Why is a .45ACP highly effective on humans, but not recommended for big game hunting?
453162
I use my 45acp for deer hunting and have had good results with it. If I came across a bear that was going to do me harm I think that it would do the trick. The reason you want to use the high power pistols for bear is because you want no room for error when messing with him. If you hit him in the head with a 45 you will probally be ok but if you are nervous and miss and hit the body then you would wish you had the larger caliber. Have read a lot of articles about big game hunting with pistols and there are a lot of them to choose from.
883667
There are those who are opposed to hunting wildlife.  If I didn’t grow up in a quasi subsistence lifestyle, I might have felt different.  It is easy to see how hunting can be cruel.\n\nFor instance, if you walk into a restaurant and shoot a person at the salad bar, it is murder.  If you walk into a hay field and shoot a deer, it is dinner.  I have seen deer with arrowheads lodged inside and animals with injuries because of bad shots.  That is the dark side of hunting, the animal suffering that is thought of as a price the animal must pay.\n\nSo why hunt?\n\nSmall game animals have a sufficient number of predators to keep their numbers in check.  Even if there wasn’t, an overpopulation of squirrels and rabbits might be an annoyance, but not a real threat to humans and their health.  The habitat can usually support many more animals than current populations.\n\nAs animals get bigger, the number of predators get fewer.  Not many things that I have seen bother raccoons or geese.  Some animals will attack and kill these larger animals, but small animals tend to be an easier kill for a predator.  While overpopulation of these animals can cause a concern for humans.  Again, the habitat can usually support many more animals than current populations.\n\nAs you move to larger animals like deer, coyotes, and similar animals, there are few if any natural predators still around.  If the population is let go, the animals become a threat to humans either through predatory instincts or just by being in the wrong place at the wrong time (ie. Car deer accidents).  As the animals are large, they require greater amounts of food.  A large deer population can be devastating to a farmer’s crop, not to mention spread disease to livestock intended for human consumption (like bovine tuberculosis).\n\nEven small animals can be devastating to crops.  The dove population in Argentina is so large that a flock can eat thousands of tons of grain in a day.  Fields can be wiped out in under a day by the larger flocks.  \n\nHunting helps restore the balance that humans have destroyed.  As predators are gone, humans have become the predators.  Without the predators, animals like deer will consume all the food available in their habitat and either starve to death or die of diseases like CWD, bovine tuberculosis, or others  (neither sounds like a good way to die to me)\n\nSo what good is hunting?\n\n1.Keeps populations of certain game under control.  In some states, if hunting were eliminated for a year or two, the current deer populations would be well beyond the carrying capacity of the land.  Granted, many animals are not in the same predicament as the deer, but are getting to be.\n\n2.It provides an activity that allows families to spend time together and pass down traditions.  Yes, there are other things families can do, but hunting happens to be an activity built on tradition.\n\n3.It provides a heck of a lot of money into economies that otherwise wouldn’t have tourism.  I hunt deer in Tomah, WI.  Any other time of the year, there is nothing going on in the town.  However, when the gun deer season comes around, all of the hotels are full, the restaurants have waiting lists, the gas pumps are flowing, and local stores are selling things that the hunters need or forgot.\n\n4.Provides an overall boost to the economy.  Hunting is expensive (very expensive if you think about it).  Gun deer hunting requires a rifle, which a cheap one will run $500.  The rifle needs a scope which is another $250.  The scope needs rings which is $30.  A box of ammo will set a hunter back $20.  The hunter needs to sight in their rifle every year at $15 a visit.  Boots wear out at $100 a pair.  A GPS is needed after getting lost in the woods last year for about $150.  The kids stole my compass, making me part with another $10.  I can’t see over the brush anymore, so I need a deer stand at $160.  This goes on and on for any hunter (at least deer hunters…).  This money tends
914200
Yes we are few and far between but we are a growing group.  I have been hunting since I was big enough for my dad to pack me from stand to pit.  I just got my second buck a couple of days ago.  Gun is in here although I am a fan of my muzzleloader so it will be what I use.  Duck season is also in so I have a many of sleepless time ahead.  Goodluck on the big one though,
956495
I am a liberal and was once against hunting.  Now that I've met a few "true" hunters, those that actually hunt for food and do it humanely, I don't have an issue with them.  They good old boys that hunt for "sport" is another issue.  I don't find it sporting to take pleasure in killing anything.  The hunters I know only hunt during the season, only take what they need, never shooting more than they can use, and make sure that the animal doesn't suffer by assuring a clear shot before pulling the trigger.
