What is a reasonable (longest) kill range for a small to medium game with a scoped (2x or 4x) 7 1/2 inch 44 mag and a 6 inch 357 mag? I currently rifle hunt deer, hogs, coyote's and bobcats and wish to learn what I can expect from my handguns once I practice and and work on my handgun shooting skills.
Thanks,
Mike

For deer, the .44 is a legit 100yd gun w/ any bullet and the .357 w/ 180gr bullets would be good for 70-ish. JMO......

What Dan said X2

I have no experience with a 357, but the 44 is definently up to the task of a hundred yard'r.

It depends on the size of the hog and the bullet. A 44 will take care of hog chores well enough but a 357 can be a little light for a big hog. I'm sure you'd kill him but I would worry about penetration with many of the typical 357 loads especially as the distance increases.

From a pure energy standpoint a .44 has enough legs out past 150 yards however out past 100 the bullet really starts to drop and accuracy becomes the issue.

At 150 yds, the .44 is carrying more energy than the .357 has at the muzzle. I would probably leave the .357 at home for the hogs. It should be fine for deer inside about 55 yards.

BTW: TV, that is a nice Sprite you have there. I have a 67' 3000 MkIII sitting in my garage. Nice to see another AH enthusiast.

Thanks guys, appreciate the comments.

What Dan said X3.

44 mag even with factory loads/good ones is a 100 gun with a very solid rest. 357 i onsly would stay around 50/60 yrs and load it heavy.............takes a lot of shooting to be good at 100 yrds with a revolver........a TC with 10 barrel on a rest is cake...

The max distance the pistol is capable of killing Deer or hogs is the max distance that YOU can reliable place a proper bullet in the vitails, pure and simple


My 2 longest handgun kills is a Caribou at an estimated 150 yards yards and a pig at a lasered 218 yards both kills were made with a 45 Colt fired from a Ruger Bisley 6" barrel and open sights

in my opinion your best to stay to the ethical side of the line. the further the shot the more amplified any little mistake you make on your end. the 44 with optics i'd go around a hundred yards maybe a little further depending on individual ability but as i recall you said your new to this game so only you will be able to determine at what range you can consistently hit the 6 to 9 inch vitals of a deer depending on size. the 357 i wouldn't go past 50 and preferably around 25. if you decide to shoot irons youll find out in a hurry that it can be difficult enough at the range to hold groups at a distance but add weather, excitement and a solid colored animal with no bullseye and it can get quite a bit tougher. with optics it's at least easier to pick a spot on the animal at 100+ yards than iy is with the naked eye.

ditto on what jwp475 said!

Not to vary, but know we are getting to the ethical side of the coin. There is a max distance for both the shooter and the equipment they tote. AND they also pair. Point in fack, my 270 in Mr. Erine's or Doc Rogers hands would dwarf the range of what it would to in mine... LOL However I think that is what JWP is saying, you can be your biggets limitation...

Right on with limitations of the shooter, but, stay within the limitations of the equipment as well. JMHO

Great comments guys. My practice sessions are shooting consistently at a pie plate.
Working from closer in to further out as I improve. I am not confident out to the 100 yard mark for the 44 mag as of yet. Lot's of practice to be had. I have a Leupold 2x on the 44 mag and open site on the 357 mag.

One thought to help improve your distance and stability is to use a string sling.

Take a length of 550 paracord and tie a loop in the end. Place your thumb through the loop and wrap the cord across the back of your neck and down to the other thumb. Tie a loop in this end as well. With your revolver in the shooting position, the sling should be tight. You will find that your sight picture steadies up markedly using this simple shooting aid.

I find that with the sling, I can effectively hit a pie plate every time out at 100 yards with open sights. Without, I am lucky to get 50% in the plate.

Practice on small varmints A LOT. It will greatly increase your range. Get a backpack to shoot off of. Carry a small piece of leather to put under the barrel/cylinder gap or you'll blow the bag. Practice shooting off the sides of trees. My longest .44 shot is 190 off the side of a tree. Longest .357 shot was 200 off my backpack. Yes, some luck involved, but I do this all the time on groundhogs.

¿Luck involved? HA! I have read too many of your articles... You have taken more deer in one year than some will take in a life time. And lets not even talk about your ground hog count... But that is the thing, you have found what works for you and you practice what you preach. If someone didnt know you they would call you a lyre or an unethical hunter. Me, I just dont have a life and really like this sight... lol

I agree with all ov the above. The .44mag is the one to hunt with in my book. It has the range and the power to take down any of our mid sized game out to 100yds. And it the right hands a little farther. Your practice sound great!