best calibre for gopher hunting with a Thureon or JR Carbine

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LarryG

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Ok, so I'm thinking either of these (particularly the Thureon) would be a great combination for gophers out to 100 yds.
Though the 9mm is cheaper, for once in a while shooting, I don't think it will matter in my case.
I'm looking for comments on the best calibre choice, effectiveness (splat factor), accuracy especially.
Thanks in advance
 
Always wanted to try with a 9mm. But the way things go everything is getting harder to kill now. I heard this past hunting season that you need a minimum of 300 win mag to kill a deer at short range(less then 300 yards) So with that said you might want to step up to something with more power like a s&w 500 mag
 
LarryG said:
Ok, so I'm thinking either of these (particularly the Thureon) would be a great combination for gophers out to 100 yds.
Though the 9mm is cheaper, for once in a while shooting, I don't think it will matter in my case.
I'm looking for comments on the best calibre choice, effectiveness (splat factor), accuracy especially.
Thanks in advance
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Anything over a 22lr is excessive and costly. I have however used my 9mm JRC it works but at a 100yrds you will notice a fair amount of bullet drop.
 
hometownhero said:
Always wanted to try with a 9mm. But the way things go everything is getting harder to kill now. I heard this past hunting season that you need a minimum of 300 win mag to kill a deer at short range(less then 300 yards) So with that said you might want to step up to something with more power like a s&w 500 mag
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For gophers S&W 500 magnum is an absolute minimum, .50 BMG would be a more realistic.
 
Suputin said:
A pistol caliber carbine is not a good choice for shooting gophers. I've shot gophers with all manner of firearms and calibers and it never once occurred to try a pistol caliber carbine.
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Considering a lot of wild boars south of the border are shot with pistol calibers they should do just fine on gophers. It really all depends on the shooter and what the shooter is using. Impact does cause quite a commotion.
 
Serious contenders are the 9mm, 10mm and the 45.
Since it is the most powerful and I don't intend to shoot it alot, I was thinking the 10mm would be the most fun.
The only negative possibility is the recoil of the 10 not allowing me to see the hits in the scope.
Looks like the safe is about to see a staff change.
 
LarryG said:
Serious contenders are the 9mm, 10mm and the 45.
Since it is the most powerful and I don't intend to shoot it alot, I was thinking the 10mm would be the most fun.
The only negative possibility is the recoil of the 10 not allowing me to see the hits in the scope.
Looks like the safe is about to see a staff change.
Click to expand...

Can see the hits in the scope with my 223 with full power loads so I dont see how you would have a problem with a 10mm in a rifle
 
A pistol caliber carbine would not be my first choice but if needed to do so, I think 9mm with +P 115gr. HP's may be the most practical and economical choice. If cost was no object, them a 10mm loaded with Hornady 155gr. XTP's is likely going to be the flattest shooting with impressive "splat factor".
 
dizzy said:
Considering a lot of wild boars south of the border are shot with pistol calibers they should do just fine on gophers. It really all depends on the shooter and what the shooter is using. Impact does cause quite a commotion.
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Wow! I think CGN has hit a new level here. We have finally equated a 400 lb wild bore with a 2oz gopher. :(
 
9mm just based on the fact that it is one of the cheaper and most readily available pistol calibers. You can get $150/500 at P&D. Of course it's unnecessary and 7-10x more expensive than .22, but come on.... you don't get a pistol caliber carbine to save money. Fun is the name of the game.
 
Ultimately you'd want the fastest bullet. The .357sig (if available) probably, unless you reload 10mm Auto and can find a good supply of 135gr bullets.

On the cheap, 115gr 9mm.
 
I have shot some gophers with my non restricted 45acp carbine and 230gr ball ammo. It kills them cleanly but no where near the splat factor like a .223 or 22 mag. Plus a 230gr FMJ round can ricochet big time.
 
windage said:
I have shot some gophers with my non restricted 45acp carbine and 230gr ball ammo. It kills them cleanly but no where near the splat factor like a .223 or 22 mag. Plus a 230gr FMJ round can ricochet big time.
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Originally, the 10mm was first on the list. Then Arms east sold out of them.
good points on the .45. unfortunately, Arms East only has the .45 in stock.
I'm thinking 9mm would be a better choice than that. May have hold out for a 9mm and use 115's.

Anyone know where to find a 9mm TDC?
 
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