Who uses the 357 Magnum for Deer & Hog?

I purchased a new stainless 6" Ruger GP 100 today. The gun is very very accurate right out of the box with iron sights!! I'm thinking about using it on deer & hog with the heavy loads offered from Buffalo Bore. Anybody out there strictly use the 357 for their go to gun?

I have used one on deer and it worked fine and we have better bullets now. My bride uses a S&W mod.19 six inch and H&R rifle rechambered 357max for all her hunting.The max only for black bear. She shoots stright and gets what she shoots at but our Sitka deer are kind of small.

If a 357 was all I owned I would not hesitate using it on deer and hogs. I would be using heavy xtp's or WFNGC bullets. If it is accurate and you can place your shot there is nothing wrong with that round.

Frosty are you getting rid of your 44 all ready,hope not

Strictly use, no...the others would get jealous!

But I have had good success as of late with the 140 gr Barnes XPB out of my 9" Freedom Arms (last 15 months - 2 whitetails, one hog, and a mouflon). Previously I have used 158 XTP's and 158 JHP's out of 6 and 8 3/8" 686's for both deer and hogs alike.

Next up on deck for informal testing will be the 180 gr Partitions and 140 gr Cutting Edge bullets

I'm fairly new to the 357 world, but so far its performed without flaw....




The'Yote was shot at 125 yards with a 180gr Nosler Partition and the doe at 85 yards with same bullet. Had complete penetration on both.

Seak,
I'm not getting rid of the SBH, I was just so impressed with the accuracy of the GP100 it's hard not to wont to hunt with it!!

Just curious as to which load you have tried that is the most accurate? Thanks

Todd,
I have only fired 50 rounds of cheap Independence 130 Grn. FMJ 38 Special & 50 rounds of Speer 125 grain Gold Dot 357. I wouldn't hunt any big game with these factory loads but great for plinking or varmints. My GP100 loves them!! I plan on picking up some 150's and 180 grain loads this weekend to see how she likes the heavier bullets.

KRal,
Great pics and nice harvest! Thanks for sharing.

I wouldn't feel undergunned if I had to. But not my goto.

Those light bullets can add to cutting on your forcing cone and even top strap. JMOFO but best to stick with 158gr and up with the 357. Of course it can take a lot of rounds through the gun to do it.

Would shooting 38 special cause the same?

The Special doesn't generate that much velocity. I wouldn't really worry about it in the 357 either unless you are running a steady diet of light pills with max charges.

I have not seen it myself mybe others have.Like all duel round magnum chambers if you shoot a box of 38spec say and then try the 357 it can get sticky on the brass from the crud left in the chambers from the shorter shells.

It is a good idea to clean that up before shooting the longer cases, especially if you are pushing the envelope with your magnums.

Thanks for the reminder!!

Fired several rounds of the Federal 158 grain JSP this afternoon. The GP was once again stellar in the accuracy department!

Were those the American Eagle loads?

Kudos on the GP. Somebody's got the Ruger bug. You would not be disappointed w/some heavier stuff for hogs & deer. Since your familiar w/autos. When your done getting those revolvers the way you want them try a 10mm. It just adds to the fun factor! I posted on your 44 thread but another source for just about a perfect action job would be "Actions by T". Teddy is just a whiz on the action of anything! He's done 4 for me.

Yes, my GP really loves them.

Thanks

I started my handgun hunting with a Dan Wesson 15- 8" barrel vented heavy in .357 Mag. I bought 5 boxes of Remington 158grn JHP. I took several whitetail with it, setting on the ground and from a tree stand in the 80's before getting a Contender. I would carry my 54 cal flintlock longrifle during our modern firearms season with the .357 in my shoulder holster for shots behind me or where I could'nt swing the 42" barrel of the smokepole.
Never had a deer walk off from the 158grn JHP's. I still have about two boxes of that ammo remaining and will continue to use it in that pistol.
Mike