I'm sort of tired of lugging my .44 mag Redhawk and would like to carry my .357 6-inch Ruger GP100 for a while. Any suggestions for a good .357 mag load for whitetails? Max distance 50 yards. Really prefer nothing more than 40 yard shots.

A 180 XTP over H110, jmho...

you could try some double tap 200gr. flat nose ammo! i have heard great things about them.

the 158 gr. to 180 gr. hollowpoints will down your game for you.

Just wondering....I already have some .357 158 gr. semi-wadcutters. Would these work at bowhunting distances? I don't handload and would have to buy commercial ammo.

those should work fine/they worked for several decades before the modern hollowpoint came along,just remember,just like bowhunting,its proper shotplacement that takes em down quick and thats with any caliber,I say that because some folks,my dad included,think that just because its a .357 mag or .44 mag ,it outta drop em like lightning,and of course thats a myth unless hit in the spine.

The 180gr XTP has worked fine on some rams I`ve taken and should perform likewise with you...

I also vote for the 180gr loads. Load a ton of them for my brother and he's dropped a pile of deer with them.

im new to the sport of handgun hunting . but for years i have hunted with a single shot rifle . so my primary game is deer . my question is the 357 magnum a good beginner deer round?

No! It leaves little room for error when placing shots. You'd be better off with a moderate .44 Magnum load that will punch a larger hole and place more energy on target.

thanks DAN i have owned a few handguns over the years but never one for hunting.i still have not baught one yet but a thompson looks good and the 44 has more options than the 357 mag so you just helped me make up my mind . i hope to be a long time handgun hunter as of now i hunt with a handy rifle in 270 and its short but not a handgun . the reason i want to use a handgun is that i live in east texas in the pineywoods the 44 mag would be great for heavy brush that i hunt in every year . again thanks.

If you are thinking of a TC then a .357 Maximum would be great! It's got WAY more snot than a Magnum but .38 Specials can still be fired for practice.

well thats true i owned a ruger security 6 357 mag years ago and it would have been a great hunting handgun if the barrel were longer.

Hey, I am from east texas also (Pittsburg). If you are interested in something a little bigger than a 44. I have a 480 ruger that I never shoot and would be willing to sell/ trade.

yea 44 mag will blow a big hole should be able to find a good blood trail i think i still have a box of black talons lol!!!!

How long of a barrel are you looking for? I just noticed your last post. I have a 6" security six that I will also be willing to sell/trade.

hey lance sounds good im like an hour or two from you i go thru there when i go hunting in oklahoma .just tell me what your asking or text me my #is 936-332-8815 will be after christmas before i can even think about it