Pistol Caliber

[walleyeslayer18]

What is the lowest caliber pistol that you can kill a deer with during shotgun season?

[fishwater]

I believe .25 caliber would be legal, but I wouldn't go that low. I use a .357

[walleyeslayer18]

so a .45 would work fine then eh?

[BobT]

There is a minimum length legal cartridge and I believe a .45 doesn't qualify. I'm going to say that maybe a .41 would be about the lowest legal caliber but I'm certainly no expert.

I'll stay with my .44 mag.

Bob

[picksbigwagon]

The regulations were changed this year, I do not believe that there is a length restriction any more. I wouldn't use my 45acp over 10 yards, and even then I think it would be a poor round. My 357 is the smallest I carry for deer hunting

[BobT]

You're correct Picksbigwagon. .220 caliber or larger as long as it's a centerfire cartridge. That seems a bit light to me.

Bob

[picksbigwagon]

I fully agree with you BobT, it has been discussed on other threads here too......I recommend 357 mag. is the smallest you go. I think my 45 would work if under 10 yards, but I can throw a brick 10 yards and that could work too if I hit the deer in the right spot. My buddy thinks I should take my 1911 out with me in the woods, but my 357 was sighted in this weekend at 50 yards and standing I hit a Minute of Deer vitals plate (8"x8") 4 out of the 6 shots with out a rest. I feel confident out to 30-40 yards with that gun if I have a rest. I just don't think it will do the job that my 12 ga. does