Pistol for deer

[robescc]

I have taken two deer with my 357 mag Ruger Security Six with a 6" barrel.  Some people think it is not enough but it was a complete pass through on one and shoulder/vitals on the other.  What do you think?

Again, the smallest caliber you would think is ethical

[edmondshunter]

41mag all the way.  Its has nominally less power than the 44mag, but way easier to shoot and control.  Besides its a deer not a grizzly

[rasbo]

44mag why? cause I have one.

[markts]

41mag all the way.  Its has nominally less power than the 44mag, but way easier to shoot and control.  Besides its a deer not a grizzly

I voted 41mag because I love mine and drops deer like someone snatched the carpet out from under him Also as Edmondshunter said way more controlable than 44mag Mark

[Gutpile]

You forgot .45 Colt. It may not be smaller but is way slower than some of the listed cartridges. It has quite a following in the handgun hunting circles and some consider it to be the starting point. I wouldn't hesitate to shoot a deer with a .357 or 45 colt.

[addicted]

if i cant shoot a good group with it...... i wouldnt mind going down to a .357

[Dirty Mike]

i have a 454 raging bull with 8 3/8 barrel havent shot anything with it yet has anybody taken a deer with a 454 and howd it do?

[C-Money]

I would use a .357 mag, I would not have an issue with the ranges stated in the first post. I almost put .38 special, but just not quite comfortable enough.

[robescc]

I though about putting in the 38 special but I am not sure it has the umpf.  It would out of a rifle but not a pistol 

[CP]

Technically speaking, 38 special & .357 are the same caliber & 9mm is basically the same as well (.003” less).  I wouldn’t use a 38 special, .40 S&W, .45 ACP or 9mm on deer, any of the others should be fine.

[STIKNSTRINGBOW]

You didn't specify caliber on T/C Contender...I used one before I switched to archery back in '87, but it was a 30/30...

[tomy salami]

9mm works fine with some quality HP's for added umph.

At that range, with a good shot, they will not go anywhere.

Same results as using a 300Win.........hold, the bloodshot meat.

[yakimarcher]

a 30 yard headshot with a .22 would drop a doe. but... ethically i have to go with the .38- thats plenty!!

[tomy salami]

22 had done many a nasty thing.

Aint legal, but I have heard it will git the job done.

22 is not he BB  gun it is made out to be.

Buddy in the Midwest, years ago, waxed a buck at 60 yards.....double lung.....with the venerable 22.

[yakimarcher]

My co workewrs dad got killed with a .22. close range shot in the lower back (accident) but the bullet wouldn't exit. It just bounced around and did fatal damage.