New Handgun Hunter
#96449
11/29/2011 11:38 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7
shineyh
OP
stranger
|
OP
stranger
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7 |
I am a long time hunter and a handgunner. I am working to become a handgun hunter. I have a Model 629 8 3/8 inch barrel and two scopes. I have a Burris 4X and a Leupold 2X scope. Which will be a better choice for hunting mule deer and what are some hunting loads for the .44? I think that 100 yards will be my absolute max.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: shineyh]
#96450
11/29/2011 11:44 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375
Dan B.
Distinguished Expert
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375 |
Go with the 4X and load about any 240gr bullet. I have twin Ruger wheelguns...one has a 2X and the other has a 4X. The 4X is MUCH easier to shoot.
My .44 Mag pet load uses a 320gr cast bullet and H110. But 240gr loads are the staple .44 Mag recipe.
Oh.....and welcome!
Exodus 20:5-11 Matthew 5:18 Revelation 22:14
ISPBS--Expert Level
Please don't use e-mail, contact me w/ PM.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Dan B.]
#96478
11/30/2011 2:53 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 533
Dave Tarbell
addict
|
addict
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 533 |
I dont think youll go wrong with either scope but Im partial to a 2 power,but dont think for myself anything beats a red dot sight,Ive ha d excellent aaccuracy with a 270 gr Speer Deepcurl but I havent shot anything with that bullet tho.
Dave Tarbell
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Dave Tarbell]
#96481
11/30/2011 3:24 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434
H2OBUG
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,434 |
I would go with the Leupond based on Size and I like the 2X better on wheel guns.
I would try a 240 XTP over 18.5 gr of 2400-- not a super hot load but it did shoot great in my 629's
_ if you want a little more pep you can go to 20 Gr-- but the accuracy fell off in my guns
If it jams force it! If it breaks it needed replacing anyway.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: H2OBUG]
#96483
11/30/2011 3:37 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 328
SS 308
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 328 |
Welcome to Handgunhunt.com!
First, Leupold Pistol scopes suck. Do not trust one for hunting. I had three (all sent form Leupold, replacing the previous one). Great rifle scopes, terrible pistol scopes.
Can't beat Burris. Have 4 and none have failed me (unlike the Leupold). 4X is plenty for a wheel gun.
My 2 cents worth.
Not as lean, Not as mean, But still a Marine!
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: H2OBUG]
#96484
11/30/2011 3:41 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155
Gregg Richter
Distinguished Expert
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,155 |
Welcome aboard; I recommend the 2X on a revolver, for these reasons: Leupold, more forgiving eye relief and hence better for someone starting out, plus the 2 power being easier to use out to your 100 yards max, IMO.
As for hunting loads, if you are not a handloader, go with the better factory premium choices in 240 grain and up.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#96485
11/30/2011 3:47 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 82
jajwrigh
journeyman
|
journeyman
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 82 |
I personally favor the 2x over the 4x in a fixed power. I currently have a 2x Weaver and a variable power Bushnell. I think with practice the 2x will serve you well out to 100 yards.
One shot, one kill.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Gregg Richter]
#96489
11/30/2011 11:25 AM
|
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725
500WE
Pooh-Bah
|
Pooh-Bah
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,725 |
Welcome aboard; I recommend the 2X on a revolver, for these reasons: Leupold, more forgiving eye relief and hence better for someone starting out, plus the 2 power being easier to use out to your 100 yards max, IMO.
As for hunting loads, if you are not a handloader, go with the better factory premium choices in 240 grain and up. I agree with Gregg. In my experience of using handgun scopes on handguns since 1978, none are more forgiving of eye position than the Leupold. I have 17 (both 2X and 4X)in service on various handguns at the moment. I have never broken one. I have had 2 Burris and 1 T/C scope fail during the last 30+ years. One Burris is back at their factory for the second time now. Any manufacturer can produce something that fails. I have the utmost confidence in Leupold. Burris, not so much, but I don't want to start a @#$%^& ing contest here. If you were hunting in the heavily wooded eastern U.S., there's no question I would recommend the 2X. It is almost certainly all the magnification you will need. It is also a bit lighter and more compact than the 4X Leupold and Burris. Your 8 3/8" S&W is already a bit bulky. Since you are hunting Muleys in the West, the day may come when you are more comfortable with scopes and want a bit more magnification. That would be the day to move to the 4X in my opinion. In any event, the sensible maximum range for even a Master marksman with a .44 Mag is around 100 yards. With regard to ammo, I use 23 gr. of 296, CCI 350's and 240 Sierra JHC's in my Smiths, to my complete satisfaction.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: 500WE]
#96496
11/30/2011 3:05 PM
|
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7
shineyh
OP
stranger
|
OP
stranger
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 7 |
Thanks for your insight on scoped handguns. I will be hunting in New Mexico mostly in the open rolling plains part of the state. I will be working up a load for the 629 and I appreciate your help. It helps to know where to start. I have a super blackhawk that I may put the 2X on and go with the 4X on the 629.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: shineyh]
#96501
11/30/2011 4:22 PM
|
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 107
flingwinger
member
|
member
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 107 |
Listen to the gang, they know their stuff and, good luck.
