Favorite Handguns for Javelina

[arizona jim]

I was drawn for the HAM (handguns, archery, muzzle loader) hunt for Javelina in southern AZ. - 3 years ago I killed one with my .357 mag.  - I have hunted them with my .44 mag also. What are your favorites?

We have a new hunter with us this year; my brothers girlfriend. What do you think about the .32 H&R mag. or the .38 special for mild recoil & terminal performance (inside 50 yds. ).

         AZ Jim

 

[Fubar]

Jim  Just curious. Can you use a Thompson Contender in rifle cal as long as it is a pistol barrel? How long does the barrel have to be?                 Fubar

 

[arizona jim]

Fubar, the way I read it there is no barrel length requirements. It has to be a centerfire cartridge, & the gun has to designed to be held in the hands. I know that alot of people use TC's for this hunt.

Call AZ Game & Fish Dept. @ 602-942-3000

         AZ Jim

 

[sportyg]

I use the best .44 made..It is called a .41 mag.. Never hunted those little pigs however..

 

[DanV]

SportyG,

Saying a 41 mag is the best 44 mag is like saying the 44 mag is better than the .454 Casull. All three of these are great guns but not really compareable, like comparing apples to oranges!

 

[arizona jim]

No offense SportyG, but I'll have to go with Dan on this one. Although I think the .41 mag. is a good caliber, I don't think it compares to the .44 - It should be a great choice though if you could not decide between a .357 or .44

Just out of curiosity; do you reload for it ? What is the bullet selection availability ?

 

[freakin54]

Heavy bullets Handloaded for a 45 colt in a ruger bisley. close to the  results of the 44 mag.

 

[huntducks]

AZ Jim

If I new how to post pictures I would post one with me holding a Javelina shot with 357 at 50+ yds.

I would not even consider a 38 or 32 H&R for a first shot, a finisher only, they both just lack any downrange energy, IMO there both just OK self defense guns.

 

[Bishop]

I would think that the .357 would be a bare minimun to ensure a good kill beyond 40-50 yards.  You could probably load a .38 hot enough to do the job at that range, but you'd just have a .357 load in a .38 case.  Since I don't have a hunting handgun in 357, I'd use a 44 mag with a 240 gr. hollow point since a lot of penetration is not needed.  Or a good old 240 gr. cast SWC..    180 and 200 gr bullets start out fast but shed their speed and energy pretty quickly.  There's some good 45 cal. hollow points in the 240-260gr range that can be loaded to 1100-1300fps range (not in a S&W) that would be good also.  Since your looking at a 30-40 pound animal the 357 and 41 mags are probably idea, I just don't own one.

 

[sportyg]

Hey guys on offense taken... However if you look @ the bullistics of the 44 & 41, you will see they are almost one & the same.. The maine differance is the 41 has 20% less kick, using a simular load..

I don't reload.. Only because I live in an apt. and have no place to reload at.. Ammo is hard to find where I live I have to go into Riverside to buy rounds..

 

[kc]

The ballistics for a 44 mag and 41 mag are not the same.  I load my hot 44's with Hercules 2400.  With that powder and max loads, a 200 gr jhp is 1420 fps in the 41 and 1665 fps in the 44 (at the same pressure and the same barrel length). 245 fps difference in a pistol load is a big difference.  Yes, that 17% higher velocity also comes with increased recoil.

If you reduce the load for the 200 gr in a 44 mag to the same velocity as the 41, the recoil should be comparable.

You should consider starting to reload.  You can save a bundle over factory ammo and load lighter rounds for practice.  Most of the pistol rounds I load are light loads with cast bullets for plinking. I used to reload in an apartment.  You'll find room for the gear and components.

 

[sportyg]

kc, for hand loads i agree, but factory loads are about the same. as for hand loading in my apt. the mrs would have my hide for bring powder in the home. somethings the little lady just doesn't get..lol