Revolvers for deer hunting? (30 carbine)

[CP]

Like I posted earlier I have shot deer with a 30 carbine from a rifle.  These were small Texas hill country whitetail and the results were not impressive.  Even on an 80 to 100lb deer the round did not pass through, I would never consider using it on a mule deer.  Light weight, low velocity, low sectional density adds up to a bad choice.

[300rum]

Yeah, it may not be the best but it is the idea of just doing it with a pistol in a caliber that doesn't get much love anymore.  Just like guys who hunt with a trad bow or the guys who are throwing spears at deer now.  If it was legal, I would think about taking one with a .22 pistol, maybe a little snubbie?  For some people it is just about trying to get as close and personal as you can and for me, how many deer can you shoot at 100yds or 300yds and it be as much fun anymore? To each their own, just my two cents. 

[snowshoes22]

CP,

What were the ranges and shot angles with the carbine?

[CP]

Range would have been inside 100 to 150 yards and broadside or near broadside as best I can remember.  I mostly remember doing a lot of tracking and searching.

[snowshoes22]

So i went to the range (pasture) today and shot my ruger blackhawk 357. I think i am leaning toward using it instead of the 30. They are shooting about the same groups and would be the more responsible choice. I'm shooting 19.3 grains of H110 behind 125gr XTP's and 15.3 grains behind 158gr XTP's. The 125's grouped better but the 158's were not much different. 

[hillbilli]

I have done a bit of study on the .357 deer load thing.. test the integrity of the 125 xtp in gallon milk jugs or something similar (or a lengthwise coyote..) before you use it for deer. The 158 xtp is well tested, as is the 158 gold dot. i would even use a gold dot in a 125, as they are a bonded core design, and I have recovered enough of them to know what they do, but its the only 125 I have tested that I would trust-but I never tested the 125 xtp.. 

[gadwall]

In your list there, I would go with the 45 colt or the 41 mag with a 90%+ density load and a mostly lead bullet.  Send me a PM if you want more info.