what about the .357 mag for deer? It is legal in our state, but is it a good choice with buffalo bore heavy magnum ammo??
Thanks for any Ideas Dave

I would be using a ruger gp100 with a 6" barrel

That gun & ammo is certainly capeable of handling deer if you limit your distance, it doesn't have a big margin of error but will absolutely get the job done at medium distances 50-60 yds. Shoot them with confidence.

Dick

If you have the confidence to put 'em where they'll do the most damage, the tool will do the job. I have that same revolver and it is a sweet shooter, but I prefer a forty-something in the deer woods.

Thats what I'm carrying right now, a 357 mag S&W with a 2x scope. Been hoping to get an opportunity at a doe within 35 yds, but up until now, no opp's. Keep your shots close.

The .357 is fine for deer if used properly. Most does around here are 75-100lbs tops. Bucks may go to 160lbs or so.
Either way, the .357 does it within 40 or so yards, with a proper bullet. I never used anything but regular 158gr JSP ammo, picked my shots behind the shoulder. No problems.
Be all of this as it may, I also chose a larger caliber.
Mainly because, when handgun hunting, you have limited shots due to range. I chose to up the ante to my favor, with a caliber/bullet, that can punch deeper through all angles.

Some things that I have noticed over the years:
When talking home defense, a 357 is often highly regarded as
a manstopper.
If you mention a 22lr, you get scoffed at and ridiculed at
how underpowered it is.

When talking deer hunting, a 357 is often scoffed at and ridiculed as being too small.
If you mention a 22lr, you get stories of all the large game
effectively killed with it.

Weird.

Loaded properly and placed right, why not?

I think it would work fine close. but if your really in to hand gun hunting i would trad up 41 44 45 will really do a better job just my opinon.

A 357 mag is all I hunt with these days. A scoped 357 mag from a good rest with at least a 158 gr JSP or better will get the job done easily out to 100 yards. A bad hit is a bad hit even with a high powered rifle so put them in the boiler room and you'll have venison in the freezer. As far as power goes at 100 yards, my 10 inch 357 mag Contender shoots through 1/4 inch steel plate at that distance with 158 gr JSP's. If you're confident at taking a shot at 50 or 60 yards with a 6 inch revolver you'll be fine.