In past  hunts with my G20, I have always used Underwood's 180, or 200gr XTP ammo, and on one occasion, their 155gr. To help my friend better understand, would there be any value whatsoever in using a 220gr Hard Cast Flat Nose for a  250, or less pound deer? I know hard cast is the preferred projectile for bear protection,but for deer, a 180, or 200gr expanding bullet  just seems more appropriate, Thoughts...

Ken

I think the 155 XTP might be a little light and could have trouble with a less than perfect shot. My priority is to make a quick, clean kill. All the bullets you mentioned are capable of that. The hardcast is fine for breaking shoulders, but probably not as good for a heart/lungs shot. I suspect the 180 and 200gr XTPs would destroy one shoulder at least, and exit the other side, too.

While I have carried a 10mm deer hunting, my usual choice is a .44 mag with 240gr semi jacketed soft points. I don't like chasing them.

Nope, me neither, my last one didn't go far.
Thanks Graybeard!

I've killed 250lb plus mule deer bucks with 210gr semi wad cutters over 10-13grs of blue dot from my .41 magnum usually dropping them where they stood in the scrub oak here in Colorado.
Typically shots at less than 50yds.

I'd think that a 155gr 10mm would be marginal but completely capable of taking white tails given good shot placement.
For hunting deer offhand without a rest with my Ruger Blackhawk single six (4 5/8" brrl) I try for a level of accuracy at 50 yards to keep within a 6-8inch circle heart/lungs and my G20 with a 6 inch barrel is able to do that even though I might not be!

Pistol hunting deer is great action and fun without having to lug a rifle through the brush.

Graybeard I concur with your thoughts and agree shot placement is critical.
Cheers!

With proper shot placement the 200 or 220 WFN hardcast will certainly be effective.  They'll cut 1/2" to 3/4" hole through anything on the deer they come in contact with (if hit a bone, shatter it and spread bone shards); then pass right through the other side and keep going.  CNS or spine hit, deer won't take a step, heart of anything else deer is gunna run till blood pressure drops and animal drops.  Definitely going to be two holes and a blood trail if not DRT.  Again, the WFN hardcast are more than capable of getting the job done if Hunter is skilled and does it right.  Several members right here on this forum have done it. 

Comes down to personal choice and I too agree that 180gr to 200gr sturdy constructed expanding hollow point is likely best choice for hunting thin skinned medium game like deer (with one very notable exception, the TAC-XP 145gr/155gr bullets are very good choices as well) using 10mm pistol IMHO.
For a thin skinned deer, I prefer a projectile that provides sufficient penetration from appropriate hunting angles.  Able to plow deep into the boiler room and cause as much damage as possible and fully deplete its energy while in there (all to accelerate blood pressure drop the fastest).  I think the hollow point gives me the best chance to put deer sized animal down the fastest and yields a tiny little bit of cushion if placement isn't perfect.  So far it's been a winning strategy for me. 

Regards

The only loads in10mm I have used on deer and hogs has been 200 gr and 220 gr WFN hard cast lead bullets. I have shot them out of Glocks, S&W 610s in several barrel lengths and several different 1911s. Never lost a deer and never recovered a bullet from any angle. They never went very far. I usually tried to break the shoulder, both when possible. They work and work well.

My expereince has been stellar all shots were 75 yards or under and all shot with broadside offerings and through the boiler room of the 4 deer I have harvested with the 10 mm WFN 200 grain WFN they all piled up after a short sprint. Blood was easy to follow with through and through penetration. The lungs were mush. It's a solid choice the fact you use a handgun for hunting shot placement is certainly key for all reliable harvesting.

Here is the one advantage that a 200+ grain WFN has, at least for me.

Cost.

I can cast all the WFN bullets I want and all it costs me is time and tiny bit of electricity.  I have a supply of lead that exceeds my needs and selling the overage more than pays for what I use.

So, for the cost of one box of one hundred 180grain or 200 grain XTP's at about $23, I can cast and load about 500 WFN rounds.   That make practice with my actual ammo very cost effective, which means my shot placement will improve.

But, excepting the cost, any of them will be very effective.

Absolutely, Thanks man!

While romping and stomping in the woods .. I carry UW 200gr XTP ...

Me too, that or UW 220 cast

10mm for deer? I'd prefer something with power like .45acp or speed like a 9mm. 10mm is best for target shooting in my opinion.

I don't know, I have several friends that have been very successful with Whitetail using 180, or 200gr UW in Minnesota, mine sure didn't go far

Quote from: 45isKing on July 13 2018 02:20:14 PM MDT
10mm for deer? I'd prefer something with power like .45acp or speed like a 9mm. 10mm is best for target shooting in my opinion.

Welcome to the forum.  Your post made me laugh  !  Thanks for joke!!

Maybe he meant both at the same time, one in each hand Stopping power and penetration all at once! Wait, there is an auto round for that.....

Given the username and content of posts, I think we might have a new friend that lives under a bridge.............