357 deer

Varmintmist

Assume that the deer in my area have not grown body armor and fangs and are still pretty much the same as pre 44 mag when the 357 was considered a effective whitetail handgun cartridge, what would one load for it? I have about 3/4 box of factory Win 158gr FP loaded, some lead reloads, some 125gr factory, and most of a 500 count box of Golden Saber bullets. Unique, and IMR 4227, and 150 once fired cases.

Its all stuff that I had around since I had the revolver before, and stuff that I loaded for the wifes SP101.

I am planning to take a deer with the 32 Spl, first. If I get one in rifle, I hold a tag for flintlock, however, since the 357 is now here, the thinker has been clicking.

bullsi1911

I'd go 158 gr flat points if they shoot well

twa

What grain are the golden sabers? Heavier the better in my book.

snake284

twa wrote: »

What grain are the golden sabers? Heavier the better in my book.

I believe that jacketed Hollow point 158 grains are about as effective as a .357 gets out to about 50 yards. Least wise out of my 8 3/8" S&W barrel.

twa

snake284 wrote: »

I believe that jacketed Hollow point 158 grains are about as effective as a .357 gets out to about 50 yards. Least wise out of my 8 3/8" S&W barrel.

Yep, golden sabers if their 158's.

Zee

I have 2 handguns in .357 Mag I'll be using for deer this year. A 6" with 158gr XTP and a 10" with180gr XTP

i think with 140gr and above, you'll be fine within the velocity threshold of the bullet.

Varmintmist

Pretty sure the GS's are 125gr. I will try to get more dust off the box to get a look. IF I could get the velocity out of them, say 2Kish FPS, I would have no heartache using them seeing what a 125 gr HP out of the 30-30 does @2200. If I get a few min this weekend, I will see if I remember how to shoot this thing.

Bigslug

I'll eventually be casting a 160 grain WFN, or may just continue to roll with Elmer's 173 grain semi wadcutter on a hot-charged .38 case, but any good 158 JFP should do admirably.

NN

170 or 180 gr bullets.

HAWKEN

I agree with most, heavier is better. My load is 17 grains of H110, over a hard cast, wheel weights, 158 grain WFNGC. They weigh 160 + with the gas checks.......robin

JasonMPD

Have they been drinking from the toxic EPA water spill out west? Those mutants may need .50BMG incendiaries before long...

Lerchess

cpj wrote: »

I'd use the GS no matter what. Why?
SCIENCE!
It's a "defensive" type bullet. We need data.

The GS works very well on deer out of a .45.

I will be using the Barnes Vortx out of the Rossi this year.