Commercial .357 Revolver Load(s) for Deer?

[Deanimator]

Since it's as easy to bring two N frames as one, I've decided to bring my 6" Model 27 along with my 6" Model 29 on my upcoming hunting trip to the wilds of Catawissa, MO.

Can anybody recommend a good commercial .357 load for deer? I'm thinking something in a 158gr. JSP.

Thanks.

 

[rantingredneck]

Never used it but this one seems like a good possibility:

http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/handgun/core-Lokt.asp

 

[warriorsociologist]

Best factory round I ever used were the Winchester 180gr Supreme Partitians....

However, now several other companies are offering a duplicate (or better) of Federal's 180gr. Cast Core load (FWIW, I like expanding hunting-type JHPs for whitetail in the .357, but...) such as Double Tap (180 & 200gr loads) and Buffalo Bore (180gr load).

I'd reccommend 180gr bullets (Partitian, XTP, or WFN Hard Cast...in that order) for .357 Mag & whitetail. Others have had luck with 158gr bullets, but not me. Also, I have never tried the 165gr. Remington CL....

YMMV.

 

[PotatoJudge]

Partition, Double Tap, or Buffalo Bore.

Reeds makes a 180 grain XTP load at a great price ($21/50).
http://shop.reedsammo.com/product.sc?categoryId=39&productId=161

and a 200grn hardcast flat nose
http://shop.reedsammo.com/product.sc?categoryId=39&productId=570

 

[Austinite]

I've shot 3 deer with .357 magnum factory loads. The revolver I used was a 6" 686.

#1. 180 partition gold (does anyone still sell this load?) 1.5 year old spike about 85 pounds live weight. First shot at 25 yards clipped lungs, expanded, and exited. Deer ran off and stopped about 60 yards away. Second shot hit high in shoulder, broke onside shoulder, spine, and offside shoulder, and stopped just under skin. Deer dropped to that shot. I was disappointed in the lack of penetration of shot 2, but it did go through a lot of bone.

#2. 180 partition gold. First shot at ~28 yards. Doe about 80 pounds live weight (they don't get too big where I hunt). Shot one hit point of nearside shoulder and exited just behind other shoulder. Deer dropped immediately.

#3. 158 Gold Dot. Shot at ~27 yards. Doe about 80 pounds live weight. Shot hit behind near side shoulder and exited behind off-side shoulder (classic broadside lung shot). Deer ran 35 yards and dropped. Bullet penetrated completely and blood trail was adequate.

I haven't been able to find the partition gold load so I'm using the 158 grain gold dots. I have a box of the 158 grain fusions and may use them if they shoot well.

The literature on the 158 grain gold dot says that it is a hunting bullet - not a SD bullet. Penetration should be adequate especially on lung shots. I've seen gelatin tests for the gold dot but not for the fusion load.

 

[pete f]

In years past, my nephew shot several deer with the 158 JSP remmy's and had no trouble, whether from his 4 inch security six or his (mine) 1894 marlin carbine. both guns shot it well, and it worked and the ammo was affordable...