would like to hunt deer what 357 wheel gun would work and barrel size, iam in ala wooded areas 50 yds. thanks and yes all else i would need to know an thanks again

I would recommend going with a 41, 44 or 45 over the 357 but if you have your heart set on one then I would go with either a Ruger Blackhawk or the Smith and Wesson 686 and if your using factory ammo I'd go with Winchester Partition Gold. I would not go with any shorter than a 6" barrel. Like I said I think the other cartridges would serve you better, especially the 44 because of the increase in power, wide variety of factory ammo and reloading components and the ability to drop to 44 special loads if your recoil sensitive and honestly I'd take a 44 special over a 357 for deer hunting any day.

I agree with wapitirod!! If you really want a 357 it will work at closer ranges, but the bigger calibers will serve you better. I have a 357 that I pack while I'm hunting, but its only for that alway's troublesome finishing shot. Also colorado won't let you hunt with such a small caliber. They have power resriction's.

Lars

You can look around for a used S&W Model 28 as well. Get a supply of Lyman 358429s or a 180 grain LBT LFN style bullet, presuming you reload or will be, and put them through the shoulders so your deer don't run very far. A good charge of WW296 or H110 will get you where you need to be velocity wise.

I haven't met a deer yet that could read an energy table. Elmer Keith and John Taylor had little use for them; nor do I.

If your heart is set on a .357, then a 10" T/C Contender,a 6 1/2" Ruger Blackhawk, 6" Ruger GP 100, a minimum 6" barreled S&W of any model, or even a 6" minimum barrel length Colt will all prove adequate in the woods at distances you describe, if you can shoot. I recommend full power loads using only 158-180 gr. bullets. I personally prefer hollow points, but have given up on trying to convince anyone else on that topic. Other models of handguns like the rare discontinued .357 Ruger Redhawks and the Freedom Arms are outstanding, but probably won't be considered by a beginner, due to their cost.

What would be the arguement against HP's? I use XTP's in most of my "normal" handguns, except the 357 Max which moves too fast for them. I know of the point many make about breaking down an animal with a hard cast but I prefer to shoot for the vitals and leave some useable meat on the shoulders. No need to try to convince me about HP's, I'm a believer ;-)

For the original poster, I'd also recommend a .41 Mag over the 357. It has only a little more recoil, and ballistics right with the 44 Mag. The only downside is availability of factory hunting ammo at you local hardware store but that shouldn't be an issue. The 357 Mag is capable with a well placed shot behind the front leg, but there is little room for error. JMO.

garyo here 357 cause i could train w/38 spec hunt w/357,5-6 inch barrel was what ihad in mind. the 44 cost lots to train with, i agree w/ its power. thanks for the help

If price is important, look for used Rugers. I just picked up a .357 stainless Bisley for $300. And normally, a negligent owner can't really hurt a Ruger, especially stainless ones. Also, it seems that right now alot of folks are trading in their single action guns for more modern pistols, because they think they will soon be unavailable. S&W's are nice, but darn expensive, even used. Also, I still can't let go of the deal they made with the Clinton Administration several years ago. Get the Ruger & take the $$ you save between its price & a S&W to buy ammo to practice with. Try American Eagle 158 gr soft points.

that was when they were owned by the Brits and is why they are now under American ownership again, they also now own Thompson Center.

IMHO you'd be better suited with a bigger caliber however if that 357 is what your heart desires,another vote for 180gr Nosler Partitions

I won't buy a new S&W revolver due to that silly lock on the side of the frame. I'm not enamored with the newer Rugers for the similar lock on the hammer spring strut, but I can remove that.

For advice on a hunting 357....500WE said it all.

I hunt with a ruger blackhawk bisley with a 7 1/2 in. barrel. I hunt small game and coyotes here in Wisconsin. This gun is great. I shoot a speer 158 gr. hp. with 6.3 gr. of green dot powder. This is not a power load but it gets the job done. It also does not blow the coyotes apart. I hunt for the hides. If you reload, you can taylor your loads to the gun to get the best accuracy. Have fun with your .357mag. Dennis.