I've read different opinions on the usefulness of the .357 mag for hunting. It seems most people don't feel it's enough. Specifically, I'd like to hear opinions on hunting black bears, deer and pigs with the .357. I've read pros and cons, but I'd like to hear from members here.

I have taken a few deer with a 6" 686. I stayed away from the lightweights. 160 gr hardcast Carrol and a stiff load of 2400. I try to hit at least 1 shoulder.... the bullets have always exited. All shots were under 50 yds. Shot placement is the key.

One bonus when useing hardcast is you can drive them 100-150fps faster than a copper jacketed bullet with equal pressures.

I know a guy who killed a blackbear with a 357, but the 44 mag class would be a better choice to break big bones. Heavy hardcast would be the prefered projectile.

With the proper shot placement within a range of 50 yards whitetail and small pigs no problem. For large pigs and critters that bite back I'd rather have my .480. The .357 Mag is a good tool if used within it's limitations, 158 grain and heavier bullets pushed as hard as possible.

I've taken wild boar with the 357 mag and even more boars with the 357 sig which is the equivalent cartridge for auto pistols. I use the federal premium ammo. It isn't the best choice when it comes to power, but I practice plenty with my 357 sig auto pistol and the 357 magnum revolver. The light recoil and hours of practice have helped me place the shot where need be. These cartridges can put out over 500 fpe from the muzzle, and since I keep most of my shots within 25 yards, it is plenty to take down most game up to 300 pounds. The biggest hog I've killed with the 357s was 250 pounds and only took one shot at 30 yards. I've hunted with hunters that have taken even bigger ones with this cartridge. So , is it the best option,,no,,but it certainly is possible to be successful with this cartridge if used at the proper range and good shot placement.

I could not have said it any better.

You may take a deer with some hot Corbon or Buffalo Bore specialty loads, but no matter how you slice it, the .357 is on the shady side of adequate. Truth be told, I don't want to be standing beside you if you used it on bear or wild pig. Pistol range is close range, something goes wrong and there's not a lot of back up punch to a .357 to get you out of trouble. Works great for coyote and small game though. Now, put those same loads into a lever action carbine or a single shot rifle and the .357 WILL do what most people THINK it will do from a pistol. It's that extra 3-400 FPS that makes all the difference.

D'Keyman Non Sibi Sed Patriae (Not Self But Country)

I'm glad I waited till this AM to post as keyman stated my point perfectly! My brother has a M94AE Trapper Carbine in .357 Magnum. I load it with HARD 180gr Penn cast bullets and a stiff shot of Lil'Gun. Three years ago he shot a doe with this gun/load combo and put four holes in her with one bullet. The was sharply quartering away and looking back over her hips. It entered just ahead of the near side ham, exited ahead of the offside ham, back into the chest cavity of the offside, and exited the neck shoulder junction of the same side it originally entered! Wish I'da had a straight stick long enough to slide through all the holes and take a pic. It was neat!!

Would I try that with a handgun.....maybe a 14" Contender barrel loaded hot but even that would be touchy.

well i dont want to sound like a recording, those fellas have told you what they think, some said no, some said maybe, me, i'm sayin that if thats what you got and you feel comfortable shootin' it, then rember what ole clint eastwood said..."a man has got to know his limitations" and get out there and bring home some fresh meat to prove it can be done. good luck.

Or get a 357 Max in a revolver. Mine brings the revolver up to the carbine performance. I have succesfully harvested 13 deer with a Dan Wesson Maximum.

Put the bullet in the right place and it will work. Some will drop sooner....some later as long as its put in the right place.

Nothing can make up for bullet placement!! Shooting a deer with a 22-250 is very doable, but I wouldn't take anything but a head shot! When my Dad hunts with his 375 he takes the same type of shot. Just my person preference though.

Duane

Great discussion! I read this forum quite extensively before I took my 357 into the woods for deer. I found some federal Premium cast core rounds in 180 grain and I found 180 grain Jacketed hollow points from Winchester Supreme. I shot my first deer this year with this gun. I took both loads to the range and found they shot exactly the same at 50 yards. So again after a lot of research on bullet type, I loaded both rounds. I lead off with the cast core and followed it up with the hollow point. I only loaded 5 of the six chambers for safety so I had three cast cores and two hollow points. My first shot with the cast core was considerably off, I hit her in the back ham. However, at 45 yards, that bullet hit the deer hard. she took two steps to the side and didn't run. I could tell she was stunned. Well I shot her a second time with the hollow point. This shot was on the money, a little high, but I got a clean pass through with a bottle cap sized exit wound in the meat and a hand sized area of hide missing on the otherside. I could have been more patien and let her bleed out, but in the excitement of my first pistol deer, I shot her again. I posted the story a few days ago. At any rate, I will be taking the 357 into the woods again in January for our illinois late winter doe hunt. The only thing I am changing is the order of my rounds. I will beleading off with the hollow point and backing it up with the cast core.
So for Deer I know the 357 is gun enough with the right round and I would say at a max of 60 yards. as far as bear and hogs, well I have not had the opportunity to hunt those so I can't offer any credible opinion.