I know it is a long time before next deer season but I believe in getting ready early. I took my Ruger Blackhawk out to the shooting range yesterday to work on sighting it in and trying which factory load to focus on for deer hunting next season.

I shot three different loads Barnes 140 gr XPB HP, Grizzly 180 gr lead fp and Buffalo Bore 158 gr JHC. They all grouped well and all shot close to point of aim hitting close to the same spot on the target.

That being said which would make a better deer load? I was also wondering what is the difference in the Buffalo Bore HC and a Hornady XTP HP?

One other question is about their trajectory. The loads are hitting on at 25 yards and about 2 inches high at 50 yards. Where would they hit at 75 and 100 yards?

Thanks for your help.

I use a 158 JHP for deer, XTP. Deer aren't all that tough to penetrate and I like some expansion with the little maggie. Of those you listed, I'd be inclined to try the Barnes. I have heard some good things about them.

Are you shooting irons or optic?

I am shooting a Ultra Dot 25 mm and love it. The Barnes load is shooting a 1" three shot group at 25 yards. That is with me sitting in my hunting chair and propping on my legs so it could tighten some off of sand bags.

I use that same sight on my Bisley 45. In my experience, if 2" high @ 50 it should be close to zero @ 100. Hornady has a nice little ballistic calculator on their website, if you know the velocity and BC of the bullet you can dial it in. It would still be a good idea to check it on target to be certain, before taking to the field.

Thanks for the info. Also one of the reasons I have the Ultra Dot 25 mm on my Blackhawk is because you recommended it to me on this site several months ago.

Oh yeah, I remember that conversation. Glad it is working out for you. I like the compact size and the FOV isn't a concern with a red dot.

Can anyone tell me the difference between the 158 gr sjhc bullet that Buffalo Bore uses in the 357 loading and a Hornady 158 gr XIP? Which bullet is tougher?

I have never used .357 magnum on game but have done extensive bullet testing. The best .357 bullet in my experience so far is the 180gr XTP. Just great performance - but again, only in wet news print.

It's 300gr .44 big brother is what I would use for deer and other ungulates up to at least red stag, if not elk or the like.

Never used BB sjhc. I have used xtp's several times and plan on using them some more.