Hunting

huskyenduro

Hello All,

Been working extensively on my accuracy with my Pietta 1860. I have very tight groups out to 25 yards. Here is the question, I would like to hunt Whitetail deer with this revolver. With 30 grains of Goex and a .454 ball what range is humane in hunting deer.

Thanks for your continued assistance.

surbat6

The 1860 is rather light for deer. Consider that a .357 magnum is generally considered the minimum handgun caliber for humane kills on deer, and that 1860 is shooting about an equal weight bullet (around 135 grains if you load round ball) at about half the velocity of a .357. The 1860's power is about equivalent to a .38 special.
If you want to hunt with your 1860, you might want to limit your quarry to groundhogs or other small game and varmints.

oldgunner

Husky, I carry one during the BP deer season, but for "coup de grace" purposes only. They aren't much good for shots of any significant distance.

11b6r

Would suggest you check the game laws in your state. Here in Virginia, BP pistols are not legal for deer hunting. I DO deer hunt with a revolver, but it is a 357 with a 12 inch barrel, and heavy handloads.

allen griggs

Based on interviews I have read with Civil War soldiers, in which they describe the killing power of these pistols with the round ball, I have no doubt that you can make a clean kill with this gun. You need to make a lung shot, no shoulder, I would say that out to twenty yards it would be very effective.
That would be a very limited deer gun, and probably not legal.

Winston Bode

Here in Texas a cap and ball revolver is not considered a muzzle loader and would not be legal in a black powder or primitive weapon season. I would not think the 1860 .44 caliber cap and ball would be enough gun for deer. Maybe like someone said for a coup de gra but not as a primary hunting tool.

Bode