[Steve in Utah]

What do you experts suggest are some of the better .357 hunting bullets for light skinned deer?

I don't reload anymore and feel that hard-cast projectiles are overkill; what about using heavy 180-gr. or greater HP's for shooting under 75 yards?

I'm considering Hornady XTP's or Winchester Partition Gold - both in 180-gr.

-steve

P.S. I've heard of folks loving the Winchester Nosler Gold 180's for all around self defense too.

 

[LIProgun]

I do like the hard cast projectiles, and think the Federal Premium Hunting 180 grain CastCore is a fine choice. The 180 grain Winchester Partition Gold, and the 165 grain Remington Core Lokt would be very good choices also.

 

[FalFree]

Prior to a couple of years ago, Georgia had a velocity rule for deer hunting with handguns and I always used this

http://www.georgia-arms.com/deer.htm

Georgia-Arms worked up the "Deer Stopper" to meet the state requirements and has worked well for me.

 

[MarineTech]

Buffalo Bore is making some new versions of their "Heavy .357 Magnum" Loads. I picked up a box of their 180gr. LFN hard cast gas check loads. I've had them on the range, but not hunting yet. I have to admit that velocity was pretty impressive out of even the 4" barrel of my S&W Model 28 and recoil was not uncontrollable.

 

[venabulum]

I am planning to try out 180 grain Hornady XTPs with 13.1 grains of H110. With any luck, I'll let you know how they work.

 

[Fumbler]

I'm gonna try the Win Partition Gold 180gr. If I manage to find a deer and shoot it I'll let you know the results.

Where do you find 180gr XTP's?

 

[venabulum]

The source

https://www.hornady.com/shop/

 

[ottergt]

.357 for hunting

Has anyone tried the Federal Classic 180 gr JHP? That was the only heavier weight I could find around here (Cabela's, Gander Mountain, gunshows...).

--Otter

 

[OnTargetFL]

It's been years since I've hunted with a .357, but used to use hard cast hand loads. I've also been successful with 158GR JHP, Remington or Federal.
I tru to keep my shots to minimum range, and these days it's getting to be a better idea.

I'm starting to look for the illusive "tree Elevator." Guess I need to review my Tarzan movies for an idea.

Have fun,

Gerry

 

[Mannlicher]

I have always liked a 158 grain Speer JSP, not the hollow point, over 15 grains of 2400.

 

[Kevin Gibson]

I've always thought the 158 grain bullets did well in velocity and were about as close to a .30-30 as you could get in a .357 carbine. I like the bonded Speer Gold Dots as they tend to retain near 100% of their weight.

A good max load with that bullet will do just fine on deer.


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