.357 for deer

[Carbon_15]

I plan on using a scoped, 6in. .357 for deer comeing season. Does anyone have a factory load suggestion? Shots would be within 85 yards. Thanks

[Tom C.]

Buffalo Bore has loads which would work. I am in Maryland, and they want handgun loads above 700 ft. lbs. The Buffalo Bore 158, 170 and 180 heavy loads make that minimum. That is still toward the lower end of suitable loads.

[ARTiger]

+1 on Buffalo Bore. I like this one: 180 gr. LFN-GC (1400 fps ME 783 ft. lbs.). Their 125 grain loading is faster, but negligible difference in muzzle energy. The heavier bullet does better if you hit bone (shoulder, etc.).

[PinnedAndRecessed]

IIRC, the 125 grain jhp has ideal expansion characteristics for deer/man sized animals.

The heavier bullets don't expand.

I hit a 125 pound whitetail with a 185 grain jhp 44 which functioned as a fmj. No expansion.

IIRC.

[Marshall]

Winchester Supreme has a 180gr Partition Gold bullet that I would have no problem in using.

I would prefer the 180 gr. LFN-GC (1400 fps ME 783 ft. lbs.) Buffalo Bore offering.

[461]

Go with the Buffalo Bore 180's, Penetration is the name of the game in hunting.

[Crosscut]

I use Federal Hydra-Shok 158 gr, MV 1240, ft/lb 535. This is a very deadly round, just place it in a vital area and you've got meat on the table.

[Hook686]

With .357 Magnum, I too would recommend the Buffalo Bore 180 LHC round. In a small lever action carbine, it has been offered as approching the balistics of a 30-30 Winchester

http://www.gunblast.com/Winchester-Ranger357.htm

On the otherhand, you might consider a S&W 629 .44 magnum ... the Buffalo Bore data on their .44 magnum cartridge is impressive, from my view:

270 gr. Speer Uni Core. (1450 fps / M.E. 1260 ft. lbs.)
(Big game up to 800 lbs.)


While I think you can squeek by with the .357 magnum, a little more, if you can manage it, wouldn't hurt. A good reason to buy another gun. :D

Good luck in your hunt.