Airforce is the Airforce texan ss in 357 suitable for deer hunting?

[Rob_in_NC]

How many of yall have actually killed a deer with an air rifle?

I have... which is why I wrote what I wrote.

 

[nuclear]

Is there a minimum caliber you would say to hunt deer with? I am shooting a max of 50 yards and would just like to take one with an air gun this year.

 

[nuclear]

357 is a good minimum caliber for chest shots. There are good rifle and slug choices out there, and bad. A 357 pellet rifle is not a good choice. Use heavier lead at 140 grains or higher to.maintain forward momentum in the cavity and pick.your shot carefull

357 is a good minimum caliber for chest shots. There are good rifle and slug choices out there, and bad. A 357 pellet rifle is not a good choice. Use heavier lead at 140 grains or higher to.maintain forward momentum in the cavity and pick.your shot carefully.

I was thinking about buying this fx impact mk2/3 that is in the air gun classifieds it is said to produce up to 160fpe or so. With 93 grain nsa slugs. I can send you the posting if you would like.

 

[Nealgl1985]

From everything I've read about airguns vs deer you might be better off with a crossbow. The vitals are a large target and it's easy to track a deer that has a 2+ inch hole cut through the side of it.

I have a .72 zeus and I'm getting cold feet wanting to take a deer with it now. I've read too many horror stories about lost airgun deer and poor blood trails.

I have to sit there for too long to finally get an opportunity just to have it screwed up because I used equipment that was less than ideal for the job. If I saw 100 deer a season I could shoot I might think different. I might see 2 deer I could shoot all season where I'm at so im not trying to mess around.

Not trying to discourage you from living out your dream though. I've watched cheplick kill a bunch of deer with airguns so it's very doable. I recommend watching his videos and asking hin some questions. I hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[wimpanzee]

I've had a .45 slug bounce off the chest of a small doe, but it was a low powered 190fpe .45 winchester 70-45.

I have a sam yang 909s that does 300fpe, and a texan .457 that does 400fpe, and either of those will punch through plenty - i prefer the texan and keep the 909s as a backup. they shoot 190 or 240gr NSA slugs.

that said, I have shot more deer with my crossbow, it cuts a 2.25 inch wide channel, and that just ruins any lungs it touches. Two weekends ago I took a 200+lbs buck with a crossbow, and it went through a shoulder joint both lungs and out the back side and I never could find the arrow. He still ran 200 yards through a tall brushy fallow field, and left a scarce trail until he slowed down a bit. No idea how he ran that far with one leg so completely ruined. I don't think a 190fpe gun would have punched a leg and lungs like that, but I do think my texan would. So there is my real world comparison.

 

[crittahitta]

hello, I shall keep this post short and get right into it, im looking to pick up an Airforce texan in 357 for coyote and deer hunting. my state requires 35 caliber or larger with no other restrictions on minimum FPE or anything else relating to airguns. im looking at the texan 357 ss, the ss makes 165 FPE, is that enough for deer hunting? or should I go with the LSS that makes 300 FPE? obviously the 300 FPE is a big jump over 165, but if 165 is humane then I would like to save the added weight and length. thanks for the help!

If you go with a heavier slug you should be getting between 200 and 250 fpe. Just keep your prey within 60 yards.

 

[Jaxjax]

I have similar experiences... Either zero or hero....No blood trails the normal.. Big bore any caliber neck shot . Powder burner sub Sonics don't kill great either.... Nature of the beast....

Makes me want to go to my truck & kiss my Bowtech.....blood everywhere..bright & frothy on any double lunger.