Hunting big game with a pcp air rifle

[osprey]

I know a few states allow this and I am hoping with the advent of larger caliber guns with higher velocities, it will be allowed in more Western states in the future. Having harvested three deer now with large subsonic bullets out of a firearm, I see no difference using a pcp airgun in a larger caliber. Anybody here harvested a big game critter with an air gun? If AEA comes out with the Zeus in a .58 cal with a 24” or shorter barrel, I will most likely buy one. Having a few different pcp airguns now I am amazed at their capabilities and I can see an application for big game with proper cal and velocity.

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[ilikegunspdx]

What the current energy output of big game airguns? I know it used to be about 800 ft lbs at the muzzle. I often hear 1000 ft lbs min recommended for deer for regular guns. So I wonder if current air rifles are strong enough for ethical kills?

 

[osprey]

What the current energy output of big game airguns? I know it used to be about 800 ft lbs at the muzzle. I often hear 1000 ft lbs min recommended for deer for regular guns. So I wonder if current air rifles are strong enough for ethical kills?

The fpe of some of the big bore air rifles does top 1000 fpe at muzzle. The old 1000 fpe guideline is just that though, a guideline. If a bullet of sufficient frontal area can penetrate into vitals it will be lethal. One of my firearm subsonic deer kills was with about 490 fpe. Even though this was lethal, deer went 25yds and died, It was not an impressive immediate reaction. I ramped up in cal for the next couple subsonic hunts and this resulted in 2 drt kills. While I advocate for more is usually better, I feel 650 fpe or better is probably enough to achieve consistent close range kills with the right bullet. I hunt out of a tree stand in thicker cover so a long shot is 25- 30 yds, most shots are under 20yds. I have no illusions of employing an air rifle at longer ranges than this despite video evidence suggesting it can be done.

 

[Alexx1401]

There was one a bit ago of a guy using one to hunt wild hog. At 50 yds he put a round clean through the pig. It was impressive to say the least

Here is just one of many video's of this

 

[Stomper]

I know a few states allow this and I am hoping with the advent of larger caliber guns with higher velocities, it will be allowed in more Western states in the future. Having harvested three deer now with large subsonic bullets out of a firearm, I see no difference using a pcp airgun in a larger caliber. Anybody here harvested a big game critter with an air gun? If AEA comes out with the Zeus in a .58 cal with a 24” or shorter barrel, I will most likely buy one. Having a few different pcp airguns now I am amazed at their capabilities and I can see an application for big game with proper cal and velocity.

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Big game as in…. humans?!