357 magnum for Deer
#176217
12/11/2016 1:18 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
saltydog
OP
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2 |
This is my First post so I apologize in advance if I have put it the wrong place or anything.
I have searched put can not find a lot of info regarding handgun hunting with (deer/hogs) with a 357 Magnum. It seems everyone has gravitated towrads the 44s 454 460, rife cartridges ect.. And i i no way jugest that they are not great for the task at hand. But Years ago before I left home for the Navy I had a scoped TC contender and a ruger blackhawk(open sights) I killed deer with both at least once shooting just whatever ammo the local X-Mart had in a green or white box. Both of those firearms have long gone away , however I keep coming across really nice ruger Blackhawks for sale in 357 and at good price and was contemplating picking one up and scoping it. I hand load all my ammo, so developing a good load for the purpose shouldn't be any problem... Any input, suggestions , or experience will be appreciated Thanks
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: saltydog]
#176218
12/11/2016 2:10 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
saltydog, Welcome! I have limited experience with the .357 mag, but what experience I do have tells me it is very capable of taking medium sized thin skinned game. All you need is a quality constructed bullet designed for hunting and place it where it counts. Here's a few critters taken with the .357 mag... All these were taken with a 180gr Nosler Partition (discontinued) using a max charge of H110. A comparable bullet on the market today is the Swift A-Frame; it's basically the same bullet. A quality wide flat nosed cast bullet would also work. Some have good luck with the 180gr Hornady XTP.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: Ernie]
#176220
12/11/2016 2:24 PM
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512
Ernie
Distinguished Master
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Distinguished Master
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 5,512 |
Saltydog, Welcome to the forum!
Ernie the Un-Tactical
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: KRal]
#176221
12/11/2016 3:18 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
saltydog,
Welcome! I have limited experience with the .357 mag, but what experience I do have tells me it is very capable of taking medium sized thin skinned game. All you need is a quality constructed bullet designed for hunting and place it where it counts. Here's a few critters taken with the .357 mag... What he said! Just this doe and a 250ish pound boar.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: Zee]
#176222
12/11/2016 3:56 PM
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Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2
saltydog
OP
stranger
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OP
stranger
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2 |
Thanks everyone , bullet choices xtp , cast or swift a frame in the 180 gr range is what I was initially thinking or maybe a barnes bullet ...thoughts?
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: saltydog]
#176223
12/11/2016 4:04 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
I've used the 158 & 180gr Hornady XTP with great accuracy and terminal performance so far.
Going to use some 180gr WFN-PB next. Just for science n
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: Zee]
#176227
12/11/2016 4:49 PM
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020
tradmark
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 3,020 |
I prefer the swift and put it at the top of the charts but my cousin used that new lehigh defense xtreme penetrator with really really good results. It does penetrate but seems to do significantly more damage than a standard solid based on the first use. I think theyre expensive but worth a look.
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: tradmark]
#176230
12/11/2016 7:08 PM
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Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836
Whitworth
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 9,836 |
Placement still trumps all else. Deer aren't particularly hard to kill as long as you do your part and your bullet offers enough penetration to reach the vitals.
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: Whitworth]
#176234
12/11/2016 9:41 PM
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746
cherokeetracker
old hand
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old hand
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 746 |
Ssltydog,, Welcome to the forum and please do not doubt the 357magnum. Good shot placement is the key. The second thing to consider in purchase would be to stay with a 6" barrel or longer. A good S&W is a lot of fun. 6-8 3/4" barrels yeehaw. I do have an old 3 screw Blackhawk and can say that they were not that accurate. But let one of the good single action smiths do a little work on that base pin and make it a lot more accurate. Even with no work done to one, you can still be pretty good with one, Ammo can range from the jacketed offerings as posted or go to a cast lead with 173 or 180 grain. Jump in and there will be plenty of help to get you going again. Charles
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#176300
12/13/2016 2:38 PM
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Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 249
PythonHunter
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 249 |
Saltydog, I'm here to concur with everybody above. I don't have near the experience as most, but I used a factory Remington 180 grain JSP at 80 yards and it was very effective on a late season Iowa whitetail. Truly, shot placement is key. I can't get photobucket to work or I would post a photo as proof.
Good luck and welcome to the forum.
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#176304
12/13/2016 3:02 PM
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Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 270
Randominator
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 270 |
As has been stated, shot placement is the key maybe more so with the 357 magnum. I used a Dan Wesson chambered in 357 magnum to take this whitetail last month using a 158 grain Hornady JFP at 40 yards. I recovered the bullet in the off-side shoulder. It retained 140 grains.
