357 lever action weak?

[witchhunter]

To answer the OP's original question, the .357 magnum would be adequate for anything up to and including a man at 100 yards from a rifle OR a pistol. That doesn't make it a great deer cartridge. Me, I would rather have a 30/30 if I was shooting at either one. The .357 would work, but the .30/30 would work better. I can't argue with the reputation that the 30/30 has earned as a deer cartridge or the reputation that the .357 Magnum has earned as a man stopper.

 

[ArmedOkie]

To answer the OP's original question, the .357 magnum would be adequate for anything up to and including a man at 100 yards from a rifle OR a pistol. That doesn't make it a great deer cartridge. Me, I would rather have a 30/30 if I was shooting at either one. The .357 would work, but the .30/30 would work better. I can't argue with the reputation that the 30/30 has earned as a deer cartridge or the reputation that the .357 Magnum has earned as a man stopper.

I had no intention of hunting dear with it, i intend to shoot hogs with it

 

[PonyKiller]

If you like/ trust the ballistic gelatin tests even the tamest 30-30 loads penetrate 16" witch is only an inch or so less than your average 308 if memory serves me right, and .357s do roughly 14 at the carbine velocities. The caviat is believe they are tested at very close range. I know brassfetcher had some fun vids.

 

[Monson]

I've read this whole thread. I've hunted since 1972 with the same flintlock .45 cal. longrifle using patched round ball and only once did a deer come and complain, and that was about the patch I was using...he didn't like the color. Seriously though, my wife bought me a Winchester 30-30 a couple of years ago and a friend bought me a Puma .357 and I do have to say that out to about 75 or 100 yards they both kept up with each other pretty well, or the deer seemed to think so. I tend to take closer shots simply because I've shot flint so long that I stalk my deer. I don't suppose most current hunters know how to do that, but if you work just so you can creep up and get the shot you want with any of those three weapons and bring home meat. That seems to be the best ballistic test you can do. Before anyone says anything...I'm in my 60's and as long as my eyes hold out I'll shoot iron sights...I've used a scope in a different lifetime and it just doesn't seem a good way to take meat. Deer don't shoot back, they run away. If you can't get close enough for iron sights then you're probably not doing it right in my humble opinion.

 

[blindhari]

Quite awhile back I had the chance to by 1, and I do mean just 1 firearm. My choice out of our family budget was a Winchester Trapper, 16" barrel, chambered in 357 mag. I do not now use it for it's versatility but for the fact that my eyes can no longer pick out targets and background beyond 100yds. I have added ghost ring and blade sights to aid in sighting. I can guarantee it will humanely kill Texas hog and mule deer with Buffalo Bore 158 gr as far away as I can see them. Loaded with 125 gr jacketed over Trailboss it will take out any thing up to a coyote out to 50yds, up to as far as I can see with 125gr Buffalo Bore. Where I am and what is in the area DETERMINES what I load. Point of impact is changed enough that I rezero depending on load. That big blade front sight has the top painted white and a white dot lower to help me zero faster. In the past it has taken me more rounds to get back on zero than I have needed to kill three hogs.
If I need more than this rifle provides, I am just old fashioned enough to have a 45-70 in reserve. Most people where I live use scoped weapons on flat shooting, long range rifles. I just get closer to my target than most. My last elk was taken with a 45-70 at about 40'

blindhari