Rifle for cougars with hounds?

MH WASH

MH WASH

Member
My brother in law is going hound hunting for cats and does not know which cartride would be best. He owns a 30-06 and a 30-30, he also has a 06 that he would sell to get the ideal rifle, 223, 22-250 ect.
What would you experts suggest.

Matt
 
I would scrap the rifle idea unless he just likes the punishment of dragging a rifle for miles and miles. My first option would be a 357 revolver, but any pistol should work as long as the shell is bigger than a 22 LR. Check the regs first there might be a law against something like a 22 mag or hornet. Most shots should be under 30 yards.
 
Any centerfire rifle will kill a treed lion. Most of the lions I have seen knocked out of trees were killed with a .22 rimfire pistol. A larger centerfire pistol would be much better. A pistol would be the best bet if a guy is even a half rate shot.

If I had to pick a rifle to pack on a lion hunt it would be durable,lightweight,and short. Something you won't cry over if it takes some abuse, because it will. If it were to have a scope, it would be low power and low profile type scope. Open sights would be fine if the guy doing the shooting can use them. Do some shooting at steep angles before going. So that shooting almost straight up is no surprise. A good shot, and quickly killed cat will make the houndsman happy.

Of the rifles you mentioned I'd be tempted to put a sling on that .30/30 and pack it. I've been with guys who packed compound bows and they are the absolute worst for carrying on a chase.
 
Most of the houndsmen I know carry a 22 mag. Some carry 357 or 41 mags. I have seen a few shotguns or leveraction rifles, but only if it is a short race. If he wants to stay with what he has, I'd go with the 30/30. If he wants to try something new and exciting, have him trade that extra 06 in for a contender, of course that would open whole new possibilities.
 
Last year i packed a rifle on a cougar hunt pretty tough going, this year i will be taking my ruger single six 22 mag with a red dot scope on it, will fit in my backpack nicely.
 
I agree with the other posters about the handgun being a much easier carry. My choice would be a Ruger Blackhawk in .45 (Long)Colt with 250-260 grain JHP at 1000-1200fps, 357 Magnum with 158 grain JFP, .41 Magnum, or .44 Magnum in that order of my personal preference.

Since you indicate rifle, I would carry a 16" lever action in one of the calbers listed above or .30/30 with a Browning Excellerator backpack type sling.
 
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