Semper Fi (K9XXY).
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: flingwinger]
#96519
11/30/2011 5:55 PM
|
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 998
dc74
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 998 |
i would use the 2 power in and wooded hunting and u should be set. shoot shoot shoot shoot shoot and your ready ...
shoot it if its still coming shot it again!!!
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: dc74]
#96540
11/30/2011 11:37 PM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375
Dan B.
Distinguished Expert
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375 |
Wow...lots of votes for the 2X. I have a tough time with that though. I've killed a lot of game with handguns (not nearly as much as some on here though) and have NEVER felt that a 4X is too much magnification. I've also never had game too close that finding it in the scope was a problem...and I've killed deer within 15ft.
I need to add that I do NOT shoot at moving game....EVER! Maybe the lesser power would help here but I'm not going to give it a try.
Exodus 20:5-11 Matthew 5:18 Revelation 22:14
ISPBS--Expert Level
Please don't use e-mail, contact me w/ PM.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Dan B.]
#96547
12/01/2011 1:15 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
I guess we are the odd balls Dan, I have variable scopes on everything... Including both of my SRH's. LOL
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Dan B.]
#96548
12/01/2011 1:15 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306
EricS
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306 |
I personally like 4x32 scopes better than the 2x20. The weaver 2x28 may be worth looking at but I have never shot anything that did well in low light with that small of an objective. I have a mount and red dot coming for my 629 that will be here tomorrow so I may be able to tell you how I like that after this weekend. It's nice to get opinions but since you have them both put the mount on and try them both and tell us what you think. I also like to not only shoot them at the range but go outside at dusk and see what you can make out. That first and last fifteen minutes of legal shooting hours are my most productive. If I can see and evaluate a target through the binoculars I want to be able to shoot it.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: Dan B.]
#96549
12/01/2011 1:15 AM
|
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
I need to add that I do NOT shoot at moving game....EVER! Maybe the lesser power would help here but I'm not going to give it a try. .....except for a running badger with an xp 100?.? I heard about it.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: KRal]
#96550
12/01/2011 1:24 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
Eric, that is the reason I dont like the variable Weavers as much. My ultimate judge is a 4D Mag light with a red lens at night. Appropriate if you critter hunt at night like I do.
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: shineyh]
#96558
12/01/2011 2:17 AM
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001
mikefrompa
old hand
|
old hand
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,001 |
Personally,,,I would start with the 2x. You will see the gun shake much more with the 4x.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: KRal]
#96561
12/01/2011 2:20 AM
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375
Dan B.
Distinguished Expert
|
Distinguished Expert
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,375 |
.....except for a running badger with an xp 100?? I heard about it. ....at 40-ish yds......on a dead run....with a NXS 3.5-15X rifle scope....and offhand! Dang......busted!! Yeah....I'll admit to that!! Still loved the look on Ernie's face! I'd like the chance to show him I could do it again. Hahaha! I should have specified...I'd pop a round off at a varmint or small game that was on the move. On big game though....never.
Exodus 20:5-11 Matthew 5:18 Revelation 22:14
ISPBS--Expert Level
Please don't use e-mail, contact me w/ PM.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: TCTex.]
#96566
12/01/2011 2:58 AM
|
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306
EricS
enthusiast
|
enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 306 |
I guess we are the odd balls Dan, I have variable scopes on everything... Including both of my SRH's. LOL The only scoped handgun I own is a contender in 30/30. The 4x32 is plenty for hunting as far out as I care to shoot at game. When punching paper for load development the 4x leaves much to be desired. I can see a variable in the near future.
|
|
|
Re: New Handgun Hunter
[Re: EricS]
#96574
12/01/2011 4:45 AM
|
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331
TCTex.
Shootist
|
Shootist
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 7,331 |
That is exactly why I put them on my revolvers. I have become accustom to utilizing them on my TC’s for so long I just naturally put them on my SRH’s. On the flip side it is a compromise, or at least for me. I can crank them up at the range or on squirrels at 50 yards but I can still turn them down for low light situations or just off hand shooting. The compromise is that they weigh a little more. However, that is one of the reasons I have become so fond of the 3200 Bushnell 2-6 scopes, they are a variable with a 32 diameter bell, but they compact compared to most variables IMHO. You just need to find what works for you!!!
Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb Benjamin Franklin
|
|
|
|
0 registered members (),
93
guests, and 1
spider. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
|