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- Mar 22, 2006
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I don't know having never shot a 38 but I'd be a little concerned with them blowing apart a small game animal like a squirrel, I've hit em with .22 mags and have had barely anything left to cook
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- Thread starter RescueRiley
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The 22WMR is a different creature. High velocity and small bullet makes them pretty destructive to small animals. Traditionally, you would not hunt rabbits and squirrels with a 38spl, but out of a handgun, probably less destructive than the 22WMR. Just don't use hollow points, buy lower powered loadings if you want hunt small game, or aim for the head which is my advice with the 22WMR.
Remember, you are not allowed to just shoot rabbits and squirrels anytime as there is a hunting season on them in most states. I was thinking the slightly larger caliber might make it useful for protection as well as hunting applications. No one choice fits all situations.
Remember, you are not allowed to just shoot rabbits and squirrels anytime as there is a hunting season on them in most states. I was thinking the slightly larger caliber might make it useful for protection as well as hunting applications. No one choice fits all situations.
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I agree whole heartedly and I strictly adhere to the hunting laws in my area.. I also just wanted to say thanks to everyone on the forum for all the help so far everyone here is great and I feel lucky to belong to such a great place where I can ask crazy questions and talk anbout the things I love without people reccomending therapy...THANKS!!!
RescueRiley,
.38 will not tear them up with lead slugs. Many deer taken with large .45 cal rifles show little meat destruction- low degree of hydrostatic shock to produce bloodshot meat. I have taken many squirrels with .308(on the ground with good backstop)- bullet exits cleanly as small animals lack the resistance and depth to expand the bullet. A round like .223 wiould be a slightly different case... bullets are generally more frangible.
Bill
.38 will not tear them up with lead slugs. Many deer taken with large .45 cal rifles show little meat destruction- low degree of hydrostatic shock to produce bloodshot meat. I have taken many squirrels with .308(on the ground with good backstop)- bullet exits cleanly as small animals lack the resistance and depth to expand the bullet. A round like .223 wiould be a slightly different case... bullets are generally more frangible.
Bill
- Joined
- May 23, 2006
- Messages
- 680
I actually carry a .357 ruger 4" barreled Security Six as my outdoor beater gun. The first round in the chamber is a .38 load full wad cutter and the rest are full powered .357 158 gr. hollow points. I have shot many rabbits, bobcats, and a few deer with it. I find it to be an excellent all round camping gun. However, I live in the SW and do not have to worry about big browns or Grizzlies. All I have to worry about is Cats, small blacks, and two legged Vermin.
I came to this gun choice mainly because of it's versitility. I prefer a .22 for small game procurement, and a .45 (1911) is my service pistol, which I much prefer for defensive carry. When I hike I don't want to carry a long gun, and I want something that can act both as a defensive firearm and can assist in food procurement during long outings. (I usually am out for 5-7 days.) Doesn't take up hands to carry, (Terrain is very difficult where I live), and is powerful enough to make long shots (Over 100 yards) with some degree of accuracy. Most of all I am hard on my tools and I expect them to be rugged and reliable. And the price of the gun was great. 100$ from a guy deploying. So if I get a wee scratch on it oh well.
Just my .02
I came to this gun choice mainly because of it's versitility. I prefer a .22 for small game procurement, and a .45 (1911) is my service pistol, which I much prefer for defensive carry. When I hike I don't want to carry a long gun, and I want something that can act both as a defensive firearm and can assist in food procurement during long outings. (I usually am out for 5-7 days.) Doesn't take up hands to carry, (Terrain is very difficult where I live), and is powerful enough to make long shots (Over 100 yards) with some degree of accuracy. Most of all I am hard on my tools and I expect them to be rugged and reliable. And the price of the gun was great. 100$ from a guy deploying. So if I get a wee scratch on it oh well.
Just my .02