Hello,
I am actually an avid rifle hunter, but I almost always carry my S&W 686 .357 mag as backup. I know that most people would recommend a larger calliber but for the 100-300lb wild boar that I frequently hunt I believe it will work in a pinch(close range).I have two pet handloads that I just cant choose between and would like to ask your oppinion as to which would be better for the task. The first is a +p load. 158gr Hornady XTP flat nose behind 16gr. of w296 at approx 1350-1400fps. the seccond is a +p 180gr. Cast Performance gc heat treated hard cast behind 14gr of W296 at approx 1350-1400fps. The hard cast load is ballistically superior, but the XTP is highly renowned for penetration and severe tissue dammage. Which is the better choice as a last line of defense?

since the 357 is marginal I would go with the 180 gr CP hardcast. With the 357 you will need penetration and lots of it especially for wild boar. With a larger caliber I would feel ok about a expanding bullet but for marginal calibers go hardcast all the way.

Good luck.

Brian

I'd take the penetration of the hardcast over the expanding bullet.Especially in a revolver.If your worried about tissue damage,I'd select a larger caliber to "reliably" create a larger wound channel.IMO.

358owner,

I would agree the 150 gr XTP is renowned for severe tissue damage but it is not a good penetrator, even for a jacketed bullet. Since I have gotten into big bore handgun hunting, the only jacketed bullet I would ever use would be a speer uni-core or heavy gold dot bullets. These have bonded cores and will not shed their jackets on impact, something the XTP does quite frequently.

Still even a bonded core jacketed bullet will never compare to the 180 gr hard cast you listed. Load up the 180 and if it shoots well enough for your needs use it and never look back!

Good Shooting!!!

50

A handgun round needs to penetrate, I would also go w/ a WLN cast bullet 158-180gr.

I agree with the rest here on hardcast for your 357.While I use the Speer Unicore in my 454 I use only hardcast in my wifes 357 and 45.Penetration as was said next to shot placement is the key with a pistol.

Good luck..Jayco.