live. what does it taste like if anything? not trying to be a wise guy. just wondering?

[@GunBlue490]

tjmooremusic Yes, I have eaten lots of gray squirrels in season, and they can be very fine eating. Older ones can be very tough and are best in Brunswick stew.

[@villagecarpenter2266]

Wasn't the 41 magnum an old law enforcement cartridge?

[@GunBlue490]

village carpenter Be careful how you use "old" with me! I was there when it came out. It was promoted as one when introduced in the mid 60s, with a lead bullet "police loading" at about 900 fps with 4" inch barrels, and a full power jacketed hunting load, but very few departments adopted it. No police officer was in the least interested in toting a huge N frame on his hip! It was one of the many useless, ill-conceived ideas of silly writers who thought they knew more about police work than police officers, which was essentially the same story with the 357 Magnum.

[@MateoEnFuego]

Mr. GunBlue490, Sir, Do you own or have owned a 30-40 Krag-Jorgensen carbine? I've enjoyed shooting my grandfathers!

[@GunBlue490]

Mateo EnFuego No, I have not, but I have great admiration for their beautiful craftsmanship. They are probably the smoothest operating gun I have ever examined. Power with modern bullets is as good or slightly more than the 300 Savage.

[@Ktheodoss]

My question is a bit off topic (so forgive me) as my question has to do with .44 Magnum in a 16 inch rifle barrel. What would be the realistic range for large game?

[@GunBlue490]

K. Theodos My first centerfire rifle in the 60s was a 44 Magnum, and since then, I have shot several. They typically exhibit acceptable hunting groups out to 75 yards, but not much beyond. When Ruger marketed their now discontinued Ruger 44 auto carbine as a deer rifle, they specified it as a close range woods carbine, and used such hints that most deer are taken within 60 yards in their ads. That is the appropriate sort of hunting that a 44 Magnum should be considered. Both accuracy and realistic penetration are limited beyond that range. I would not shoot at a deer with one beyond 75 yards under the best circumstances. It's an excellent woods cartridge for recoil shy shooters, for close ranges.

[@Ktheodoss]

Thank you much for your quick reply !

[@robertmarshall4050]

44 special in 20 inch barrel

[@johnganshow5536]

I shot a 6.5 foot Black Bear with a 44 mag Ruger Blackhawk, 240 grain hollow points. Dropped him like a sack of potatoes

[@MateoEnFuego]

John Ganshow I believe you! That's a lot of energy!

[@tjmooremusic]

I am in the process of buying a new Ruger bearcat in blued steel. I am hoping to find out what your opinion is on this little revolver? it seemed a little rough out of the box. wondering if Ruger is failing in regards to quality control or just quality altogether. it seems they have been cutting corners as of late. I'm a big fan of Ruger and hate to see them going south. any thoughts?

[@GunBlue490]

tjmooremusic The Bearcat was a very fine pack handgun, of the highest quality. I have not seen any of recent production. Have have seen and own their recently produced guns, and find their quality to be top drawer in all regards, from workmanship to function. I cannot speak to the issues you mention without seeing one.

[@tjmooremusic]

GunBlue490 thanks for your response. we found some troubles out of the box that did concern me. meaning that the transfer bar was blocked by the firing pin. it was determined that the gun was defective. the salesman took it in the back and the problem seemed to be resolved. I removed the cylinder and found it darned near impossible to resemble without great jiggling and struggling with the base pin . it would be stuck as if the cylinder was in no way easily fit to the frame. I was told that Ruger would not do anything but return the pistol since there was nothing wrong with it. I spoke to Ruger and there assured me that u could send it to them for inspection. just my story. I own several ruger rifles and revolvers and have no complaints . there is a buzz around California that Ruger has pulled away from this State and is dumping it's factory 2nd's on we the consumers. if true sad. I appreciate your channel very much. God bless.

[@GunBlue490]

tjmooremusic I know Ruger factory people and know they are conscientious, and seriously doubt that Ruger would soil their name like that. California would do well if it stopped buzzing.

[@jacksonwholeexperience409]

I just killed an elk on Sunday at 150 yards with my S&W 686-4 4" using the Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast with 1375 FPS out the barrel.

[@davesbackyardchickensandou3905]

Scott's Adventures wow impressive. But those cast bullets do tons of damage and penetrate

[@thetrain5785]

How about magnum research 45/70 revolver haha ! I shot one last weekend what a mule!

[@OffTheBeatenPath_]

In Canada you can only use your pistol at the gun range.

[@GunBlue490]

flahr1 I know, and I feel badly that your government doesn't trust its citizens.

[@johnganshow5536]

Only the criminals carry handguns in Canada. People that follow the law are victimized by government regulations...

[@tetiwhitton]

same here in Australia, plus you're not allowed calibers above .38 unless you're competing in metallic silouette events or cowboy action.. And you're not allowed to use that gun for anything else, only for those events.

[@johnganshow5536]

And the Canadian government is bringing in Islamists by the droves. Pakistan is Canada's sister country? That's insane!!!

[@GunBlue490]

OK gentlemen. I maintain this open channel to respond to those who have questions, and every time you post, I open to see if I can be of assistance. This is not a blog site. Good commentaries, but that's enough, or I will pull it down.

[@houuhot8760]

.22 will kill every thing yes or no

[@GunBlue490]

I'm not on your witness stand. I never answered silly yes or no questions by an attorney in court, and they are not permitted by any judge. Yes or no questions were presented to Jesus by the Pharisees to trap him, which are invalid premises seeking validation; a bait Our Lord didn't take, nor will I. So, from your question, I see that you don't understand that .22 is a caliber, a nominal bore size that can be .221" up to .224" and there have been larger. There is no such thing on the market as a .22. A .22 what? Rimfire? Long Rifle? Short? High velocity? .22 Hornet? 36 grains? 72 grains? .223 Remington? .22 Varminter? .220 Swift? That .22 two-digit nominal bore diameter accounts for a wide range of power from the diminutive, nearly silent CB Cap that's used for shooting rats at fifteen feet, to the .223 Remington, up to large centerfire cartridges that speed along at over 4,000 feet per second. However, I presume from the framing of your question and lack of specificity that you are referring to the .22 Long Rifle. It is a target and small game cartridge that should be properly and humanely used on nothing larger than a rabbit within 75 to 100 yards. It is also a very dangerous cartridge that can inflict lethal wounds well beyond that range. It can kill or maim beasts that it was never suited for. Any suggestion that it will kill every thing (sic) is utter nonsense and you are childish to think in such terms.

[@albertforletta1498]

Warm blooded mammal; extreme,sudden drop in blood pressure,and it’s still able to run?????????????????

[@mikek8089]

Yes! Years ago I had a perfect broadside 40 yard shot at a deer. I was using a .357 with 158 grain JHP. I took the shot, and that deer didn't even flinch. It stood for about 10 seconds, then down it went. When I dressed it out, the heart was completely gone.

[@aaronsmith9984]

Everyone wants their cartridge to fit the bill if you are unsure get good with it and try it out on a deer... oh wait cant use an animal to get results... have you ever wondered how these old timers got their information

[@TheGDizzo]

Viewers, do yourself a favor and set playback speed to at least 1.25 (or more)