BB,
If you yhink the .357 is marginal, a non hotrodded .45C is even wimpier Ya need to get yourself a different shooter.
Dan

Show me the numbers Dan.

I would have to agree with Dan! If you can not shoot +P ammo in your handgun, it is not suitable for hunting! Cowboy ammo in the 45 Long Colt just does not have enough power. Suitable bullets should be flat nose solids, not hollow points. Trade your Taurus in on a Ruger!

Definately a Ruger. That 45LC would be great for shooting, and self defense. Take a look at Remington's ballistic charts. You'll see what Dan was speaking of. You should look into a 44 mag. You can still load the specials into it for just shooting right???? Then you have the magnum power when needed. I've been chewing at this decision too for almost a year now. I think I'm going with the 44, mainly for the expansion in choices offered by Ruger. I presently own a Taurus. Not very reliable.

The only thing I've ever hunted with a hand gun is small game. But I like to cast bullets and have for a long time. 32 Long, 38 spec and 357 mag. I gave up the 357 mag and started shooting only 38's in it. Using a 158gr cast RN and, if I remember correctly, 3 grs of 700X it put those bullets thru both sides of an ole freezer I'd found.

I'm not sure what range something like that would be effective at but I see handgun hunting thru old eyes. That means something like bow hunting ranges, 20 yd or less? I have been tossing around the idea of using my 38 one of these days on deer but using a 150gr Keith type cast bullet and confining the range to that 20 yds or less.

I've also thought about a 45 LC with the same restrictions. Seems like a 235 gr cast bullet at about 1000 fps would work well. I'd do some penetration testing first tho. After all, they'll shoot right thru a human chest and a deer ain't that much deeper. They'll shoot thru a chest freezer and a deer's chest ain't that tuff. Isn't the over rideing factor the range at which they're used and the bullet you use? Some one tell me what's wrong with my thinking here.

I own more powerful handguns. The .45 Colt has been used on deer and other big game for over 100 years.
Back on track, I would like to hear from handgun hunters who use a .45 Long Colt revolver.

I have been tossing the idea around of using my .40 cal.

what are the opinions or flames for this cartidge for a close range deer?

I don't know anyone that uses .45lc to hunt deer with a revolver. Amongst my cowboy action shooting buddies a fair number use that cal in their rifles and those that talk about it say they go for close shots (<50yds) on smallish WT's.

Regarding power, here in IL they require that your handgun produce 500ftpds of energy at the muzzle whether it's .357, 40, on up.

I'll be using my .357 in the woods this fall, but all of my opportunities will be well under 50 yds, most 20-30yds.

I imagine the .40 is good under the same conditions as the .357

Using .45 LC on a whitetail will take it down no problem. I use my Rossi Ranch hand in .45 LC and do not use +P.  Anyone who says it wont work is just wrong. I can tell you that your gun will do just fine. My reccomendation is Winchester. I have taken one deer with a PDX1 round and one from using winchester Super X. And my gun is only a 12" barrel.  Be happy with your gun and use it.

Think of it this way. back in the days of the Cowboys the most used rounds were .45 LC lead. They took down all animals no problem. They have only gotten better. .45 LC is the way to fly!

Preview	Attachment	Size
	Ranch_Hand_2.jpg	79.79 KB

I have spoken with 2 gentlement about 45 LC loads this month and they use the 45 Long Colt for deer in a hand gun. One of them is a Sierra Bulletsmith.

One thing for sure them heavier Rugers can shoot a much tougher load, I did see single action Ruger in 45LC with a 14" barrel, at a gun show, it made me want one.

Out here where I hunt a close shot is 300 yards, or it's running like hell,,,

Before I bought this Rossi in 45 LC all the web site said it shoot nice group at 100 yards,,,,,,,and shoot a dear at 150???????,, I still ain't got mine to do that good. But I is working on it.