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Best deer hunting round for 357 mag??

dude1951
Would like opinions on what 357 mag round makes the best whitetail deer load? Light bullet? Heavy bullet?
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10 comments

Date Votes
  • 11b6r
    I hunt Eastern Whitetail with a 357 revolver- but it is a Dan Wesson with a 10 inch bbl.

    In many circumstances, that would be too light for humanely taking deer, but I am hunting laurel thickets where 50 yards is a long shot- usually 30- and I am using a hard cast semi wadcutter- heaviest I can find- usually 185-200 grains.

    You do not want to use a quickly expanding bullet, but one that will penetrate.
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  • 62fuelie
    If you are looking for a commercial load try the heavy Buffalo Bore flat nose lead SWC. I think it is in the 180 grain range. They load them hot so I would not consider it a good choice for the "K" frame S&W's. N frames or Rugers would be my choice. I would use the same load in the Marlin 1894 as well.
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  • bpost
    A 158 Keith style hard cast bullet pushed by a full load of 2400 shoots like a laser beam in my 686 and kills deer DRT with through the lungs hits.
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  • Riomouse911
    Heavy bullet (158gr and up) work very well on deer at revolver ranges. Most lighter loads are for defensive situations against people, and may not have the oomph to penetrate through a deer at an angle.

    The BB load that was mentioned is a real freight train even in a .357 mag. You won't go wrong with that one in the field.
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  • tsr1965
    To keep things simple, and not have to differentiate between deer loads and black bear protection loads, I use one load that shoots incredibly well in my Ruger Blackhawk Flattop, and my S&W 627. I use a Keith style hard cast, and gas checked 180 grainer, on top of stout loads of H110.

    EDIT 1

    quote:So long as you're able to put the shot in the right place, you should be OK.

    Yes, that is also a prerequisite. Shooting a deer in the guts, or ass, because one does not have the equipment, or experience to do so, is not ever a good thing. Even a 500 Whiz Bang, will not make this situation right. So...practice, practice, practice!
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  • dcs shooters
    MY DW 8" takes them with a 158HP and full load of Unique out to 50yds [;)]
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  • kannoneer
    My favorite is a 158 gr. Hornady XTP launched by a max. load of W296. I have downed many deer with it.
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  • hillbille
    I lean towards the heavier load, 158gr at the least, but I use a 357 rifle and still keep shots under 100 yds.
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  • beantownshootah
    I don't think there is a "best", because it depends somewhat on the shooter, platform, ammo availability, and specific type of hunting.

    Not all shooters nor deer are "created equal". EG, not every shooter can tolerate the "barn burner" 180 grain super-loads. There are 400lb Maine bucks, and 50lb Florida Key deer, and everything in between. Rifle is a lot more powerful than pistol, and considerations there are a little different. If you reload, that gives you a lot more latitude to create loads you like with your platform, Etc.

    Basically you want something that will perform under "worst conditions". IE, you want something that will be "good enough" if you have a marginal hit (including through intermediate bone, like shoulder), has enough penetration for a quartering shot (should you be willing to take one), and can work on the biggest possible game.

    So all else being equal, I think bigger bullet/more powerful is better.

    To answer the question, most people use 158 grains for this. Some use 180, though its harder to find commercial 180 grain loads (and they tend to cost more). I think a good load in either weight should be OK, so long as you're comfortable with it.

    Can it be done with 125 grain bullets? Yes. . .I've seen people swear up and down that they've had fantastic results with "personal protection" type ammo on deer.

    I don't think that the "best" choice, and assuming I had access to something heavier, I personally wouldn't choose that, but it does make sense. You'd hope a bullet designed to stop an angry 200+lb adult male human would be "good enough" for a 130lb herbivore! Remember, people hunt deer with bows and arrows. . .if that can work, I'd hope a .357 magnum would work!

    So long as you're able to put the shot in the right place, you should be OK.
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  • 44caliberkid
    Any of these in the 180 grain weight.

    http://www.midwayusa.com/find?sortby=1&itemsperpage=20&newcategorydimensionid=15455
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