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357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please #72102 07/07/2010 6:07 AM
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284Shooter Offline OP
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Hi guys, newbie to the forum.

Been shooting my old 6 inch Python for about 35 yrs and shot IHMSA silhouette for many years so I'm comfortable in my ability with a handgun.

However a recent stroke has left me unable to use my left arm which rules out rifle hunting.

BTW, I have a self imposed limit of 50/60 yard shots on deer.


Recently I have been shooting a 180gr.SWC cast bullet over a heavy load of 2400 which has been very accurate.

Your thoughts on this combination as well as the Hornady XTP and other jacketed bullets along with opinions on the 357 for deer hunting in general are welcomed.


Thanx 284

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: 284Shooter] #72108 07/07/2010 2:29 PM
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Warren Offline
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Sorry to hear about your stroke.
I use to hunt with a 44mag for deer because all the magazines said that is what you needed. I really didn't like the 44 so I tried my 6.5" Ruger Blackhawk in .357mag and have taken 3 NY whitetails with it. I was using factory 158gr jsp.
Last winter I took a 130lb russian boar using 180gr hard cast from Double Tap ammunition. I use a 40yd limit due to my limited ability to hit anything past that with open sights.

Last edited by Warren; 07/12/2010 5:45 PM.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Warren] #72110 07/07/2010 2:48 PM
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johnwilliams Offline
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Any of the jacketed bullets from 140 gr.on up will work well.The .357 mag. works great on deer,I've noticed a few of the old time sixgunners talking about trying the .357 mag for deer hunting now that their getting older and their joints just can't take a lot of the recoil anymore of the bigger guns/one of these fellas said this in "The Sixgunner".I personally haven't used the 180SWC so I won't speak on that,but I use the Sierra 140 hollowcavity on deer and it has worked great on the dozen or so deer that I've taken with it.I hope your recovering well and I'll be praying for you-johnw.


H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: johnwilliams] #72111 07/07/2010 3:10 PM
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Nothing at all wrong with a .357. The only gripe I have ever had with it is you need the right bullet choice for deer. Watch out for the ones that open too fast made for defense or those too tough for expansion in deer.
Listen to those with many deer kills for the proper boolit.

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: 430man] #72112 07/07/2010 3:14 PM
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minnesotahunter Offline
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Welcome to the forum!!
Great bunch of guys here, and always generous with advice. You'll find your answer from someone.

Good luck hunting.

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: johnwilliams] #72113 07/07/2010 3:14 PM
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sixshot Offline
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There is very little room for error with a 357 maggie on deer but it will certainly work, I've taken them using the 150 gr Sierra JHC & the Keith #358429 cast slug.
You need 3 things on game animals, a good bullet, bullet placement & bullet penetration......dead deer, everytime!

Dick

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: sixshot] #72117 07/07/2010 3:42 PM
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Russell Offline
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Several species of game were taken with it when it first came out in the 30's, most with a LSWC, 158 grs. Don't think the critters have gotten any tougher since that time. As a former competitor you know you have to burn a lot of powder to stay consistant and in the winner's circle. Same with handgunning deer or any other game, make a lot of 'smoke', keep your range reasonable and you'll fill you tags. JMO.

Last edited by 1948ER; 07/07/2010 3:43 PM.

It's not the gun, but the man behind it.

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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Russell] #72128 07/08/2010 12:32 AM
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RickyP Offline
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a 357 mag will most certenly kill a deer but as stated you have little wiggle room, and have to watch what bullets used and range.

deer are not overly tough animals to kill an you could kill one with a 22 long rifle but it wouldnt be my first chioce.

If you can try and go up in bullet size try a 41 magnum or a 44 special. bigger bullets that expand make bigger holes in the deer and more blood

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: RickyP] #72136 07/08/2010 3:47 AM
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cfish2 Offline
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I have taken 6 deer here in NC with my SBH in 357mag. ^.5 inch barrel. I use 158 and 180gr hard cast gas checked ammo from Cast performance bullets. I have never had one run more then 30 yards.


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: cfish2] #72283 07/12/2010 12:04 AM
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doglake1 Offline
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Not trying to open a can of worms, but, is a bonded bullet, SJHP at 158 grains, any disadvantage vs. a 180 grain HC? Assuming factory loads? Will the deer (at my max of 60 yards) even know any different? Also assuming a well placed shot.

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: doglake1] #72292 07/12/2010 2:22 AM
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Lone Eagle Offline
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What is everyone's shot placement on deer with the 357 Mag?

Shoulder shot?

Rib cage shot?

What weight bullet for each.

I ounce read a magazine article that said a 125 gr. hollow point works great in a rib cage shot.

Just interested in everyone's input.


Jeff

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Lone Eagle] #72306 07/12/2010 1:23 PM
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johnwilliams Offline
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Lungs/ribcage shot.If using one of the hardcast bullets or Hornady 180 gr. hollowpoints,you could put it right through the shoulders.I shot anice 12pt. (dressed weight 185lbs.) years ago with the Federal 180 gr hollowpoint right through his left hip angling forward which went through the lungs punched through the shoulder and almost exited with the bullet clinging to some of the hide and this was a shot at 30 yards.I currently use the Sierra 140 gr.hollowcavity which has worked very well on the dozen/deer that it has taken. By-the-way,the twelve pt. only went 20 yards and dropped.


