Originally Posted by
Larry Gibson
I consider a good .32 SWL with a proper Keith bullet at 900 fps to be a DANDY edible small game gun
On the other hand, I have found that bullets as big as .44's and .45's can successfully be used without horrible meat loss. Many a bunny or grouse has proven that to me. I can think of no more sporting activity than small game with a proper handgun (pistol, load, bullet and velocity benefit from serious thinking in this regard).
If the truth be known, other than our personal prejudices (yeah, I have them too) the "lowly" .38 Special wadcutter target load makes a FINE edible small game load. For ground hogs, however, a good .38+P, .357 Magnum or even a .44 Special works much better. Ground hogs seem to take a LOT of killing - all out of proportion to their size.
Right on Dale:drinks: I many times have my M34 .32 S&WL loaded exatly with suc in a pocket when varmint hunting. Never know when a nice tastey grouse or brush bunny will be found. I've also shot a lot of snow shoe rabbits with both the S&W and my Ruger 1st run SS .32 H&R (my favorite small game revolver) or my S&W M15 with 5" barrel using WCs. The old standard 158 RN in 38 SPL is a wonderful grouse round as the bullet kills them DRT yet slips through with little meat damage. Great thread and conversation:coffee:
Larry Gibson