A couple things. I’m trying to find a bolt action rifle Atleast .30 but preferably.357, or .45. Was looking into the AEA guns but it seems they have horrible quality. I’m still new here so it wont let me message anyone which sucks cus there’s some stuff in the classifieds section here that I would be in in. Like the hatsan hercules bully. That’s one of the guns I’m looking at getting. Does anyone have any recommendations?
Looking for big bore for deer
- Thread starter Tricci1009
- Start date
@Tricci1009 Foremost I think it is important to understand your state laws and regulations concerning hunting deer with air rifles.
Have you looked at the Western Bushbuck .45? How about the Seneca Dragon Claw .50 or the Seneca 44 909 (.45)? There are others to consider, but it’s hard to make suggestions without knowing what sort of budget you’re on. The Airforce Texan in .45 or .50 caliber are options as well as the Benjamin Bulldog in .357 or .457, but they aren’t bolt action. If you search the AGN threads you will find plenty of info on air rifles suitable to hunt deer. Try using keywords “airgun deer hunt.”
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If you can get close I like my bulldog. I wouldnt count on it after 50/60yrds. For longer distances I think the texan is king. I only shoot paper so I could be way off on my assumptions.
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Michigan requires .35 minimum for deer in the southern part of the state, which I hunt In. I also muzzleloader hunt here too, my muzzle loader is a .50 and I've found full bore bullets work best in my rifle. My friends rifle is a 50 and he likes .44, or .45 bullets in sabots. These muzzle loaders are doing 1900-2100 fps, and the slugs are 240-300 grain... Our .450 Bushmasters are also very similar power. He has had a few deer that he hit go a very long way and require lots of skilled tracking. Knock on wood, I haven't had that misfortune. These muzzleloaders are twice and then some as powerful as a Texan .457. For that reason I won't use less than a .45 for deer and not lighter than a 300 grain lead hollow point. I may even juice up my Texan once it arrives. Also, like archery, 2 holes are exponentially better than 1.
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Not fancy but gamo usa got some big bores on sale. Maybe take a look .
Tc35 and Winchester 70/45 699$ email alert deal yesterday
Tc35 and Winchester 70/45 699$ email alert deal yesterday
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Western Big Bore Bushbuck 45 (I bought one 18 months ago) I believe is the best, strongest, well made big Bore in existence. They have the new Bush Pig Option now too.
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My brother did not believe an air rifle could take a deer. Went to his property 2 weeks ago and took my AEA .357 CHALLENGER SL stock no modifications. . We took 2 deer at about 35-40 yards with a single shot each and the farthest 1 ran was 50 yards. Made a believer out of him. I had to leave my rifle with him cause he is allowed 7 deer in a season on his property.
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For my state Alabama .30 cal is min however I am going to order .35 cal barrel kit for my Impact MK2. That's what I plan on sticking to for Deer and keep the 30 barrel for coyotes, prairie dogs and such.
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Remember that with as magazine type rifle like the impact, length of bullet is controlled by magazine length... length of slug... controls weight of slug... weight controls pass through hits... this is the reason I stayed away from the impact as a deer rifle.
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In the same boat as you OP. Looking to dabble into a big bore as I have deer through my yard all the time and the AirPower would disrupt the neighbors less than my 44 mag. I have spent some decent money on a couple fx small bores but I’m just not willing to do it on a big bore gun that will sit idle the vast majority of its life. That kind of leaves me looking at aea. I plan to buy one as I don’t agree their quality is horrible. Their mags seem quite sus but they would probably just go straight in the garbage can with a big bore for me anyway. I wouldn’t be so quick to write them off. I’m just looking toward the standard 357. Enough to get the job done around the house. I hope other aea owners chime in here.
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Understandable. I love my investment but it was a pretty penny. I use it often though.
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Yep totally understand spending the money on high quality esp if you are using it a lot. For me it would be in the safe most of the time and only come out a few times a year. I certainly would love to have one of those bush bucks though. They look sweet.
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