H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Lone Eagle] #72308 07/12/2010 1:39 PM
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SChunter Offline
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Jeff,

With my .357's on deer, I prefer the same shot I choose for my arrow placement - behind the shoulder.

I use 158 and 180 gr XTP's and limit my shots to under 50 yards.

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Lone Eagle] #72309 07/12/2010 1:55 PM
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s4s4u Offline
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I always aim for the boiler room. I hate butchering blown up front shoulders ;-)


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: doglake1] #72317 07/12/2010 5:22 PM
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cottonstalk Offline
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If you can find them Nosler partitions work well.Wiedners had some last I checked.


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: cottonstalk] #72321 07/12/2010 6:41 PM
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I have taken 13 deer with the 357 Max revolver and the 158gr SJHP and never lost a one. All but one were in the vitals just behind the shoulder. The exception was when the bullet hit the edge of a sapling I didn't see and the bullet elevated from the ribs and hit a large doe in the spine right behind the front shoulders. She dropped like a rock. I had to slit her throat to finish her. I was lucky that day.


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Tigger] #72322 07/12/2010 7:09 PM
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Your load should work just fine. JHPs in the ribs; cast through the shoulders.
Right bullet + right placement = meat everytime.


I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a handgun today.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: bisleyfan44] #72347 07/13/2010 4:33 PM
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Thanks for the input everyone.

Jeff

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Lone Eagle] #72351 07/13/2010 7:57 PM
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284, I began my handgun hunting of whitetail using my Colt Python and Winchesters 158gr JHP ammo. That was one of the factory loads that Dick Metcalf, who is a big 357 fan for deer,
recommended in his articles a number of years ago.As the members have stated above "put the bullet in the right place for in and out penetration and you`ll collect your deer"....I see your shooting history so I know of your ability to place the bullet so the the only thing left for me to say is "good luck and good hunting".....James


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: jamesfromjersey] #72367 07/14/2010 12:28 AM
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Scharms Offline
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I have an acquaintance who dropped a doe last fall with a .357 handloaded w/a 125 gr. XTP. BUT, the deer was within 20 yards of his treestand. I would imagine that a 170-180 gr. load could do the same at slightly longer ranges...


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: Scharms] #72368 07/14/2010 1:46 AM
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I personally think the 125 gr.hollowpoints are on the lightside,they'll work on lung shots but I would worry about them for any shot that might potentially stray.


H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: johnwilliams] #136012 09/26/2013 7:14 PM
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I have never deer hunted with a .357 Mag revolver. My comments would relate to compensation for the stroke. A barrel to butt sling would stabilize across the shoulders. A single point with small strap over barrel might help free standing shots. Good luck and God bless on your therapy and recovery.

Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: 284Shooter] #136025 09/27/2013 1:37 AM
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284,

Lots of good information provided for your here. Here is my two cents.

I have had good results with the 158 grain FP-XTP behind the shoulder. I like a 180 or so grain WFN cast better. It can take out the shoulders (a shot which I personally like) and my experience with the several deer I have shot with this bullet has been bang-flop. The cast bullet will also get the job done behind the shoulder. I shot a big bodied buck last year through-and-through the lungs because it was the only shot opportunity I had. The exit hole was half-dollar size. Not the best blood trail (which can be a knock on this type of bullet) for the first 30 yards but he only ran 40 yards. The blood pressure is going to drop precipitously with gaping holes in the lungs.

So, I personally like the heavy cast bullet, because I firmly believe it gives me more options to take an ethical shot.

I am glad the hunting fires are still burning and I hope the Python strikes this year.


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TCScout] #136026 09/27/2013 1:40 AM
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Here's a line from a post I submitted awhile back about hunting with a 357.
"So, I found a S&W 586 under the tree just before my 17th birthday. I hunted with that gun and killed a doe with it the first year. Then.....I shot the biggest buck I had ever shot at that time "or since" with the 357, and lost it to another hunter who was hunting 300 yards away with a rifle. I shot the deer in the neck, which was the only shot that he presented me, and missed the spine. I was heart broken! I even got the bullet out of his neck when the guy dressed him out! So that's when I abandoned the 357 mag and got a real gun. I've been a 44 or larger guy ever since!"


Dyin' aint much of a livin'...is it boy?
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TOBY458] #136028 09/27/2013 1:54 AM
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Gents, great comments!

Please realize that this thread was revitalized from 2010 and half the people that were involved are no longer regulars on the forum.

Duane


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TCTex.] #136029 09/27/2013 1:59 AM
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Good point. I haven't posted in a while and should pay more attention.


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TCScout] #136031 09/27/2013 2:21 AM
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Ha man, I am glade you are so admitted about this topic!!

I think the 357 is a great round and has its limitations just like any other caliber. IMHO, you can choose a bad load for the 44 Mag which could result in the loss of your quarry. I am just glad people are opinionated about being selective of components for any caliber.

