hunting with a 357 magnum

[hrubison]

Doeas anyone feel the 357 is adequit for deer & possibly hog hunting? I have a S&W 686 & put a Leupold VXII on it. I'm sre a flat point 158 or 180 gr is in order as long as can get the velocity high enough with them.

 

[BCCL]

Never hunted hog, but .357, especially in heavier bullets like you mention is OK for whitetails within reasonable ranges.

 

[Quoheleth]

I've always wanted to go hog hunting with my 6" GP100. It was suggested to me either a 180gr hardcast lead bullet or a heavy jacketed bullet like Hornady's 180gr XTP. Use one of the magnum powders like H110, AA#9 or 2400, per the manuals, and see what your gun can do.

Mine really likes Missouri Bullet's 180gr Striker with AA#9. Accurate and hits like a ton of bricks at 50 yards - really makes my popper "pop".

Q

 

[Husker_Fan]

I agree with Quoheleth. For factory loads, I have used BB's 180 grn hardcast on deer. It worked very well. I have since taken to loading the 180 grn Striker from MB with 2400. I haven't used it on deer yet, but I expect it will work as well. This is out of a 6 inch GP-100 with iron sights. I am comfortable out to 40 yards with my skill level, but the round can probably do a bit more.

 

[PT1911]

I wouldnt hesitate to use the 357 mag for mid sized game to distances I am comfortable with... say 50yrds or so.

 

[c01]

I use 158 sjhp on Whitetails and they work like a charm. All shots 30 yards or less.

D

 

[hardluk1]

I shot federals 180gr hard cast for some years on hogs and it will break both shoulders. On deer Onlt killed a couple with the 357. 1 good lung shot and had to hunt it up and the 158ge hp GC was still inside. Changed to a 158 gr soft point . Still had to hunt them up but had great blood trails from several deer and they seemed to also expand. Barnes X should be a real deer getter,makes a big expaned bullet inside.