Verified answer

Confirming that it's legal to hunt deer in Iowa with .40 S&W, the section states:

"Handguns: Center-fire handguns .357 caliber or larger, shooting straight wall ammunition with an expanding-type bullet. Minimum barrel length for all handguns is 4 inches. No shoulder stock or long barrel modifications are allowed.

"Only the following center-fire cartridges may be used: .357 Magnum, .357 Maximum, .375 Winchester, .38 Super, .40 S&W, .401 Powermag, 10 mm Auto, .41 Remington Magnum, .41 Action Express, .44 S&W Special, .44 Remington Magnum, .44 Automag, .444 Marlin, .445 Super Mag, .45 ACP, .45 Colt, .45 Super Mag, .45 Winchester Magnum, .45 Silhouette, .451 Detonics, .454 Casull, .45-70 Govt., .460 Rowland, .460 S&W Mag, .475 Widley Magnum, .475 Linebaugh, .480 Ruger, .50 Action Express, .50 Linebaugh, .50

Beowulf and .500 S&W Mag." (Source cited below).

Referring to Cartridges of the World, Barnes and Mann, 13th Edition, 2012, p. 351, the .40 S&W table includes 135 grains JHP, 155 grains JHP, 180 grains JHP, 200 grains JHP. In the comment column it says "Hodgdon," presumably a reference to gun powder. The table also lists the following factory loads: two 155 grain JHP (differing in velocity and energy), 155 grain FMJ-SWC, and two 180 grain JHP (differing in velocity and energy). Do any of those rounds sound suitable to you?

I note the ease with which you dismiss the "bla bla" about lack of penetration and knock down power and you characterize ethical considerations as "crap." Because the state of Iowa says it's legal to use .40 S&W doesn't absolve you of responsibility. Because something is legal, it doesn't mean that it is ethical, and because you can do something, it doesn't mean you should do something.

How good are you at 50 yards with any kind of handgun? Assuming you hit the target at all, are you going to pursue a wounded deer that you didn't knock down? A wounded deer could run for miles.

Not to be too rude if you insist on using a handgun, you ought to pick a better caliber that at least is generally recognized as suitable for hunting deer (e.g., .454 Casull, 460 S&W Magnum; .500 S&W Magnum).

As an experienced handgun hunter, I estimate that from specific outcome in the area on real deer, i'd get suitable kills using the heavier JHP bullets on broadside lung hits out to 50 yards on gigantic whitetails, but now not Canadian measurement. Any individual who can hit an 8 inch paper plate at a special distance, can reliably take deer at that distance. And a half of inch wound channel by way of the lungs is crucial for humane putdown, which the described ordnance has at that 50 yard distance. Investigate with nearby authorities for legality of something you're due to the fact utilizing on what sport species. Word that the truth that the forty S&W larger bullet has about the identical killification modulus as a 357 which has ~20% more power, however simple muzzle energy is the law in most fiefdoms.

Handguns For Deer Hunting

.40 S&W is very effective against deer if they are invading your home, mugging you on the street, or holding up your local liquor store, but not the greatest handgun choice for hunting deer. Consequently no one makes a hunting round, but any defensive JHP should do the best job. If you are able to walk up to the deer within 20 yards (or from a blind) that's great. I would look for an LE loading, such as Federal HST, Speer Gold Dot, Hornady Critical Duty, Winchester T-series, etc. I would probalby lean toward the 165 gr. as it will probably have about 15% more energy.

You will probably get better results using a cheap smoothbore shotgun and rifled slugs if economy is the reason that you are choosing the .40 s&w.

Will it work? Yes. But what you have is the absolute bare minimum for a weapon that can humanely drop a deer. You are looking at 35 yards as about the peak effective distance. What you have isn't even as effective as a .45 ACP, a .357 Magnum, or a .45 Colt. And those rounds are considered borderline by most experienced hunters for deer hunting.

If you aren't concerned about the fact that the cartridge is inappropriate for deer hunting, despite its legality, then you shouldn't be hunting.

And just because something is legal does not make it ethical. Abortion is legal, but that doesn't change the fact that it is ending the life of someone who is defenseless. Prostitution is legal in Nevada, but that doesn't change the fact that it is still, in essence, human slavery. I could go on and on, but based on the incredibly immature tone of your question, I doubt you would comprehend philosophy well enough to comprehend what I'd tell you.

I'd suggest that you go sit down with an Iowa DNR officer, and tell them how you feel about not caring about "knock-down power," or ethics.

I have a feeling that you'll be arrested someday. Make sure that your arrest is on video, because the rest of us want to watch.

I point out first that your attitude is terrible. I would not use a .40 S&W pistol for deer when there are many guns that are much more effective. My own personal minimum handgun is a .44 Magnum with 6.5" or 8.375" barrel. No bullets available in .40 S&W are adequate! It can theoretically kill a deer, but so can a .22 rimfire. Neither cartridge is adequate. It matters little which load you use, because none are suitable. I suggest that you use your .40 on a shooting range and keep it for home defense. Please, do not use it on any deer!

I would use a .357 Mag at the minimum to hunt deer if it is legal there. The state that I live in just this year made any centerfire rifle or handgun legal for deer hunting. My son may try his .45 ACP on does. They are like varmints here, so not recovering one is not a big deal.

OK, so you've announced that you're a "slob hunter" who oughtn't be allowed to hunt. Good for you, getting that out of the way up front. You can't get any load that's suitable. There: that was quick and easy.

all I can say is "hard cast bullets- hand load"

if you can get within archery range and place a good shot- marginal but do-able.

be prepared to track a blood trail