What is the best pistol caliber to carry as a side arm while deer/elk hunting?

Question

I am just looking for something to grab for if the time came a bear or a cougar sneaks up on me.. revolver or auto? .45 ACP?

Answer 1

Ted Nugent carries a Glock model 20 when he hunts dangerous game. He killed a 1200 pound charging cape buffalo with it. One shot in the head and it dropped 15 feet from him.
The 10mm Auto has about double the power of a .45ACP, and Glocks are the most dependable pistols made, and their simple design makes it more likely that you will know exactly what to do if attacked.
I load my own bullets and use Sierra 190 grain FPJ bullets, Remington 2 1/2 primers, and Accurate #7 powder. In Federal brass, which is best, I use 12 grains of powder. In Winchester brass I use 12.2 grains. I'm getting 1200 feet per second with that load. It will stop any animal in America with one shot, and most African animals. And the clip holds 15.
There are bears and mountain lions where I live. My Glock 20 is in my pocket now. If I hear my dogs and chickens acting crazy I'll go out and make everything better. It's my job...

Answer 2

If you are looking for a cartridge in an auto loader (aside from the large and heavy Desert Eagles) I would use a 10mm not a 45 acp. And you will want to get the heaviest bullet available at the high velocity possible.... Corbon custom cartridges may make something along these lines. But a auto loader would NOT be my first choice.
Look at a revolver in a 454 casull or 44 magnum and load it with 300 grain cartridges (or heavier) made for hunting heavy bone animals if bear is a concern.

I hunt almost exclusively with handguns, and use 357 maximum, 44 magnum and 454 casull. Dont get me wrong a 45acp is enough to take a deer down but it would not be on my top 5 picks. Elk and bear would be out of the question.

When hunting deer I use 200 grain bullets in my 44 magnum loaded to velocities in the 1700-1800 FPS range. that gives me good range and dependable take downs. in the 454 I load 250 grain bullets to 1400-1500 for the same effect.

Ruger makes a good revovler for both of these cartridges (44 and 454) if you would want something lighter in weight look at S&W's line of 44 magnums.

Answer 3

Leave the .45 acp at home if you are in bear country. The .45 acp is NOT a hunting round. It is too slow and too blunt for heavy boned critters such as bear. You're better off with a .357 Magnum, but if bears were a real concern I would opt for nothing smaller than a .44 Magnum. If you must carry an auto loader consider the Glock Model 20 in .10mm or one of the Desert Eagles.

Good luck.

H

Answer 4

Most people would carry a small snubnose revolver - usually in 44 Mag. or .357 The 45 ACP won't give enough knock-down power for a bear.

Answer 5

Depends on if your talking Griz or Black Bears. The minimum for say Alaska is 44 mag. 357 mag for Black Bears.

You must also be able to deploy the weapon fast & get the shot off fast. I'd recomend a revolver with no more than 4 to 6 inch barell. Make the first shot count, wait till the bear is head on to you and close, like under 20 yards & shoot it between the eyes. If necessary do not lose your guts and stick it right in it's mouth & shoot. You must stand your ground & not freak out. There'll be plenty of time for that after it's on the ground.

The best bet is to always have your rifle ready to defend yourself.

Answer 6

.44mag revolver, most reliable in high pressure hunting situation. also, has enough power to do the job. however you will need to practice some to adjust to the recoil of the 44 mag. i recomend shooting 44 specials in it to begin with.

Answer 7

yeh boii get the .50 cal dessert eagle if it gets to the time that u need to whip out a pistol on an elk its got to be one bad *** mother ****** and a .50cal will show it who is boss

Answer 8

357 Magnum in Revolver*...

Answer 9

the 45 MIGHT do the trick against a bear.

Answer 10

You should not have to have a pistol while hunting. If an animal sneaks up on you, then you deserve it. How dare you think that you are so special that you should wound or kill an animal that is trying to protect itself. Let go of your gun and face the animal and see who wins.