904068
I have answered many "bear defense" questions over the years, but you are the first person who has asked about the 40 S&W for taking down a bear.\n\nA bear isn't a tank and it is not some mystical animal that can not be brought down.  If you do an internet search, you'll find a number of stories about people bringing down black and brown bear with a 22 rimfire.  This isn't something I'd try, but it has been done.\n\nWhat you need to look for in a bear defense handgun is something that is a compromise between power and recoil.  Two hits from a 357 Magnum is much better than one miss with a 454 Casull.\n\nTo be honest, a handgun isn't my weapon of choice when in bear county.  If it was, I'd personally opt for a 41 Magnum.  I would call the 40 S&W adequate at best.  However, if you are familiar with the weapon and can shoot it well, in the end, that is much more important than more muzzle energy.\n\nChances are, you won't have to worry about a bear attack.  I have walked more miles and fished more salmon streams in Alaska than I can remember.  I have yet to be attacked by a bear or have anything I'd even classify a close call.  \n\nYou are smart to carry a firearm, "just in case".  While I have never had an issue with a bear, I have always carried a rifle or handgun.  Better to have one and not need it and need one and not have it.
1010491
There are a lot of factors involved in sucessful archery hunting.  Becoming proficient with your bow is important.  This will only happen if your arrow (spine and length) is matched properly to your bow (draw weight, draw length, and broadhead weight).  Range estimation is critical.  I have found that trying to use a rangefinder is difficult under field conditions when the game is nearby due to the movement required.  If you hunt from a stand, mark 10, 20, and 30 yards from it with orange marker ribbon tied to trees or brush.  Use of sights and the type to use is a personal choice.  Some of the best bowhunters I know don't use any type of sights at all.  Knowledge of the habits of your quarry have a great influence on sucess.  Game animal movements are usually governed by access to food sorces and these change with the seasons, several times a year.  Most movement (except during rut) is between a food source and the nearest bedding area.  Try to set up to ambush animals moving from the bedding to the feeding area (evening) and back to the bedding area (morning).  Stalking and still hunting require a good deal of skill (practice) and an enourmous amount of patience, but can provide some of the most exciting oppurtunities.  Most people who try to stalk or still hunt move way too fast and just move the animals ahead rarely seeing them.  In thick cover, about 400-500 yards an hour is good.   Make certain you always use a razor-sharp broadhead.  Archery kills are made by blood loss, not trauma.  Patience is a virtue after the shot also.  Even if you are certain you made a vital hit, wait at least 30 minutes.  An hour is better, provided rain or snow isn't going to destroy the blood trail.  Speaking of which, you need to be able to follow the trail left by the animal.  Mostly this means blood trailing.  If you hunt in the evening and stick one near dark, you have to have a good light source to trail after dark.  A Coleman lantern is the best choice for this, but a 3 or 4 "D" cell maglite works and will fit in a backpack.  Blood less than a couple hours old is still very shiny in bright light.  Direction of blood spatters indicate direction of animal's movement and size and frequency of drops indicate speed of movement.  Large (8" or more) spots and puddles indicate the animal stopped for a period of time and bled in one spot.  Also watch for pieces of your arrow as all or some of it may work out of the wound.  Sorry for the long winded answer, but as I said, a lot goes into it.  Read any books by Chuck Adams, probably the finest bowhunter ever.  Good luck and good hunting.
20733
Black bear are best taken (in my humble oppinion) with a .30-06 180 gr. Some good brands of ammo out there include Hornady's 180 gr with super shock Tip and Norma 200 gr oryx bonded for when you need just a bit more bang for your buck.
657181
Frankly I don't like small.  I like big slow bullets.  My personal choice is a Smith&Wesson double action auto in .45 ACP.  A .40 auto would do in a pinch.  A .380 auto makes a fine backup gun but I wouldn't want to have to depend on it as a primary weapon.  Having said that, bullet placement is far more important than your choice of caliber.  So what ever you decide to carry, shot it a lot.  Know the weapon inside and out and practice, practice, practice.  A final thought in this area is beware of over penetration.  While .357 and .44 magnums have there place, they are also very capable of shooting through your target with enough remaining energy to do considerable damage to innocent by-standers.  A .45 ACP, on the other hand, surrenders all or nearly all it's energy in the target.\n\nNow to cost.  Why are you concerned about cost?  This is LIFE insurance, the real thing.  The insurance you buy from an insurance company is not life insurance, it is death insurance.  So spend the cash and get the best, it could save your life.  Remember, you collect on LIFE insurance, death insurance is collected by your beneficiary.
