40cal. rifle for deer and small game

[Hanshi]

  The farther north ya go --the bigger the deer. I would not use a .40 for deer myself, but will use a .45 or larger. My current hunters are .50's and they do work great for taking deer. As for the deer here in Mn. starving back in 95..... I remember that all too well. The wintes here can be brutal to all animals and this year is shaping up to be another bad one. Our temps are about 20 degrees below average for this time of year and the other signs are all saying it will be a nasty one. (look at the mountain ash trees berries--theres lots of em this year--more than average)
Voy

The farther south you go the bigger the lies.  I've always lived in the south and can tell you that fishermen have nothing on deer hunters when it comes to telling lies. 

[Ironwood]

Now Texans never lie............ We may expand on the truth just a bit, but never lie!

[William]

I'm all for hunting with whatever is legal and you are comfortable with.  Having said that, I believe that this forum is for discussions about traditional muzzleloader topics and not the abilities of CF cartridges or the ethics of those who hunt with them, no mater what caliber.

Just my .02, your mileage may vary.

[Hanshi]

I don't lie; never have.  I did lie once just to see what it felt like. 

[Ironwood]

You're absolutely right William.  Thanks for reminding us.   

[beowulf]

I don't lie; never have.  I did lie once just to see what it felt like. 

so ! how`d it feel ?

[alsask]

  The farther north ya go --the bigger the deer. I would not use a .40 for deer myself, but will use a .45 or larger. My current hunters are .50's and they do work great for taking deer. As for the deer here in Mn. starving back in 95..... I remember that all too well. The wintes here can be brutal to all animals and this year is shaping up to be another bad one. Our temps are about 20 degrees below average for this time of year and the other signs are all saying it will be a nasty one. (look at the mountain ash trees berries--theres lots of em this year--more than average)
Voy

The farther south you go the bigger the lies.  I've always lived in the south and can tell you that fishermen have nothing on deer hunters when it comes to telling lies. 

I worked down in Wyoming a while back and the deer ther were just as big as the deer here in Alberta.  The racks were generaly smaller down south but who eats antlers?

[voyageur1688]

  Go south to say Alabama , Georgia, or a state in that area and look at the size of the deer. They be a bit smaller than those from Wyoming, Illinois, Ohio, etc. As for the rifle size, I just dont feel confident enough with a .40
   Voy

[Micanopy]

Average hill country deer in Texas doe weighs in about 85 pounds, bucks weigh in about 110 lbs or so. Woulodnt hesitate to take anyofem with a well placed shot with a 32 or better. Note the words "Well Placed Shot".

[Hanshi]

I don't lie; never have.  I did lie once just to see what it felt like. 

so ! how`d it feel ?

It felt......it felt.....well, exhilarating!   

[beowulf]

best not make a habit of it , I`ve heard it can lead to a life in politics ! 

[voyageur1688]

  EGADS!!!!!! So thats what got my great great great uncle on the wrong path. He ended up being a senator in New York. Entire family have always been ashamed of him for that.  Why couldnt he have become something a bit more respectable like a horse thief or some other career.
As for deer weighing 85-110 lbs-- thats a yearling up here. Sounds to me like yall souther boys gotsta come check out some of these Yankee deer.
Voy

[NAULTRICK1]

best not make a habit of it , I`ve heard it can lead to a life in politics ! 

Or Law  or journalism  (sorry- couldn't hep meself)

[foxriver50]

85lbs ...wow...
biggest deer Ive go was a 210lbs doe...dresed            do you Texans way yer deer dresed?

[Ironwood]

Foxriver,  Yes I weigh my deer after field dressing.  My field dressing is "clean out everything from chin to tail".  The largest Texas buck I've killed field dressed 130 pounds.

I've been hunting critters here in Texas for most of my 73 years.  Knowing my rifle, the game I'm hunting, and my patience at waiting for just the right shot.  I wouldn't be afraid to take on deer, or hogs with my .40 caliber.  And it's legal here in Texas.