What would you guys suggest for a good penetrating bullet in 357 Max? I was using 180 Gr. Flatpoints, but I don't think they give enough penetration. I shot a deer (120 lb) a few days ago with a quartering shot from the left side. The bullet penetrated to the vitals and killed the deer, but I would prefer an exit wound. No bones were hit. Am I expecting too much penetration for this caliber?

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JD

I would try a hard cast bullet. I use Cast Performance of Riverton,Wy. I load a 320gr. WFNGC in my Ruger Super Redhawk 44mag. They are quite acurrate in my gun.Beartooth Bullets is another one.But I have heard they are behind on bullet orders.wwwcastperformance.com www.beartoothbullets.com

first deer i ever got with a handgun with a 357 max.the remington semi jacketed hollow point did a awesome job.i cant remember if it was 180 or 158 gr. it was also factory ammo but there cheap to bye if you wana reload to test.im loading them in 300 gr for my 45-70 i wana try it on deer. jason

I have shot or seen shot at least 15 deer with 357 max 158 rem sp. at 2150. works well my daugther just finsh deer season with two both lung hits both died with in 40 yards. This is out of a contender 14 in barrel. I also use the same bullet in 357mag out of a marlin carbine and have no rouble killing deer with it.

The deer died. I just prefer an exit hole. Maybe the cast bullets are better for penetration.

P dog shooter:What kind of penetration do the 158's give?

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JD

All the deer we have shot except a 200 lb buck with the 357 mag that was high shoulder shot hit shoulder then stopped half way in the spine were in one side out the other. That buck dropped in it's tracks. The last deer that was shot 100 lb doe front face in one shoulder out the ribs. Ran 30 yds dropped dead.

I have a 10" Contender and I shot 158gr Rainer bullet. This bullet works well on deer it will exit sometime but its put them down with in 30 to 50yds