716937
Bound's hubby here:\n\nI will not insult your intelligence, I will presume you intend to handgun hunt in a state where handgun hunting is legal! Also, since you said only hunting, you have limited the field appropriately.\n\nHandguns:\nThere are basically four categories of handguns that could serve your needs for handgun hunting: Semi-Auto Pistols, Single Action Revolvers, Double Action Revolvers, and Single Shot Pistols. I honestly think the most appropriate handguns for your hunting needs would be the Single Action Revolvers and Double Action  Revolvers. I would reserve the Single Shot Pistol until your level of skill and experience increases. \n\nWhen you talk Single Action Revolvers for handgun hunting, you should limit your discussion to the Ruger "Blackhawks". The can be had in two different grip styles; Traditional ("Plow") and "Bisley" (Target). These are strong revolvers with a reputation for accuracy. Ruger also has a line of "Hunter" Blackhawks, which have scope rings the have their mounts recessed into the barrel. These revolvers are stronger because the frames do not have "cut-outs" to accommodate swing-out cylinders. Since the "Blackhawks" do not have swing-out cylinders, you would want to shy away from them for defense, especially if you consider a quick reload as a possibility.\n\nWhen you talk Double Action Revolvers for handgun hunting, I would limit the choices to the L and N Frame Smith & Wessons. (S&W's only because I have had very good experiences with the Smith's, and they hold a crisp trigger for what seems forever!) A nice benefit to a DA Revolver is that they have swing-out cylinders, that allow for fast reloads, and could be used in a defensive role. A nice feature of the new (post-'92 or so) S&W L and N frame revolvers is that the frames are already drilled and tapped for (a proprietary) scope mount, if you decide to shoot with a scope.\n\nWhich action style you select is totally dependent upon your personal tastes and preferences. For me, I will lean to the Smith Double Action Revolvers. Links for both S&W revolvers and Ruger Single Actions will be posted below. \n\nCaliber: \nOf the more "conventional" cartridges, you should limit your selection to the: .357 Magnum, .41 Magnum, or .44 Magnum calibers. You could also consider the .45 Long Colt cartridge. All four cartridges are available in both the Smiths and the Rugers. Personally, I would avoid the exotic "new" calibers, such as: .460, .480, and .500 ... and I would recommend that you do too, considering your experience level. I would consider the .357 marginal, and lean more toward the .41 Magnum. I prefer the .41 because it has less recoil than the .44 and more energy than a .357. \n\nBullet selection: \nI would suggest that you shoot HARD cast semi-wadcutters with the largest "flat-nose" bullet you can purchase for your chosen caliber. The flat-nose of the semi-wadcutter is called the metplat, and it is what induces the shock when you shoot an animal. I would try to avoid the soft points and hollow points ... the HARD cast semi-wadcutter will do more bone damage and create a better wound cavity.\n\nScopes: \nScopes are a personal preference ... I may use one, I do not know in the future, but for now, I will stick to iron sights. If you do go with a scope, do not use a regular rifle scope, you need a long eye relief scope.\n\nSelf-restraint: \nOne of the most difficult parts of handgun hunting is maintaining of defining the maximum shot distance. My suggestion is to use 6" paper pie plates as targets, and restrict your hunting shot distance to the maximum distance that you can keep all of the shots on the pie plates. \n\nHandloading: \nI would suggest that you get into casting and handloading your ammunition, since you can "tailor" your ammunition to both your handgun and your hunting situation. Handloading and casting will
54490
When developing and/or purchasing ordnance, the aqcuisition authorities take potential threat weapons/arms into account and then decide which weapons and armor will ensure the maximum lethality against the tanks of potential threat countries.  Further, they will consider which specifications will provide their army the reach, ease of deployability, costs of replacement parts and ammunition...  The end result is normally the  option that satisfies all criteria best.\n\nI can't answer authoritatively whether a solid, non-explosive cannonball or even the hollowed projectiles would penetrate the skin of contemporary tanks, however, it's apparent the more commonly used cannons of the Civil War were not rifled and therefore lacked precision.  Also, tanks of today have reactive armor (thought the Stryker apparently does not) and the alloys utilized are pretty sophisticated.\n\nI don't believe the Ma Deuce is on the chopping block.  I can't think of any piece of equipment in our inventory that is as durable, versatile, and effective as the M2 .50 cal machine gun.\n\nA caliber is 1 inch.  One inch is 25.4mm.  .45 caliber equals 11.4mm or more specifically, .45 ACP bullet diameters run from .451 to .452 so using .4515 as an average, a .45 is 11.47mm.
235725
Really, you dont eat cayotes for the people who answered before me.  I use a 30-30 rifle, but go when they are moving around so i do not need a call.
