Cougar ammo

[7MAGinPA]

I'm heading to Idaho in Jan on a cat hunt. I will be using a pistol. The outfitter tells me I don't need a .44, which is what I originally planned on. So, I'm gonna take the .45. Any advice on ammo? I know what works on people but I'm not exactly sure how tough cougars are. I was thinking of sticking with the 230 grain Hydra-Shok.

[Aim to maim]

Let me make clear I've never shot a cougar, so I am not speaking from that kind of experience. The .45 230 grain Federal Hydra-Shok has an excellent and well-deserved reputation for use on two legged predators, so it would seem a good choice.

I would guess your guide has seen it all. I would pay the most attention to his thoughts on the matter.

I know I'm probably preaching to the choir here, but shot placement, shot placement, shot placement, should be the first consideration.

[Skinny Shooter]

7MAGinPA, I never shot a cougar either.
Are using a 45LongColt or the ACP version?
If you have a 44mag, I'd use that.
But then why not get a new 45LC if you don't have one already.
Personally I'd use my 12ga with a slug or two first followed up with 3" 00-Buck. that might help settle the dust if a cat tries to get close and personal.

[7MAGinPA]

I opted against a rifle as the shots are pretty close - you shoot 'em once the dogs get 'em treed - and I don't want to hump a rifle while trying to keep up with the dogs. I told the outfitter I was going to bring a .44. He kinda chuckled and replied, "You don't need that, I shoot them with a .22 magnum." Needless to say, I'm not going to use a .22 mag. Since you can use semi-auto's in ID I decided to take one along which leaves me to decide between .40, .45ACP, and 9mm. I'm opting for the Colt Commander. I know the 230 grain Hydra Shok is a fantastic (the best probably) round on humans, so I'm guessing at this point that that's what I'll use on the pussy cat.

I actually considering bringing my Hawken but I really don't want to lug that along while trying to chase the dogs over the mountains!

[hnter]

I've never shot one either.

I asked a local cat guide about using a .45 auto or a .22 mag on cats. He said he'd heard of both being used to kill cats but would "never allow one of his hunters to use either one". He said a .357 mag was his personal minimum. He carrys a Ruger .44 Rem mag Deerslayer semi auto carbine.

Looks like a good choice ta me. Light, handy, fast & effective.

Besides, the .22mag would be illegal here, and I think the .45 auto would be also as it doesn't meet WY's minimum energy requirements for big or trophy game.
I don't know about Idaho.

Hunter

[buckhunter]

I have never shot one either however what is the difference between a 44 Mag and 45 LC. Not a lot. Any 22 no way. I've been told that if you shoot one with a 22 Mag in the lungs it should and I say should stay in the tree and bleed out then fall dead. Do you want to trust the hide on your ars for that. Not me. Give the a dose of a 357, 44 Mag or a 45LC and it should disable them quickly.

I'd rather be safe than sorry.

[7MAGinPA]

We spoke to the outfitter the other day and told him we intended on using .45ACP with 230 grain Hyrda-shoks and he said, "Good choice, that'll be fine." So it looks like we'll be going that way.
Thank for you're input fellas!

And for the record, I never intended on using a .22 - I was just pointing out that the outfitter uses one. As one poster stated, he would not even let us use a .22 for fear of his dogs getting mauled.

We leave the 12th and I can't wait!

[7MAGinPA]

Leaving tomorrow morning...

I'll be sure to let ya'll know how I did.