Any HAM (mainly 'h') hunters?

[firstcoueswas80]

Applied for a HAM tag for the first time this year. Figured I'd use the bow if shot distances are greater the 20-30, and the handgun in close®.

 

Has anyone used a handgun? What was the weapon of choice? I'm debating between one of my 1911's and my 4" 686 357 mag.

[roninflag]

I have killed 8 javs with my 586. 125 rem sjhp . some fairly close. one was 90 yd , one was 100 yd, and one was 127 yd. also killed some coyote, fox , and 3 deer with it. some with original factory sights some with a 1.5 -4 scope on it.

[firstcoueswas80]

Any reason you used the quicker, lighter bullets over the heavier ones?

[wayno945]

I'm planning on using my 657 41mag this year. I'd use the 686, that should be a little flatter shooting if you have a longer shot opportunity.

[az41mag]

I've always hunted them with a handgun, 41 mag and even 38 spl is what I've used. Been fortunate enough to take 4 pigs over the past several years, all 6 in barrel's with open sights. I think the longest shot I've ever had was 28 yards. It can be tough to get close enough for those shots, but that's part of the fun (and part of the challenge too). Either of your handgun choices should work. I'd say what ever you can shoot accurately and consistently to make a clean ethical shot.

 

Clint

[roninflag]

Any reason you used the quicker, lighter bullets over the heavier ones?

First- in the 80's the federal 125 was THE round for law enforcement. lot of data showed it worked real good. i just loaded to equal it. also energy = mass X veloctiy squared or something like that. up the velocity the energy goes up a lot. also, the 158 good on penetration, little or no expansion. 140's were not common then. also while i shot a buddies gold cup and it was pretty accurate; i think it is hard to get an auto to shoot 1-1.5" at 50 yd. just my opinion and experience.

[firstcoueswas80]

Ron,

 

Would you choose the 357 over 40 S&W as well?

[123456]

I have always wanted to kill one with my glock 23. 3 years ago, I got really proficient with it, and had full intentions on killing my pig with it. I also bought a new muzzleloader that year, and thought that would be cool too. Well long story short, I had a buddy of mine on my hunt with me, and his sole purpose was to get great HD video of my javelin hunt. I got into some pigs and could have shot multiple pigs at around 10 yards with my handgun, however he could not get good video so I elected to wait. They figured out what was going on and all started running like javelina do. When they reached about 50 yards, I said are you videoing yet, and he said yes, so I took my muzzleloader off my shoulder and proceeded to plow a piggy with a barnes sabot. I was stoked because I knew it was going to be great video....

 

Only problem was, my buddy, who I did not know, was technology challenged. He pressed the wrong button to record, and I now had a dead javelina and no video. I was bummed because the only reason I shot that javy with the muzzleloader was to get good video..

 

I would have no problems using a .40cal on pigs. Plenty of gun. Use a carry gun, so you have to get real close in order to seal the deal. Like mentioned above, if that doesn't work pull out your second means of take and get them as they are fleeing the scene. There is always atleast one who has to stop and look back to see what just happened.

[Elkhunter1]

I have taken pigs with both 38spl and my 9mm. The latter was with Hornady XTP 147 grn. My Taurus is sighted at 50yrds and have had no problems so far. I also carry my bow with me in case there is a really big one that will go in the books.

 

Good luck Casey, I know you'll do fine either way you go.

[roninflag]

Ron,

 

Would you choose the 357 over 40 S&W as well?

First- Yes. i have a 10mm i have fired a little. i am older now and can't see factory sights so until i put a red dot or holo i would not be able to be accurate very far with the 10mm. my 357 6" 586 has worked for me for years. i have confidence in it . flatter and more accurate than a .40 ( unless you some 4k$ unlimited comp ). .357 not as many shots. will a 40 do it ? . i am sure many on here have used them successfully. i would use the one that shot the best groups at either 25 or 50 yd.

[Tucson John]

Hi Casey, I've killed several with my model 19 S&W. All close range, 10 to 30 yards. Kills em dead! Then I switched to a bow and still kilt em!

 

I'm thinking of switching to a spear except that would probably work too and they taste like dog doo!

 

TJ

[mpriest]

I put a HAM hunt for my second choice this year, archery first choice. If I happen to pull that that HAM tag I plan to use my 1911. Do you guys prefer a good hollow point like a Hydra-shock or a FMJ to get better penetration?

[AzHuntingAddict]

Took the javi in my pic with a 9mm springfield xd. Had video of the hunt with attached camera on the pistol. Get close and just about any caliber will work. Never bow hunted before so I imagine its like the rush hunting with a bow.

[firstcoueswas80]

Priest, Fmj Are Not Legal Bullets.

[mpriest]

/>Priest, Fmj Are Not Legal Bullets.

Good thing I asked.