.357 Revolver Hunting Success

[GunAdmirer]

I killed a deer this weekend with my 6" Ruger GP100 .357 magnum. I was sitting on a ladder stand about 15-20 yards away. The bullet went through the top part of the ribs close to the back and out of the lower chest, breaking a leg in two pieces upon exit. The shot knocked the deer down immediately.

I was using a 180 grain Hornady XTP handload. I killed a feral hog with the same bullet earlier in the year. I am still developing the load.

So, I think a .357 with the right bullet at bowhunting ranges is sufficient for hunting medium sized game. I am hooked on handgun hunting. It is fun to be up close to the animals like bowhunting. The high powered rifles aren't that appealing anymore.

 

[critter]

Good on ya! Handgun hunting is a blast although I use more 'oomph' to deer hunt with. I, too, took a hog with my GP100 (4" though) and a Hornady 180 gr XTP handload using a hefty dose of Blue Dot. It worked to perfection. I am convinced that is a good hunting bullet for light skinned game up close.

 

[MCgunner]

Cool! I have a handload using that 180 XTP that involves AA#9 powder. It's pretty hot and that heavy bullet looks like it'd do the trick. I have a quite accurate 6 1/2" blackhawk I could use it in, what I developed it for, and my Rossi M92 carbine. I've killed deer with that Rossi carbine and I've used my Contender to slay a few, but I've yet to use an iron sighted revolver.

Congrats on the kill! Now, put it on the grill! Sounds like you messed up some back strap, though. Shame on ya....

 

[gbran]

At bowhunting ranges, I'd prefer the .357, 180 gr XTP also. I realize there are different dynamics between arrows and bullets, but the arrow only cruises at a few hundred fps and makes less ft/lbs energy than a small caliber handgun.

To each his own, but I say you have more available power and accuracy with your 357 than a bow.