What are your thoughts on the .357 magnum for hunting deer size game? You do not here much about this now with all of the attention given to the large caliber handguns. What are some of your favorite loads and weapons.
The 357 magnum can and will kill deer.I have killed several deer with this caliber.The biggest problem with hunting deer with a 357 is the lack of good hunting loads available.The load that I use is a 185 grain wfngc cast bullet from beartooth bullets with 16 grains of h-110 powder and a magnum primer.This bullet has the widest metplat of any 357 bullet that I know of.This bullet has always given complte penetration and a large wound channel.This bullet puts the 357 in a new catergory.This load has been used to kill elk.These bullets can be purchased at www.beartoothbullets.com.
[This message has been edited by 45/70 marlin (edited 04-27-2001).]
[This message has been edited by 45/70 marlin (edited 04-27-2001).]
[This message has been edited by 45/70 marlin (edited 04-27-2001).]
I haven't had a chance to hunt game with a 357, and I'm still kicking myself for selling an old model 357 blackhawk. I have a mold that drops an LBT 200 gr gc bullet, and I would use that over a healthy dose of 2400 with the utmost of confidence.
Hmm, I just may have to see about getting that 3 screw back, I think I know who has it.
Anyhow, as was previously mentioned, with suitable loads, the 357 is fine. I think the biggest reason for its poor reputation is bumblies going out with 125 hp defense loads and then complaining about lack of penetration. With a suitable 180 gr cast or jacketed bullet, and loaded to original specs, the 357 is entirely suitable.
Posts: 7213 | Location: Alaska | Registered: 27 February 2001
Where hunters get in trouble with a .357 is when that go into their local "buy ammo" store and see all those .357 loads on the shelf. Some sales person sells them a 125-130 hydra-shock or golddot loaded round and sends them on their way to do battle with the wiley stag. Won't work most times. As 45/70 said you need a heavy hard wide nosed bullet pushed as fast as your handgun will handle.
I used 140grain XTP's in my GP-100 while hunting in Rutherford county and loaded some 180grainTC laser-cast while we were there on vacation after a bad experience on a small buck that took a broadside hit behind the shoulder from 15yards away and ran for almost 1/2 mile before we recovered the deer that evening.Switching to 180grainers I took three more deer with the same number of shots.
This post may cause some concern for some people, but I have been curious.
When hunting with a handgun, What if you approached your hunting with the same mindset as a hunter using a bow and arrow. If you allowed your deer to approach within bow type ranges and were selective with your shot, would some of those light wgt. jacketed hollow point type rounds be effective?
Here in Utah, handguns for some types of hunting require 500 ft-lbs at the muzzle, and for other types, 500 ft-lbs at 100 yards. As nearly as I can tell, it is hard to meet that second hurdle with a .357.
Posts: 2281 | Location: Layton, UT USA | Registered: 09 February 2001
As with any thing it's where you hit them is what counts. Bigger guns allow for more hard angle shots. Lighter guns you just have to be more carefull. Know your weapon use it properly. They well all kill deer. In Wi. we just did away with are power rateing.,Now anycenter fire over 22 cal and over is legal as long as it as a 5 in barrel from the fireing pin. Maybe a 25 acp with long barrel would be fun to try.
Posts: 19739 | Location: wis | Registered: 21 April 2001
Only use heavy bullets in the 357 for deer, the light ones won't work well. No exit means no or little blood. 180's are the only way to go. It is better yet to go with a larger gun, but if you just have to with a 357, go with 180's and keep the shots to 50 yards or less.
Hollowpoints are for people shooting. You want a soft point bullet for penetrating hides. You don't generally have to worry about pass through and hitting the neighbor in her kitchen when you're hunting.
Big, heavy bullet . . . pushed as fast as possible. Still, .357 is a bit small for anything larger than deer.
------------------ PowderBurns Black Powder / Muzzle Loading Forum:
I'd personaly buy a 44 mag , or even better, a 45Colt and reload for it.
Nowdays you have to worry about the animal jumping a fence and becoming the "other guy's" animal. Even if you dont why not buy a hunting specific handgun ?
A fine Ruger can be had for cheap. Handgun hunting is Soooo much fun its a small investment for the joy to be had from stalking game with a good wheelgun........good shooting...........10
When I was stationed in NM, we lived in the mountains, rural acres, apple orchard and stream. I shot a mule deer buck at 20-25yds in my orchard, got in behind the shoulder with a 158gr Sierra JFN. That sucker ran a LONG ways. Finally found him the next morning several properties away. Nieghbor was anti-hunter, didn't help with relations when I had to drag it out past his house (gave grudging permission for me to get him out first).
Don't own a 357 anymore. Now it's 45 Long Colt, heavy bullets at max revs.
