I was going to quote that as well SCHunter!

I am currently looking for a good 357 mold for my Dad's 10in 357 Mag Contender barrel. Just like the 41cal's, it is hard to find a good bullet with a GC...

For 100-200 # game I am using 240 XTP for 1st round and 240 Gold Dot for following shot(s). Assumption is that I have enough time for 1st shot and good (for situation) shot placement so I like softer XTP. For following shot(s) I need deeper penetration so I prefer Gold Dot. Lead bullets are not option for me because they can damage my Desert Eagle

I thought deer are bullet proof or some may wear kevlar ! Armor piercing rounds will only work

I echo the statement to shoot whatever 240 grn. or heaver bullet that shoots the best in your gun. Try different loads and brands
and use what shoots best.Bullet placement is everything no matter what bullet you shoot
Have fun, shoot straight,
GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I killed a deer last year with the 240 speer gold dot out of ruger sbh with a 4 5/8" barrel. Everything worked well. I had a a good blood trail and the deer didn't go far.

I also have a ruger 77/44. If I shoot into water jugs, the gold dots blow apart into several pieces. All the pedals break off, and you are left with a lead slug.

When I have shot the 240 xtp through the rifle. I get a bullet that holds together with case seperation sometimes. The xtp expandes really wide, so I don't know how well it would hold together hitting bones. No doubt it will kill a deer, but from everything that I've seen, gold dots are softer than xtp bullets, kind of. The xtp flattens out more like it's softer. The gold dot's core is like hard cast, but the petals and jacket break apart if you push them very hard.

In a handgun, you'll be fine with either. In a handgun, I lean more towards the gold dots. In the rifle, I like either the barnes copper bullets or winchester white box jsp. They hold together really well at higher velocities. I know this a handgun forum, so please excuse my rifle talk.