M1 Carbine hunt loads

[Aragorn243]

Here's a website showing some actual testing of bullet deflection and "branches" using dowel rods rather than twigs. Smaller bullets showed much higher deflections than larger caliber rounds and slugs weren't deflected at all.

The Box O' Truth #40 - Deflected Bullets and the Box O' Truth - Page 1

[Wineman]

Shot placement it everything. However, my choice would be a Marlin 336 lever in 30-30 (with the 170 grain bullets) or 35 Remington. Either caliber has plenty of punch for the short ranges, the rifles are hand (although not a Milsurp). They are light, easy to carry, swing and aim. The side eject lets a scope be mounted low and over the bore. The old Ruger 44 magnum Deerstalker would also be good and is an autoloader.

Wineman