[Beatnik]

So, I'm a noob. I'm going to try to take out my Marlin .357 carbine this fall/winter after whitetail. Mainly because it's what I have - it was my first firearm. I'm more into handguns, but when I bought it I wanted a rifle first, but something I'd be able to buy in the same caliber later.

I have no idea what to feed it.

I know the general rule of thumb is as heavy and fast as possible. But wouldn't a 180 grain bullet drop off significantly? I'm firing from an 18" barrel, so aren't longer shots possible than with a handgun?

I guess I'm wanting to know, would it make more sense to go with a 158 grain bullet and be able to hit consistently at more different ranges, or sight it in close and just assume I'm not going to go for 80-100 yard shots?

[MCgunner]

I've shot a deer with a standard, not all that hot, 158 grain SWC handload and it did the job nicely, full penetration and large wound channel, lung hit at 80 yards. Buffalo Bore makes some really hot 180s, but any 158 SWC will work inside 100 yards just fine. I've killed a couple with that load out to 50 yards with a revolver.

[wcwhitey]

+1 to what MCgunner said. Just about any 158 grainer will do, whatever shoots the best. The carbine picks up enough speed to make the .357 a very effective 100 yard deer rifle. My preference would be to flat points over hollow points. Penetration is needed.

[Evocatii]

Anyone have any thoughts on hunting small predators such as coyote with .357 mag (perhaps .38 special) in a rifle?

[mustanger98]

We worked up some handloads using the Hornady 180gr HP/XTP over 2400 and it hits quite well on clay birds on the 100yd berm. We haven't hunted with it yet, but I have no doubt it'll drop a deer. But I'm about the same way about using the 158gr HP/XTP too... I have some of those loaded over H110. I'll have to look up the speeds both of those are loaded to according to the book.

[ExSoldier]

I took a deer in 1978 with a S&W M19 and a 4" barrel. I used IIRC 158gr LSWC Remingtons, I think. Was able to close within about 25 meters and it only took one shot.