.357 Whitetail Bullet

[Eagle103]

I'm thinking about making up some whitetail loads for next year for my .357. I've owned the gun for a long time but never used it for this purpose since it's supposedly marginal for the job. I'm guessing a JHP may be a bit too explosive. Another option may be the 180g Nosler Partition but Midway gets $40 for a box of 50. That's just bullets, not rounds. Maybe a 158g JSP? Just curious what experiences people have had with their .357 and what bullets may work the best.

 

[Deanimator]

I know people who prefer 180gr. hardcast lead. I bought a bunch before going hunting last week, but never actually got around to loading any. Just for giggles, I'll probably load up a few this winter to test for accuracy on the range. Supposedly, they punch through both sides and leave a good blood trail.

 

[Pumpkinheaver]

I prefer the 180 XTP from hornady for .357 loads. My buddy killed a big 10 point buck last week with the 158 XTP factory load.

 

[priv8ter]

No REAL data

I don't have any real world data, because I never found a deer to shoot at, but a few years ago when I didn't have enough vacation time to go mulie hunting in eastern Washington, I banged around the woods near my house with my lever-action Marlin. The load I settled on then was Federal's 180gr hardcast load.

Sure, there were Buffalo Bore or Cor-bon loads that had more energy, but for the price difference, I was able to get a lot more practicing done with the Federal load. I got to where I could shoot a 2-3 inch group at 80 yards, which is pretty good for me over iron sights.

Granted, I never did see a buck that year, but there was no doubt in my mind about the ability of that gun and that load to do the job if I had a buck with 100 yards. I was slightly leary about trusting a JHP up close at carbine-type velocity.

greg

 

[jameslovesjammie]

You didn't mention what gun you were using and barrel length. In my 8 3/8" 686, I started with 158 and 125 grain bullets, but really found my niche with 180 grain XTP's. I shot 4 deer with 158 grain Sierra Jacketed Hollow Cavity and Jacketed Soft Points and was...less than moderately happy with the results.

I didn't get a tag for deer this year, so I don't have any field results to report. However, I do have a metal spinning target that I shoot at, and the 180 grainers hit HARD. Much harder than the 158's. With a max load of H110 or 2400, they aren't unbearable to shoot, yet still pack a decent punch.

I think you won't go wrong with either a 180 grain XTP or a WFN lead bullet. I'm in the process of changing everything over to lead, what with jacketed bullet prices becoming more and more unreasonable in my home town.

 

[huntershooter]

I load 180 gr. CP WFNGC with AA #9 in my mod. 27's. Impressive penetration and accuracy. My 6" 27-2 will shoot 6 rds. under 2.5" @ 50 yds. with iron sights. Works well on Whitetail.

 

[kmrcstintn]

even though I have decided to use my Marlin 1894C (.357 magnum) as a backup piece, I tested a few loads thru it to include:

CCI Blazer Brass 158 gr jhp (shallow hole in tip), Federal American Eagle 158 gr jsp, Independence 158 gr jsp, Magtech 158 gr jsp, Remington CoreLokt 165 gr jhp, and Federal Castcore 180 gr solid lead

all the 158's print within 1/4" of one another at 75 yds using a scope; the Castcores shot high and to the right (they also recently redid the load by reducing the velocity and terminal energy); the Corelokts patterned a bit tighter than both the 158's & 180 CastCore;

due to ammo availability and steady price over the past few months, I settled on Federal American Eagle 158 gr jsp for my Marlin carbine and Ruger GP100 w/ 6" barrel; my old man settled on the Remington CoreLokt 165 gr jhp for his S&W 686 w/ 6" barrel (he's been using them for the past few years; they were easier to get back then; he's only got a few years left and I'll convert him back to 158 gr jsp's when we run out)

I want to develop a load using Hornady 158 gr XTP-FP over Alliant 2400 powder and load like crazy to I have a good consistent load for the next few years; primary loading will be tailored for the carbine length barrel & I may due a handgun load later on for our revolvers

 

[critter]

I use the 180 gr Hornady XTP's in my Ruger GP100-4". I have shot hogs with them with good successs. I think they will work fine on deer if you place them well and don't go to the excess on distance shots.

Good luck and have. Handgunning for deer is a hoot!

 

[Eagle103]

Thanks for the responses. My gun is an open sighted Taurus model 66 with a 6" barrel that I bought new in 1987. I haven't had a bit of trouble with it and it's fairly accurate. Accurate enough that I shot a grouse at about 20 yards with it last year with a 125g JHP over 9g of Unique. Not much salvageable meat left there.

It sounds like the Hornady FP XTP would be a good choice. I've had good luck with all other Hornady bullets so I'm sure these should be good as well. I still have to decide on 158 or 180 grain. I normally shoot the 125s so I'm leaning toward the 158 just to keep the POI closer between the two. I'm assuming the 180 would be off more than the 158. Is there much practical advantage in the 180 over a 158 for whitetails?

 

[IDriveB5]

I use and like 170 grain Keiths over 2400.