The New Huntmastersbbs!: handguns for varmints.

This is topic handguns for varmints. in forum Firearms forum at The New Huntmastersbbs!.

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Posted by Donna (Member # 154) on June 11, 2003, 02:05 AM:

Hello Guys,

I have a Ruger Blackhawk in .30 M1 Carbine loaded with 14.5 grains of H-110 and topped off with a Speer 110 grain HP Varminter bullet. Works great on Jack’s and Coyotes. Anyone else has any experience shooting varmints with a handgun?

Donna [Wink]

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 11, 2003, 05:17 PM:

Donna, I can count on one hand the number of coyotes I've killed with a pistol. Sure, I've dispatched many more, but you don't mean that. I'm not going to look it up, but that load of yours strikes me as ...stout.

Good hunting. LB

E-mail:donna@aeroballisticsonline.com
FAX: 415 - 359 - 1678

Posted by Jack Roberts (Member # 13) on June 11, 2003, 06:03 PM:

Sierra says 13.8 is max.

Jack

Posted by Rich (Member # 112) on June 11, 2003, 06:14 PM:

Well let me see. My old Speer reloading manual #11 shows maximum working pressure of 30 M1 carbine to be 40,000 cup. Their max load shown is 14 grains of H110 with the 110 grain Varminter bullet. Ruger makes one model of their Blackhawk for the .44 magnum cartridge. which operates at 43,500 CUP. The cylinder holes for the .30 would likely be smaller diameter than those on a .44, which would make for thicker walls on said cylinder. I would say that Donna's load is stout alright, but probably safe in her revolver.

Donna,
Not many folks are up to the task of becoming that good with a revolver or pistol. Fifty yards would be about my own max range while using iron sights. What is average range in which you shoot your coyotes? You have my utmost respect just for being a coyote hunter with a pistol. [Smile]

Posted by Donna (Member # 154) on June 11, 2003, 11:36 PM:

Hello all,

In the Speer reloading manual #12, lists a max at 14.0 grains for the H110. But this is the same frame as the .45 LC and .44 magnum cases and that makes the cylinder walls thicker and stronger, like Rich said. This is a stout load and would not want to push it any further.

I have shot at a 9-inch pie pan and hit it consecutive at 200 feet with a colt 1911 in .45 ACP with standard sights. My Ruger .30 M1 Carbine is reaching out to 100 yards on coyotes and 75 yards on Jacks with iron sights. I am currently working up a load at 50 yards and the smallest group in a four shot string could almost be covered with a quarter but that is with a 4X pistol scope but for hunting the scope will come off and after load development I’ll push it out to 100 yards.

In my younger years when I was in the U.S. Navy I had to qualify with the .45 ACP 1911 and after I finished I was offered a position on the Navy’s pistol team. But I was young and foolish and turned it down. I kick myself every time I think about turning that offer down.

Donna

Posted by Leonard (Member # 2) on June 13, 2003, 01:18 PM:

Donna, I'm sorry as heck for planting the seed of doubt.

It happens that I keep all old manuals, and while looking for something else, not ten minutes ago, something struck me and I picked up a 1970 Speer volume #8, and in there it clearly states:

quote:
The best powder proved to be Hodgdon's H-110 which was originally designed for the .30 Carbine cartridge. 14.0 to 14.6 grains *denotes use of CCI 450 Magnum primer. (test gun: Ruger Blackhawk 7½" barrel)

Of course, that was then, and newer data is issued by the legal department.

Good hunting. LB

PS it's still a stout load [Smile]

Posted by wyote (Member # 142) on June 14, 2003, 09:16 PM:

I have killed several coyotes with my handguns while I am antelope or deer hunting. I usually spot them while I'm glassing. If I can lip squeak them in I'll take a shot with my Ruger 45 bisley or my FA 454.

I've shot quite a few PD's, rockchucks, and jacks with all sorts of handguns. Everything from a 22 revolver up to a 260 rem in a savage striker.

Posted by Terry Hunter (Member # 58) on June 15, 2003, 03:34 PM:

I am always ready to use a handgun on varmints.My weapons of choice are 22 mag,357 mag,357 sig,44 mag.My favorite is the 45 acp.

Posted by Tim Behle (Member # 209) on June 18, 2003, 06:57 AM:

I take several each year with either a Blackhawk .357 or my Colt 1991A1 in .45 ACP. If I find a likely looking spot to call, but the brush is a little tight, I set the rifle down beside me and put the handgun in my lap.

Most shots are inside of 25 yards, some have been just a couple of feet from the barrel.

Posted by Jay Nistetter (Member # 140) on June 18, 2003, 11:19 PM:

I use handguns for calling many times every year. I used to be comfortable taking coyotes out to 125 yards with one but now my comfort zone is around the 60 yard mark due to not shooting as much as I used to in the silhouette games. I've taken a few deer, javelina and one Bull Elk with revolvers. My Python is my favorite but am gaining a lot of respect for a Glock 40 as I shoot it more. I do have a Ruger480 that I am itching to use.

Posted by Terry Hunter (Member # 58) on June 22, 2003, 03:32 PM:

Jay does your Glock fit you hand.My 357 shoots great but for some reason my hand does not fit the gun.

Posted by Donna (Member # 154) on July 06, 2003, 05:45 AM:

Hello All,

Thanks so much for all the neat replies. Heep those handgun varminting comming, love to hear from you all.

Leonard, how did you like the .451 caliber 230 grainers, I think they were?

I just made my first copper tubing .035 wall thickness, 300 grain .451 caliber bullet tonight. Thats the same type of bullet that I want to use on bear out of my .45 LC. Sure is a bullet!!! the jacket alone weighs in at 110 grains and thats without the lead core. [Smile]

Donna

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