I am getting my first handgun for hunting and have decided on a Ruger Hunter in 45 LC. I hunt deer and hogs in Mississippi and shots are never over 100yds. I'm not married to this caliber, it's just what the store happens to have. Any opinions? Thanks.

Sounds good to me I prefer 44mag thats cause I have the stuff to load it From what I have seen the 45lc is just fine.

I'm with the Chef. Great gun in either caliber. I too am a .44 mag. guy, but that .45 Colt will do the job just as well I'm sure.

I'd go with the .44. It will be easier to find hunting ammo(factory)

WELCOME to the board Seymore!!

The old 45 colt is a great round. Most factory ammo is on the low side of performance, so if you reload, the 45 in a strong Ruger can really shine. There are a few manufacturers that offer heavy 45 colt loads. Corbon and Buffalo Bore offer such loads. I like the 44 magnum myself like the others stated. The bigger choice of factory ammo, and availability is much more than the 45 colt.

you might want to find a range in your area. talk to some of the people there and maybe try a few different guns before you decide. nice to be able to feel the kick before you commit! JMO

Seymore,
That is the PERFECT choice!!! Just so happens, last year when I chose my first handgun, I chose the same thing.
When I got mine, I sent mine off to www.cylindersmith.com and had the cylinders reamed since the throats were really tight.
As for accuracy, she's way more accurate than I am. I have her topped with a Leupold M8 2X, watch out if you go variable because with the longer scope you will probably have to take off the front sight.
You should definately think about reloading if you already don't do it. 99% of the ammo you buy off the shelf is made to shoot through the old SAA's, so they are really weak. Handloading not only keeps $$$ in your pockets, but you can easily load up rounds worthy for anything you plan on hunting.
Oh ya, as an added bonus, the Hunter is a heavy handgun, especially with a scope on her. This really tames the recoil. Just got a 5.5" Vaquero and was amazed how you really have to hold onto that compared with the Hunter.

GOOD LUCK!!!

Jim

Seymore:
Do a Google search for John Linebaugh .45 Colt and read what he has to say. It should convince you that your choice of a Ruger in .45 Colt couldn't be wiser.

I'm picking the gun up tomorrow. I just got through ordering the scope, bandelier holster, and bullets. I'm putting a 2X Burris matching silver scope on it, an Uncle Mikes Holster and 260 JHP Buffalo Bore Bullets.

Looking around this weekend I found a place on the net that will custom make ammo for you. I don't know that I would shoot it enough to justify getting into reloading and this seemed to be an alternative. It's a place called Gray's Ammo. I tell them what I hunt and what my set up is and they custom make me a bullet to feed it. Anybody heard of them or know anything about them.

My plinking gun is a New Super Black Hawk in .357 with a 9 MM convertible cylinder. I buy the 9 MM in bulk and blast away. For cottonmouths I load it up with shot shells. It will ruin Mr. No Shoulders day. I hate snakes.

Cor-Bon make some high test loads for the .45 LC, equal to their .44 Mag stuff. You can also try www.reedsammo.com , they aren't currently doing magnum .45 LC, but if they get enough demand I was told they would give it a go. They are doing most everything else. If you don't see it on the website, e-mail Ron and he'll help you out.

Congrats on the new gun!!!
I think you made a wise choice & won't be dissapointed .
As others have said, Corbon & Buffalo Bore, make good hunting level loads for your gun. Gray's is probably great too although I know nothing about them. Corbon has a very extensive & interesting websight(corbon.com).
Enjoy the new toy/tool

My 1st hunting handgun was a T/C Contender in .223 when I was 14. Im 38. Dont have it anymore but I do have a new G2 in .358JDJ that will go on my next hog hunt and a Taurus Tracker44 that will come along for the brushy stuff.