.357 Silvertips for whitetails?

[Nickotym]

Anyone have experience good or bad using Winchester Silvertips for whitetail?

Thanks,

 

[ChristopherG]

Sorry, I don't have any direct experience to offer; but my notion would be that they're a bit lighter than I'd like, and loaded a bit lighter, too. If you were stuck with 'em for some reason, I bet they'd work (given a very good shot); but if you're not stuck with 'em, why not use a 158 or heavier, like the Gold Dot 'Deerslayer' from Georgia Arms, or the 180 Partition from Winchester?

Mainly, I'm just jumpin' in to hear what those who DO have some experience will say.

 

[Nickotym]

yeah, I gotta double check the weight, but they were about all that was available to me in my local area.

Edited to add: I will only be using them for does as I did not draw a buck gun license this year.

 

[Rhinodogg]

I would use a heavy hard cast lead bullet. I wouldn't use .357 hollow points on deer, because I don't think you'll get the penetration you'll need to drop it quickly.

 

[45crittergitter]

Nope, I sure as heck wouldn't try em.

 

[jeffsig220]

imo, .357 is too small for deer. i'm sure piles of em' have been killed with the .357 but, i would opt for at least a .41 magnum. just my $.02

 

[ojibweindian]

Sure. Why not?

As long as you keep your shots within about 30 yards and take broadside shots, a 158gr bullet will be okay.

 

[ChristopherG]

Yeah; but a silvertip is a 145 gr. bullet.

 

[Nickotym]

Thanks guys for the info. ChristopherG is right, they are 145 grains. I plan to keep my shots to within 20 yds. and not take a shot if further away. I think I will look at some jacketed soft points in 158 gr. or so.