best caliber for taking deer with a handgun?

Well, I'm at it again. I still can't shake the itch to kill a deer with a handgun. After much brain storming I always seem to come to the conclusion that a TC Encore pistol would be the best tool for the job. It's very versatile. My question is: What would be the best caliber / barrel length and why? I'd like to be able to make 200 yard shots but will settle for less if necessary. Recoil is of slight concern. I'm not really recoil sensitive but I don't want to be sore after a few rounds either. Ammo price isn't a big deal because I'd be hand loading for it anyway. I'd like to stick to flat-shooting rifle calibers (100 gr +) that would still carry enough momentum to the target to get the job done but I'm open to other suggestions.

Most calibers have drastic changes to trajectory and velocity when you rob 10 or so inches of barrel length. What caliber would still be predictable and effective when fired from a handgun?

On a side note, I found this website: matchgrademachine.com. They offer Encore barrels in every caliber under the sun.

......45-120 Sharps, perhaps? : )

never shot an encore but i love my ruger and its a .44 mag and i havent had any complaints for hunting

So you wanna shoot an encore pistol...but with Rifle cartridges/barrels

If I were doing that...I'd give the 7mm-08 a whirl

375jdj ? ....... I don't know man. How bad is the recoil on that thing? A caliber that is considered large enough to drop literally any animal that walks may be too much for whitetail.

I've been thinking more along the lines of 7-08, 308, 243, and 25-06. Still I'd be lying if I said the thought of a 375 jdj didn't sound pretty cool

The S&W460 is what I'd have, o I do , it is capable of taking elk at 200 if u do your part plus u get 5 chances. Now the biggest plus, it's a 3 caliber gun. .460S&W, 454Casull, & 45 Long Colt.
They are awesome.

I thought we had established already that it was gonna be a TC Encore....

G1D's 460 is bad ass

Personally I think a 200 yard shot on a deer with a handgun is a bit much to ask...

Yeah I know you CAN do it...

7mm TCU was designed for knocking down the rams at 200 meters with a TC. Works good in the short barrel and it's easy to load.

I really wanna take a deer with my xd40 this year. For what your wanting, i havent a clue. I think a 7-08 would do it. But for that matter any of those listed would work. I like the 44mag.

I think is kinda takes away from killing a deer with a rifle cal pistol. If your going to do it then use a pistol cal.

I have a encore in 708. Its Awsome . I practice with a 223 barrel . Off Sand bags using the 223 I can shoot a pie plate 4 out of 5 times with cheap surplus ammo. The 708 barrel shoots clover leaf groups at 100 yards . I cheat tho I have a 3x12 power Burris scope on it and detachable rings so I can switch it between barrels . Im wanting a big wheel gun tho

41 mag!

Xd357 wrote:I think is kinda takes away from killing a deer with a rifle cal pistol. If your going to do it then use a pistol cal.

That's what I'm talking about.

Beladran wrote:

Caleb C wrote:375jdj ? ....... I don't know man. How bad is the recoil on that thing? A caliber that is considered large enough to drop literally any animal that walks may be too much for whitetail.

I've been thinking more along the lines of 7-08, 308, 243, and 25-06. Still I'd be lying if I said the thought of a 375 jdj didn't sound pretty cool

i kill deer with it every year, all depends on how you load them and what bullet you pick.. if you have a pistol frame i will mail you my barrel and a box of ammo to try out

Thanks for the offer. It's very much appreciated. I haven't got a pistol frame yet. The committee (my wife) has to vote on my "toy" purchases now. Gun funds aren't looking too good at the moment but I may end up trading into one or finding a good used frame somewhere.

If any of ya'll run across somebody wanting to get rid of one let me know.

Do you have any trouble forming the 375 JDJ brass? I've never tried to neck down any brass.

CalebC, u better jump on that offer from Beledran. That is a most generous offer that can't be turned down.

GunOneDown wrote:CalebC, u better jump on that offer from Beledran. That is a most generous offer that can't be turned down.

As soon as I can come up with a pistol frame I will. Just hope it doesn't take too long. The closer we get to deer season the less folks will be willing to part with their hunting stuff even if it is temporary.

MOA maximum. sweet! 308 winchester...

otherwise, i like my 44 mag SBH bisley hunter