385805
That kind of weaponry, to be sure, is no joke. That gun can stop any beast in its tracks!\n\nI've never fired one myself- the closest thing may have been an old .45 revolver that my uncle Bob owned. It was, evidently, from WWI or WWII. It was a very solid and formidable gun. It used unique shells- rim-fire .45 shells. Anyone who would have dared to enter his castle in a hostile manner would be in for .45 caliber brain surgery!!!!!!!!!!!!\n\nIt sucks that the government is taking away our rights to bear arms. The second amendment hardly matters anymore. Have you noticed that guns are becoming very scarce? I used to shop at lots of sporting goods stores, and guns were available just about anywhere. But apparently, the government mistrusts its own people. Wal-Mart is going to stop selling guns (but will continue to sell ammunition, for now, at least), too. I want to get a few long guns soon, before they become contraband in the "land of the free"!
617412
I own an XD .45 ACP.  I have not had any problems with it at all.  I actually shoot better with that than with my Glock 21.  It's a good all around gun.\n\nI think it would be a good gun for self defense, especially against a bear.  The external grip and trigger safeties allow you to carry it fully loaded, but allow for easy "point and shoot" firing if the situation arises.
610286
no.it only takes a second to chamber a round and the KA-CHUNK is a scary sound that everybody knows the meaning of. in some states you are better off shooting someone that your are working them over with a baseball bat since the issue of how many blows were enought and did you use too many can come up. 3 rounds center of mass may be overkill but is not generally held to be over the line. a side comment- an unloaded long gun can be a nasty weapon in the right hands. find a grunt and have in teach you the basic strikes he learned in boot camp. a butt stroke to the head or guts will end things pretty well. then you can claim you decided not to shoot the dumb SOB but just wacked him because all you wanted to do was protect yourself. tough to sue somebody for letting you live
1065441
It gets worse...I saw a story on the news the other day about a way to hunt over the internet.  I guess it was set up so that those who are house bound or otherwise disabled could participate in this "sport."  So, you can go to some website, pay your money, and somehow log onto a camera which is pointed towards the wilderness and you can push a button and fire at an animal when you spot one.  I know it sounds too strange to be true, but it is a real thing.  Isn't that just awful??\nOh, and to the above poster...I think that the "survival" excuse is about 500 years too old.  I have about 5 grocery stores within a 10 mile radius of my house.  I'm pretty sure I don't need to go and wrestle down an animal on my front lawn in order to eat.
944609
Bound's hubby here:\n\nBetter is a "relative" term! Not only are you trying to compare two different action styles, you are comparing two different "classes" of cartridges. To answer which is better, you must identify the purpose/mission of the pistol. \n\nIf you are talking in terms of a self defense pistol, the M1911A1 has it all over your .44 Magnum. First, the M1911A1 was designed from day one as a defense pistol. The M1911A1 allows for rapidity of reloading ... the .45ACP holds 7 rounds to your .44s presumed 6. Since the .45 ejects automatically, and the .44 doesn't ... plus to the .45. Reload time for the M1911A1 is half the time of the .44. The M1911A1's .45ACP has less perceived recoil than the .44, recovery time for follow-up shots falls to the M1911A1 ... another plus. Engage more than 1 aggressor with the .44, you may not be able to recover after the first shot for a well-placed follow-up shot.\n\nNow, if you are talking hunting, the .44 has it all over the M1911A1. The .45 just does not have the power (energy) of the .44 to stop medium sized game. The .45 Hardball is not a good choice for game, and most game-appropriate bullets will not feed reliably in the M1911A1. In addition, the .44's revolver has a greater potential for accuracy at typical handgun hunting distance ... energy and field accuracy lead to two points for the .44.\n\nHowever, if you are talking target shooting, you have a draw, because you will not shoot magnum rounds for target! In NRA bulls-eye competition, the .44 could be fired (using .44 Specials) in the Centerfire matches only. The match-tuned .45 can be fired in both the Centerfire and .45 events, and if your .45 is match-tuned for hardball, you are also set for "Leg" matches ... hence the M1911A1 is up for 2 or 3 events to the .44's single event ... making the .45 better.\n\nOn pure statistics, the .44 is a hunting round, the .45ACP (depending on bullet choice) is a defensive round, a target round, or in some instances, a small-game round.\n\nAs Clint Eastwood's charachter "Dirty Harry" was fond of saying ... "A man has got to know his limitations" ... so is true for handguns and cartridges ... you must know their limitations!\n\nGood luck!
28005
A taxidermy of a hunter's head (kidding).. I guess I'm not a hunter but a animal lover. I dont find shooting an innocent deer as fun, its more cruel and inhumane but then again, those hunters would probably end up killing people if they cant kill helpless animals.