.45 ACP for deer hunting?

[Catch and Grease]

I want a good rifle that doesn't break the bank that I could hunt with and still use as a home defense weapon and was thinking of getting a hi-point .45 rifle... I usually don't hunt at far distances so would this round be sufficient for deer hunting?

[riverbasser]

since you didn't ask for any other suggestions I will just answer that yes it is sufficient depending on distance. I cant quote numbers but do a google search on that round and it will tell you.

[Catt]

More deer have been taken with the .30-30 Winchester cartridge than any other

[mrmacwvu1]

I agree on the 30-30 or a Marlin 35 would be my choices

[Gundog]

Look up trajectory graphs for .45 ACP rounds. That will let you know how far you can shoot. BTW a hi point isn't the most accurate or reliable rifle on the market which is why they are so cheap. If you are gonna hunt you need a good rifle to make sure you kill what you shoot at. Too many hunters have wounded deer with poor equipment. The sport is in taking the game not just injuring it.

[Longo]

FWIW.........For your specific needs of home defense and hunting while not needing range, I would suggest a shotgun.  Slugs for deer, shot for home defense and you also have a wider range of hunting opportunity if you are into bird hunting.

For home defense a shotgun is optimal as there's not as much marksmanship needed and you also don't have to worry about over penetration depending on the round used.

 

[riverbasser]

36 minutes ago, Longo said:

FWIW.........For your specific needs of home defense and hunting while not needing range, I would suggest a shotgun.  Slugs for deer, shot for home defense and you also have a wider range of hunting opportunity if you are into bird hunting.

For home defense a shotgun is optimal as there's not as much marksmanship needed and you also don't have to worry about over penetration depending on the round used.

 

This would of been my exact advice if you had asked for other suggestions

[Crappiebasser]

Another vote for a shotgun. Remington 870 or Mossberg 500 are pretty cheap and super reliable.

[Gundog]

I agree with the shotgun idea. Used shotguns are pretty cheap and more versatile than a .45 ACP rifle. 

[Catch and Grease]

Well the main reason I was interested in the hi point is because it was 350$ and I enjoy shooting rifles a lot more than shotguns, I don't wanna spend a lot because while I did mention home defense its mainly gonna be for hunting and fun shooting.

[riverbasser]

Then I would definatley get a 30-30. I don't know where your located but a new marlin 30-30 in Alabama goes for about $330. Fun to shoot and is an excellent deer rifle. I will never sell mine.

[Angry John]

another good choice if you want a pistol caliber is a 44 mag.  Henry marlin and i believe Winchester make rifles in pistol calibers.  I enjoy 357.

[Crappiebasser]

7 hours ago, Catch and Grease said:

Well the main reason I was interested in the hi point is because it was 350$ and I enjoy shooting rifles a lot more than shotguns, I don't wanna spend a lot because while I did mention home defense its mainly gonna be for hunting and fun shooting.

IMO the 45 acp is just not a good round for hunting. I would much rather have a real rifle cartridge  with a flatter trajectory if you're set on going rifle. Look into the lever action 30-30 as mentioned or a good bolt action in 308. You can find them under $350 and ammo isn't too expensive.

[Catch and Grease]

I'm thinking of getting a mossberg patriot from academy for 330$ now... Its 30-06 and comes with a scope.

 

[Angry John]

good glass is more than a rifle.  So a gun that comes with a scope to me is suspect and the glass is no grade.  I would have to agree that a shotgun for the money would be your best choice or finding a deal on a bolt gun.  I am a high quality kind of guy and i love marlin.  If Cheap is what your going for an old 410 or 20 guage might be the ticket.

[Catt]

Academy has 30 rifles for $349.99 & under 

[Catch and Grease]

Got a savage axis .308 with a decent scope for 379$, can't wait to shoot it tomorrow!

[Nice_Bass]

I like savage but have not shot that particular rifle.  I am sure it will work out great.

Sure glass is expensive but for eastern woods hunting honestly most folks are way over scoped already. 

I am on board with quality scopes though...no denying you get what you pay for.   

[Catch and Grease]

Got my first deer with the .308 I bought! I'd say it got the job done Lol, hit him right where I needed to and he dropped where he stood, never even flinched after he hit the ground.

 

[fishballer06]

The 308 is a great round, especially for those 90 yard head shots. 

[Catch and Grease]

1 hour ago, fishballer06 said:

The 308 is a great round, especially for those 90 yard head shots. 

I bet you were aiming for his chest... lol

 

Jk, nice one!

[fishballer06]

I've been shooting guns since I was about 6 or 7. Back in high school, my friends and I would shoot a brick of 22 every weekend. I can shoot a water bottle cap at 45 yards 4/5 times. So I guess you could say I'm a pretty good shot. 

[Capt.Bob]

In my experience my DW Valor is more accurate than the High point rifle, as for power yes, with a well placed shot, and at less than moderate range. Their are much better choices in cartridges for deer hunting, and in my state it is illegal to use a 45 acp,,,, I hope it stays that way!