Is there any state in the country where 150 foot pound at the muzzle would even be legal for deer? I watched the FX “announcement” video from back in March and it seems ignorant to me. Deer are specially mentioned in the video. the 35 caliber impact is offering more FPE than a 22LR but less than a 17HRM… I don't know many ethical deer hunters that take 17HMR to hunt deer nor do I know a state where that is legal.
FX impact 35 Foot Pounds
- Thread starter steelo32
- Start date
I don't know of any states, but I admit I haven't studied the laws of every state. I know we have used .22WMR for control hunts on whitetail, and that is about ????. One shot in the head or base of the cervical spine at close range and it is lights out. Personally, I think a.357 slug at 150FPE put in the right place would be adequate, but there is no room for error. So, maybe with specialized training, but not something open to the general public. Just my $0.02
Edit: something about my statement didn't add up, and I double checked my math. Muzzle energy for the .22WMR is 300FPE, not 140FPE as I had stated. I had just compared .22LR and .22WMR for ballistic charting, and the energy for 30gr.22LR is the 140FPE. That means the .35 Impact is on par with .22LR only with more momentum and surface area. For varmints and medium predators, it should be a good choice. With good shot placement, it might be adequate for blacktail, sheep, or younger hogs. Not adequate for Whitetail or mature hogs.
Edit: something about my statement didn't add up, and I double checked my math. Muzzle energy for the .22WMR is 300FPE, not 140FPE as I had stated. I had just compared .22LR and .22WMR for ballistic charting, and the energy for 30gr.22LR is the 140FPE. That means the .35 Impact is on par with .22LR only with more momentum and surface area. For varmints and medium predators, it should be a good choice. With good shot placement, it might be adequate for blacktail, sheep, or younger hogs. Not adequate for Whitetail or mature hogs.
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I am not a big game hunter though, though i am thinking about doing with an air rifle when I go home next time to Idaho. I have an FX Impact MKII chambered right now in 22, but I know I can upgrade to 35 cal. It will take some upgrades, but it can happens. However, Idaho has pretty strict minimum limits on the and the FX Impact even in 35 cal aren’t even close to meeting the minimum power needed of 350 ft/lbs at the muzzle.
I would say if you are hunting small eastern white tails (not mid western) under 60-70 lbs you should be okay with a cranked up to at least 175 ft/lbs you would be okay, but for a western mule deer which easily go over 100 - 150 lbs, No Way!
I know air gunners in Idaho and other states have lobbied for years to hunt with high power / big bore air rifles, and making ground, so maybe go for something with more punch if you want to go big game with an air gun.
I would say if you are hunting small eastern white tails (not mid western) under 60-70 lbs you should be okay with a cranked up to at least 175 ft/lbs you would be okay, but for a western mule deer which easily go over 100 - 150 lbs, No Way!
I know air gunners in Idaho and other states have lobbied for years to hunt with high power / big bore air rifles, and making ground, so maybe go for something with more punch if you want to go big game with an air gun.
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Agreed and look at how FX markets their guns....pesters and small game...maybe a coyote or pig, but not deer/elk/moose etc.
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