.357 rifle. Max target size?

[epijunkie67]

I have a couple of revolvers in .357 and have been kicking around getting a lever action rifle in the same caliber. I don't really hunt but partly thats because the only other rifles I own are a single shot .22 and a hand-me-down 8mm Mauser I got from my dad.

I like the idea of being able to use .38 or .38+P for plinking or small game. I'm just not sure how much game I could go after with the .357. I'm sure it would be effective against medium sized stuff the size of a dog but I don't think I would want to hunt bear with it!

So....

1. Would it work as a deer round or is it too under-powered? Whats the largest game you would go after with a lever action .357, and at what range?

2. If the .357 is a bad idea as an all around rifle what other caliber allows the flexability of plinking for fun but hunting for real?

Don

 

[Wil Terry]

A 357MAG LEVERGUN IS A DELIGHTFUL LIGHT CARBINE

For deer hunting. It is deadly out to 100 yards or a bit further. If you can shoot it'll deliver the bacon, as it were. If you can't using something bigger won't matter.
There is no more delightful medium bore lever action carbine than the 357MAG.

 

[Leadbutt]

100 yards is max for deer, coyote,and such, also about the max for human targets as well,once you go to the long gun, switch out to either one of the 180 grain loads or even 200 if you can find some,, if you can't find those look for 158-168 soft points, for get the hollow points in the rifle, they tend to come apart to quick

 

[artech]

I can personally vouch that it will drop a 165 pound whitetail deer with 158gr softpoints. Deer went about 50 yards. Hit behind shoulder, heart shot, found bullet on opposite side under skin. Range was about 35 yards.

Ate right up to hole.

Don't think I would go for shoulder(bone) shots with the .357, but it will deliver if you do your part.

 

[Z_Infidel]

I really like my Marlin 1894C in .357 Mag. Lots of fun to shoot, very quick, and plenty accurate. I almost always shoot 158 gr soft points.

Another option for plinking and hunting small to medium game might be a bolt action carbine in 7.62X39. It has almost the same power as a .30-30 and lots of cheap ammo is available including soft points. Ammo selection would be important for hunting. Actually, the .30-30 would be ideal if plinking ammo was available.

Of course, great care must be taken when "plinking" with such a rifle. But you probably already knew that.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

357 in a rifle means bullet construction is the most critical factor.

Want to blast varmits? 125gr hollowpoint's the ticket.

Big game, up to and including black bear, I would feel fine with a 180 or 200 HCSWC.

And then there's everything inbetween.

 

[twoblink]

I've asked this question before..

A .357Mag rifle is on my short list of rifles to buy. It seems like a perfect ranch gun..

Within 50 yards, no problems for killin' dinner..