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.460 Wby on deer: too much gun?

vol fanvol fan Member Posts: 301 ✭✭✭
edited April 2002 in Ask the Experts
After we had so much fun with the .223 post, I wondered if the reverse could be true. Anybody out there use the .460 or .458 on deer? Any opinions?

The biggest gun I ever shot a deer with was a .338 Win; thru both lungs at about 20 yards; deer ran about 20 yards and went down. Just about the same reaction as elk shot the same way, in my experience.

There seem to be two choices: collect a lot of stars.........or have a life!
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Comments

  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Well you could certainly do it, but why would you if you had a choice?

    My life is collecting Stars
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  • robsgunsrobsguns Member Posts: 4,581 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I have a 458 win mag, and I have been asking myself the same question. The only way I'll be using it for deer is if I load some down to 45-70 levels, otherwise, its just too much recoil for this guy, at least unless my life is dependent on the shot, on something dangerous. If anyone uses the 338 on deer I can see that cause thats what I use on EVERYTHING. If the 458 isnt down loaded, it can be used on deer with trees in the way, no kidding, up to about 4" in diameter, I'd be pretty confident of the shot doing its job, unethical, probably; possible, most likely. Ya just gotta love the big'uns.

    SSgt Ryan E. Roberts, USMC
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  • William81William81 Member Posts: 25,352 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you hit them just right you don't have to field dress them.

    Too much gun IMHO. I shot a few rounds through a friends several years ago. The fun was gone after the second shot.
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  • Freedom CasullFreedom Casull Member Posts: 103 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Just shoot under them and let them fall in the hole. lol
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  • Rob3448Rob3448 Member Posts: 171 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I think you would have to place the shot in the right place on the deer or it would tare the meat up pretty bad. Even a 45-70 can rip a deer up bad. I think a 30-06 is even overkill for many deer shots. I use a 300 savage and have never had a problem droping a deer. A 30-30 is a great round for deer so is a 44 mag or even .223 for shots under 75 yards.
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  • Rafter-SRafter-S Member Posts: 2,173 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    A .460 or .458? Wouldn't that be about the same as shooting the deer twice with a .223?
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  • sjc1sjc1 Member Posts: 130 ✭
    edited November -1
    If you missed, at least you got their attention!
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  • groundhog devastationgroundhog devastation Member Posts: 4,495
    edited November -1
    The absolute worst damage I've ever done to meat was with a 44Mag. 180gr JHP on a deer at 60 yds. Bullet entered the right shoulder cleaned everything out and exited the left shoulder taking it with it!! The deer did a flip in the air and was in a pile where he'd prviously stood! I said to myself"Self don't ever do this again"!! I can't imagine what one of them big honkers would do when it met meat and bone!! I think I'll opt for the 1/2 dose of medicine and still use the .224 bullets in whatever caliber I choose!! GHD P.S. Not really in case some of VA's finest are watching!! The .224's are illegal here but the 30Carbine is OK!! Go figure!!!
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  • leeblackmanleeblackman Member Posts: 5,303 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    I believe there is not such a thing as overkill. But every once in a while some little punk kid like you has to come up and challenge this theory. LOL!!!!

    I'd say if you thought you could handle the recoil, go ahead, but I personally wouldn't want a big kick in the shoulder every time I shot at a deer. I'd probably flinch before I pulled the trigger and kill the tree behind the deer, and hopefully my truck wasn't parked in that direction....

    Visit me http://www.geocities.com/gunsmithlee
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  • MIKE WISKEYMIKE WISKEY Member Posts: 10,037 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    SOME YEARS AGO I BOUGHT A .460 FROM A GUY THAT USED IT DEAR HUNTING (N. WIS.)HIS FAVORIT LOAD WAS 111 GNS. 4064 AND A HORNADY 350 GN. H.P. BULLET (I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS). DON'T KNOW IF HE EVER SHOT ANYTHING WITH IT BUT RIFLE WAS ALL SCRATCHED UP SO HE REALY TOOK IT THROUGH THE BRUSH. THIS LOAD PUNCHED NEAT 3/4" WASHERS OUT OF 5/8" STEEL PLATE AT 100 YRDS.
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  • PiadeaPiadea Member Posts: 146 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Hey, whatever rows your boat. As long as the animal can be taken cleanly, use a 600 Nitro Expess if you wish. I just can't see lugging all that extra hardware around the woods all day. On the other hand, too little gun is something I have a problem with. The biggest problem with 22's is there are very few bullets constructed for proper use on big game. Solids penetrate but just put a pencil size hole in the deer. Expanding bullets tend to blowup too quickly and wound or destroy too much meat. Best bet is to use the right tool for the job.
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  • Tailgunner1954Tailgunner1954 Member Posts: 7,734 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Most bullets for the big boomers (aka DGR rifles) are designed to penatrate deep before expanding. On a deer even with a double shoulder hit, I doubt that much (if any) expansion will take place.

    Some guys like a mag full of lead, I still prefer one round to the head.
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