I like 150FPE or more for Whitetail. Preferably 200 or more. Some folks say 1 FPE for every pound the animal is. I disagree but that seems to be the normal conclusion from folks and it certainly makes sense to a degree. I wouldn't take a shot with less than 150FPE, but that's me. I don't believe VA has a minimum FPE requirement but it might so check the VDGIF website to be sure. It does have to be what you are thinking which is .35 caliber or larger.
140ftlbs is a bit week for deer unless close or small, it can be done but it may be inhumane beyond 40 yds, between the deer moving when it hears the shot and other variablesMy corsair 357 is @250 ftlb I feel comfortable with it out to @90yds, my Winchester .45 @200ftlb but I feel it is more of a 60yd hunter
Quote from: ShakySarge on February 16, 2019, 07:08:29 PMI like 150FPE or more for Whitetail. Preferably 200 or more. Some folks say 1 FPE for every pound the animal is. I disagree but that seems to be the normal conclusion from folks and it certainly makes sense to a degree. I wouldn't take a shot with less than 150FPE, but that's me. I don't believe VA has a minimum FPE requirement but it might so check the VDGIF website to be sure. It does have to be what you are thinking which is .35 caliber or larger.Matt, as far as I can tell the only requirement for using an Airgun for big game such as deer is a minimum of.35 cal.
I was thinking earlier today that many have been killed throughout history with bow & arrow; and that's what? 50fpe?
That is the worst comparison you can make, ......a broadhead kills by making a huge hole and doesn't need much juice because it's sharp.
Here in Maryland, it's at least .40 caliber and at least 400ftlbs muzzle energy. Seems kind of high but it used to be 1200ftlbs!
Quote from: DHunter on February 17, 2019, 12:35:05 AMI was thinking earlier today that many have been killed throughout history with bow & arrow; and that's what? 50fpe?That is the worst comparison you can make, ......a broadhead kills by making a huge hole and doesn't need much juice because it's sharp.
The primary reason I selected the 357 Slayer is because it will deliver 250 FPE at POI 100 yards away using a 150gr HP. I just wanted to be sure of enough energy down range when replacing my .270 PB with an airgun for hunting deer/hogs. 140 FPE at half that distance sounds reasonable with precision shot placement. I believe I would first learn the gun really well and have the tune and selected slug that gave me the most accuracy first. I would also be thinking head shot too just to be sure unless I had a good amount of open range for the deer to expire and be found.