Limits of 6" .357 Magnum and Federal 180 grain cast core ammo

[Southern Shooter]

I have a 6" .357 Magnum revolver that I am wanting to use for some hunting and more for all-around woods protection. I have easy access to supplies of the Federal 180 grain cast-core ammunition. I live in Louisiana but will be spending some time in the backcountry of Utah, Colorado and Wyoming.

Question:
If I were to combine that revolver with Federal 180 grain cast-core ammunition what would be the reasonable limits that this combination could take in terms of animals?

 

[freakshow10mm]

Game up to black bear and mule deer. Cartridge capability out to 150y or so. Your personal distance may be a lot closer. A lot of people knock the .357 Magnum as small for medium sized game, but it's never failed me once.

 

[CB900F]

Southern;

A good deal of the answer depends on how good a hunter you are. Closer is better in terms of delivered energy. Given that you can get close enough, you can take just about anything on the continent. Review the record of the cartridge in the hands of its developer.

That being said, there are animals on this continent that I'd not care to run into when armed with a .357. The large bears being the immediate class of critters that come to mind. Been bad-breath close to a griz & do not care to repeat the experience.

As for defence, it works for me & has for years. But staying away from the big bears is the best defence. That's a case where you use your superior intellect instead of trying to use superior testosterone.

900F