This caught my attention because I am currently working with my Dad's 10in Contender barrel in 357 Mag. LOL Ironically, I am loading a 200gr RCBS cast Hollow Point "rifle bullet" around 1350 over 14gr of 2400. I am just taking advantage of the extended OAL that can be obtained in the TC barrel.


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TOBY458] #136035 09/27/2013 2:30 AM
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s4s4u Offline
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 Quote:
shot the deer in the neck, which was the only shot that he presented me


To assume a better result with an equally poorly placed shot simply due to a larger diameter projectile doesn't seem prudent.


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: s4s4u] #136036 09/27/2013 2:33 AM
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Well Rod, we don't know what load he shot it with either...


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TCTex.] #136038 09/27/2013 3:27 AM
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s4s4u Offline
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 Quote:
So that's when I abandoned the 357 mag and got a real gun. I've been a 44 or larger guy ever since!"


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: s4s4u] #136053 09/27/2013 2:10 PM
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I was shooting CCI Lawman ammo. 158 gr HP. And it it true that perhaps a bigger gun would have shared the same result, but even with well placed shots, the 357 has little immediate effect on big game. Where as a 44 or larger seems to have much more of a visible effect on them. Not to mention a bigger hole and better blood trail. I'm not knocking the use of a 357 on deer sized game at all. I just know from experience that there are better choices. Heck I've killed deer with a 22 pistol, so who am I to judge? We have a deer tracking business, and track 30-50 deer on average per year. The majority of those deer are still alive when we find them. My gun of choice for this is a 22 mag rifle. One shot through the lungs is all it takes. But in a hunting situation, you don't have a dog to keep the deer in one place until it dies.


Dyin' aint much of a livin'...is it boy?
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TOBY458] #136093 09/28/2013 2:43 AM
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TCTex. Offline
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FWIW, this deer was shot with a 300 whisper... Doc- AKA WVHitman - shot this deer with a 240gr at 1100sih fps.

There are different applications involved, I am just trying to say don't write off the 357 Mag...

129 yds.,240 gr. Sierra HPBT, .300 Whisper. Walked about 10 yds, dropped. Never knew "He" was there



Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TCTex.] #136095 09/28/2013 12:55 PM
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TC Tex

I just bought a 300aac barrel for my contender with an aac cyclone suppressor. I did some research and found Outlaw State bullets. They are designed for subsonic hunting. Do you have any experience with them? I bought a box of them but haven't shot any game with them yet.


Dyin' aint much of a livin'...is it boy?
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TOBY458] #136100 09/28/2013 5:45 PM
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My friend, I have no idea. If those are the high dollar bullets that I think they might be, Doc has said the work great.

Go ahead and start a new thread on the topic and ask. There are quite a few shooters here that might know.

Duane


Democracy is two wolves and a lamb deciding what to have for dinner. Liberty is a well armed lamb
Benjamin Franklin
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TOBY458] #136107 09/29/2013 1:19 AM
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s4s4u Offline
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 Quote:
I just know from experience that there are better choices.


I'll not argue that. I prefer a 45, but would not feel impotent with my GP. I have witnessed deer hit in the neck or high ribs with magnum rifles run forever so there are no guarantees.


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: s4s4u] #136127 09/29/2013 3:17 PM
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jamesfromjersey Offline
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 Originally Posted By: s4s4u
 Quote:
shot the deer in the neck, which was the only shot that he presented me


To assume a better result with an equally poorly placed shot simply due to a larger diameter projectile doesn't seem prudent.

158gr Win.JHP from Colt Python did the job....


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Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: jamesfromjersey] #136144 09/30/2013 2:40 AM
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s4s4u Offline
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;\)


Rod, too.

Short cuts often lead to long recoveries.
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: s4s4u] #136164 09/30/2013 8:45 PM
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johnwilliams Offline
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with lung shot placement(this is the placement I use with all my guns)the deer I have shot with my .357 mag have all gone done quickly,just as quickly as my bigger calibers...I have seen deer shot with rifles and slug guns get away and die lingering deaths due to iffy shots,i.e. neck shots,paunch ect. if I had read only and not seen the results of the .357 mag on deer I would have doubts on using it but as they say the "proof is in the pudding"


H.H.I.#8190 Colossians 1:17 And He is before all things,and by Him all things consist!
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: johnwilliams] #136169 09/30/2013 9:44 PM
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I shot a doe with a 45 acp over this past weekend. A perfect lung shot with a 230 gr Double Tap JHP. She ran approximately 75 yds and fell. I suspect similar shot placement with A 357 would've given similar results. I guess I just like big bullet holes better than medium ones..lol! I give up on yall!
\:\)


Dyin' aint much of a livin'...is it boy?
Re: 357 Magnum For Deer Opinions Please [Re: TOBY458] #136211 10/02/2013 3:07 PM
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My only problem with hunting with the 357 is that the high pressure round hurts my ears more; in a hunting situation in which I don't have ear protection. Thus the reason I went from hot 357s to mid range 45 colts. The 357 worked just fine though.

Last edited by Scienceguy; 10/02/2013 10:17 PM.
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