NRA Life Member HHI Member VHA Member
"get busy living, or get busy dying"
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#176309
12/13/2016 4:46 PM
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Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502
reflex264
Gun Slinger
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Gun Slinger
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,502 |
Welcome aboard! I agree with all above. I started handgun hinting with a Dakota .357 and then a model 19. Never felt under-gunned.
"A quiet hit in the right place is better than a loud miss in the wrong place followed by 10 more shots on the run"
I was a handgun hunter, when handgun wasn't cool.....
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: reflex264]
#176593
12/20/2016 2:04 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
member
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member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
So it appears that 357 is a great gun for hunting. I have been looking for a secondary gun to take while hunting. My primary is a single shot CVA Optima V2 in 44 Mag. What 357 would y'all recommend for a non-scoped carry/secondary hunting handgun?
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: ScoutV2]
#176594
12/20/2016 2:06 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
Ruger or S&W if you like DA. Ruger if you you like SA.
I'm partial to Ruger on both counts.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: ScoutV2]
#176598
12/20/2016 3:04 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
So it appears that .357 is a great gun for hunting. I have been looking for a secondary gun to take while hunting. My primary is a single shot CVA Optima V2 in 44 Mag. What 356 would y'all recommend for a non-scoped carry/secondary hunting handgun? I really like my GP 100, although I use it as a primary and its scoped. Very accurate straight out the box.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: KRal]
#176599
12/20/2016 3:07 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
member
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member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
I like the GP100. Is the double action smooth on it?
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: ScoutV2]
#176601
12/20/2016 3:20 PM
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Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963
KRal
Shootist
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Shootist
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 6,963 |
I like the GP100. Is the double action smooth on it? I did a trigger job on mine (stoning/polishing areas of contact) and its one of the finest single action triggers I've felt. I left all stock springs, so they're stout. I've never fired it double action, but I'd guess it's not a competition level DA trigger.
It takes 43 muscles to frown and 17 to smile, but only 3 for proper trigger squeeze.
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: KRal]
#176603
12/20/2016 4:29 PM
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Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601
PsTaN
addict
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addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 601 |
I'm going to go a different direction than revolver in .357 ... will buy the Scout V2. I think it's going to be fun setting that gun up and developing loads for it.
Last edited by PsTaN; 12/20/2016 4:31 PM.
PsTaN
-Smith & Wesson Model 69 -Ruger Super Blackhawk Hunter -Encore Pro Hunter
"Hold your horses, the elephants are coming, and out stamped Alabama"
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: PsTaN]
#176604
12/20/2016 4:39 PM
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Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123
ScoutV2
member
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member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 123 |
I love my Optima V2. Its in 44 mag and I have taken 2 deer already this year with it. It was my first hunting pistol. It is a GREAT shooter!
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: ScoutV2]
#176605
12/20/2016 5:08 PM
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Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 526
sw282
addict
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addict
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 526 |
Hi salty...357 will do just fine 4 whitetail... ln 1935 when S&W brought the 357MAGNUM Maj DB Wesson went West with his, along with 250rds of ammunition loaded with 158gr lead SWC bullets w/gas checks..0n that trip he killed EVERY Big Game Animal in North America...Bears, Moose too.. Then the following year some guy from Argentina did the SAME in South America... Animals aren't any bigger l hear.. Hunting, Bullets, and Real Estate share a common trait.. LOCATION-LOCATION-LOCATION
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: KRal]
#176608
12/20/2016 6:11 PM
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Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006
Zee
Shooting Expert
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Shooting Expert
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 3,006 |
So it appears that .357 is a great gun for hunting. I have been looking for a secondary gun to take while hunting. My primary is a single shot CVA Optima V2 in 44 Mag. What 356 would y'all recommend for a non-scoped carry/secondary hunting handgun? I really like my GP 100, although I use it as a primary and its scoped. Very accurate straight out the box. This.
"To Hell with efficiency, it's performance we want!" - Elmer Keith
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: cherokeetracker]
#176697
12/24/2016 2:04 PM
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 224
GG
enthusiast
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enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 224 |
I have shot turkeys, coyotes, and hogs(head shots) with the 357. I hit one nice buck with mine and could not find it. I feel the shot was not the greatest but it was a shot that I believe my 44 would have performed well with. I know many have taken every size game with the 357 but, for me, the margin of error is too small. I try to practice a lot and make sure my guns are always sighted in but its impossible to have perfect shots on every animal. I will only hunt deer with a 41 and up. This year my 460 was my companion on every hunt. I guess for me it's, "go big or go home."
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Re: 357 magnum for Deer
[Re: GG]
#176700
12/24/2016 4:42 PM
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Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 97
Dekker
journeyman
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journeyman
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 97 |
A .35 caliber hole through the vitals (heart/lung) = dead animal. You just have to know your cartridge's limitations and make a accurate shot to be to be successful.
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