Handgun, I just don't have the experience yet. I know a guy that shoots Hornady XTPs in 240 gr Mag and 180 gr Special hunting rounds and he knocks em dead out to 100 yds with a long barreled stainless Super Blackhawk with a Burris scope.
He also shoots a Hornady Tactical round in .308 at ranges up to 200 yds, neck shots only, and he does not miss. He is the exception around here. He can shoot and he does often, but he has been doing it a long time and has had much formal and informal training. The guy is confident and he takes shots he knows he can make, without exeption. He is also an excelent bow shot and has many kills to his credit. He hunts constantly and practices constantly and has some God given talent to boot.
I just tell you what he uses for reference because he could probably shoot about anything and do just as good. Shot placement, shot placement, shot placement. Right tool for the job, Right tool for the job, right tool for the job. Practice, practice, practice.
I think, here in S.C., my neck of the woods, the biggest problem is lack of practice and improper use of the proper (gun, bullet, sight system) tool. Like Starrbow says, so many people start out with a 30-30 and loose a deer because of whatever(shot placement or bad sight system or lack of practice) and they immediately go get a more powerful or specialized gun( excuse me military guys,) rifle. Just because you were born in a hunting state or your Dad could shoot does not mean you can. I am the worlds worst shot but when I practice I get better and I get confident and when I am confident with my equipment I am as accurate as anyone and when crunch time comes I will come through. Besides, it's fun to practice.
Man. What started that choir preaching. Hope there was some novice out there that got something from that disertation.