First for the helpfull posters, talking to 4 friends this weekend they were all of the opinion that the 40 S&W was minimal in their opinion. They offered that it was doable but I need to be very carefull and take only shots where I can get a clear double lung shot (as some of you suggested).

Hobie,
Your statements may be true int he sense that you are astonished, but I don't believe that relates to the purpose of my original post. The 40 HP is one of 14 pistols I have (+13 rifles and various shotguns), but it's the one I'm interested in using if it will work ok. I don't own any big bore revolvers so it's going to be a semi of some sort.

I ask on this forum for the same reason others ask questions, looking for "valid" opinions from people more expert than I. If you were asking for loads for a 360 #5 chambered Martini Henry I in turn could give you some answers, because I have experience with them, I wouldn't be "astonished" that you would ask such a question.

I surveyed friends of mine this weekend that handgun hunt and 3 of 4 only handgun hunt with a scope. 3 use Rugers with intergral mounts and one uses a S&W 44 mag. without a scope. I'm comfortable enough in my manhood to admit that I can shoot much better with a scope than without. Do you shoot bullseye or IPSC by the way? I'm of the opinion that if scopes and red dots didn't help people shoot better than no one would be using them. I only shoot about 400 rounds a month now, through various weapons, so maybe I do need to practice more.

It's not illegal in Texas.

I think the basic problem is that your comments are completely unhelpful, I really don't know why you would even bother to respond with such a load of crap. The real purpose of forums like these is to provide useful information that can help others, not to write a bunch of BS that does no one any good.