357 Woods Carry Ammo Thoughts

[Griblik]

Just wanted to gather some thoughts on something. I've been carrying a 6" S&W 686 357 Mag while playing in the woods, hiking, hunting, fishing, etc. This has primarily been in Western and Central Oregon, where aside from two-leggers, the only threats i'd have even a chance of encountering would be pigs, cougars, or possibly black bears. Have been stoking it with Federal 158grn Semi-jacketed softpoints, thinking about the increased penetration. (And, admittedly, ease of purchasing off the shelf at Walmart.) Almost bought some 180grn hardcast Doubletap loads tonight, still thinking about penetration on critters. But at some point I wonder if I'm into overkill territory for the critters in these parts. Do I step up to 180 HC's? Stick with 158 SJSP? Or would I even be better served going with a 125grn or 158grn HP, which would certainly be more effective against the more probable 2-legged critters growing pot out in the woods? Recoil of any of these is less of a concern than terminal effect.

Lastly, do any of your answers change if my territory changed to Central/Northern Idaho where wolves and brown bears conceivably enter the equation as well? Discuss.

Thanks!

 

[huntershooter]

If penetration is a concern, the 180's are the ticket (I use 180 gr. WFNGC in that role).
A 158 gr. KTSWC would be a good compromise.

 

[Harley Rider 55]

Dunno. In Texas, I carry a 6" 586 loaded with 158gr hardcast. It's for uppity hogs and the possible cougar. No black bears here.

I take it you have BIG black bears and MAYBE brown bears? I'd carry my 329PD with Garret 310gr harcast Defenders. Good shooting with a .357 properly loaded, should change a black bears mind. No way would I shoot a brown bear with a .357. I wouldn't like him when he's angry.

 

[jmr40]

For general use the load you have is fine. If black bear, or larger bear are a distinct possibiliy I'd go straight to Double Tap 200 gr hardcast bullets. You should be around 1300 fps, maybe a touch more from a 6" barrel. They are expensive, but you only need a few rounds to get familiar with shooting them and checking zero. After that a box will last for decades.

 

[2zulu1]

I spend a lot of time in brush areas, so that is what I use as intermediate barriers when testing ammunition for trail carry.

I prefer hardcast and the 357mag has a number of options as others have mentioned.

The biggest issue I've witnessed with jacketed bullets is they lose their jackets and begin to tumble as a consequence. If you get the opportunity, put a target on a half sheet of sheetrock and place it behind some brush and test your ammunition.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

IMO using a JSP bullet is a much better idea than using a JHP bullet so I agree with you there.

As for changing to a 180gr bullet, maybe. If you shoot the 158gr bullet very well and you are accurate with that load i would stick with it because making good hits trumps a "better" bullet any day. (to a point of course) If you can handle a 180gr bullet well in a revolver then that is an option but be sure you can make accurate hits quickly.

There are a lot of 180gr bullets in factory .357 Magnum ammo including a 180gr Swift bullet in Federal ammo . Remington has 180gr ammo, Grizzly Ammo has a great hard cast WFN round and most of the designed ammo manufacturers have heavy .357 Magnum loads too.

IMO stick with what you shoot well especially since you're using a soft point bullet and not a hollow point.

 

[USSR]

Please be aware, going to a 180gr bullet will likely make your POI quite high in relation to your POA, even with your rear sight adjusted all the way down. At least, that's what I have found with my 686. Personally, I would stick with a good 158gr JSP or a good similar weight LSWC.

Don