For a while now, I've had an idea on how to setup an entry level rig for handgun hunting. And no, it's not a Hi Point. I suppose you could purchase the 10mm Hi Point with the red dot and it still be cheaper but I think my idea is more interesting. What can we do for under $500 that gets us into handgun hunting?
Over the last few years, I have spent tons of time pouring over internet data looking at ballistic gel testing results for the best cartridges for defensive applications for each caliber I have. When I started looking at using pistol cartridges for hunting whitetail deer, I amended the data requirements to look for factory loads that exceed the 18 inch maximum requirement. The closer I can get to 20 inches, the better. My favorite General Purpose load for .357 Magnum is the Remington 158 gr SJHP HTP load. They are in the 18 to 19 inch range. I can confirm a pass through at 100 yards on a smaller doe from my rifle. It's how I took my only deer in 2023.
The loads that stuck out in Lucky Gunner's .40 S&W testing are the Remington Golden Saber Bonded 165 gr HP as they opened up to .66 inch and penetrated to an average of 19.6 inches, the Federal HST 180 grain at 18.5 inches of penetration at .72 inch and finally the SIG V-Crown 165 grain at .57 inch wide with 20.2 inches of penetration. All in all, I think the Federal HST load is my immediate pick. There are other notable loads in the list but I think those are the top ones. They all exceed the 18 inch FBI maximum and expanded out passed .50 inch. Please note that these loads were tested with a Glock 27 which has a 3.4 inch barrel.
If we choose the Federal HST option (part number P40HST1) for our load, we next need a launcher.
If you know where to look, I think the best option is the classic police trade in, Glock 22. This is the .40 S&W version of the original Glock 17. The gen 3 trade in units can be had regularly for under $350. As I type this, one well known surplus store has them on sale for $279.99. You can AIM to please with such a good price. The 22 has a 4.4 inch barrel which means you should expect a little more velocity compared to Lucky Gunner's testing pistol. More velocity means the bullet can go further toward your deer without reducing the expansion chances. You can take a further shot.
If you want a little more precision than what the stock open sights give you, a red dot can be mounted. I recommend milling the slide but if you are on a tight budget, the dovetail mounts might work for you. Your mileage may vary on quality.
My rough estimation on the out of pocket cost for this rig with red dot is around $450 with taxes and transfer fees and a box of ammo. While it's still more expensive than the Hi-Point, I expect the Glock is a much more reliable option. At the very least, you will have a good self defense gun if this doesn't work out.
Looking at LG's data set, the HST load achieved 960 fps average. The extra 1 inch on the 22 should get you closer to Federal's claimed 1010 fps. If we plug in 1010 fps into a ballistic calculator and zero at 25 yards, 960 fps is around 43 yards from the muzzle. We're also around .4 inch down. Thankfully, the 180 grain pill is pretty hefty and maintains velocity pretty well. At 50 yards, we're looking at 950 fps which we should still see expansion based on LG's findings. I think that's good enough for a deer stand gun.
While I don't have the funds to do this at the moment, what I do have is a SIG P226 in .40 S&W that I bought years ago. It also as a 4.4 inch barrel. I'm starting to think that maybe it's time to resurrect a project I had for that pistol a while back.
That said, my proposal is this, the police trade in Glock 22 along with the Federal HST 180 grain load is likely the best inexpensive way to get into handgun hunting.
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