Hey folks I don't post in here alot but I do read and have got some good advice-- My question is I am gonna buy a pistol to hunt with, I narrowed it down to a Ruger Blackhawk either in 357 or 41--I want to put on Hogue grips and top it off with a red dot sight..I hunt mainly in northwest Fl an south Al ..Which one do ya'll think is best??? And what weight and type bullets do ya'll think would be best??

I'm also gonna put a red dot on my Ruger single six to pratice with!!!!
I really like Ruger so my mind is fairly set on a Ruger!!!

p.s.--I almost forgot I planning on keeping my shots around Bow range for the first few years untill I get better at handgun hunting--20/30 yds tops!!

I haven't ever used a 357 for deer, but I have a 41mag Ruger Redhawk w/ 7 1/2 inch bbl. For hunting I use Corbon 250gr HC bullets. It will put down a deer, and probably a hog, depending on size.

Thanks for the reply Grizzlyman--I'm really leaning toward the 41 but was just curious what ya'll shoot!!

I have not used a 41, but have taken some game with my .357 with good results. I have a 6 inch 7 shot S&W 686, and use handloaded 158 grain flatpoint hardcasts from Oregon Trail Bullet company. I think either caliber would be effective on deer with good shot placement. The .357 has the advantage of cheaper easier to obtain ammo, and you can practice and plink with 38's.

Go with the .41, bigger bullets, heavier bullets, just a better killer. I no longer have a 41 Blackhawk, traded it to my brother, but I prefer the heavy for caliber bullets, if your buying ammo I would go with the 210-220 grain bullets and if you hand load you might want to try something heavier like 240-250 grains. That is not to say a 170 grain hollow point won't work well either, a lot of guys like to use 180 grain in the 44 mag and claim great results. To each thier own I guess.

I vote for the 41 mag as well. That being said the sidearm I wear while hunting is a Ruger GP100 357 4". If I had it to do over again I probably would have bought the Super Redhawk in 44 mag.

I knowed I would get some good info here--"Thanks Folks"--I'm going with the 41 and the the 210(in that range ) bullets I gonna shoot some and see which shoots best.

When I get it and got it an my single six topped with red dots I try to post a picture!!

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a380/lonewolf5347/rugergrips006.jpg
my 41 mag: ruger has taken a few deer out to 50 yards using the hornady 210 xtp

Ruger =

.41 magnum =

Hogues (rubbers in general) =

red dot on a single action =

Sorry just a tradionalist. My suggestion, try and find on of the .41 Hunters. I can say the scoped .41 Blackhawk is a great pkg and a darn accuarte shooter.

Another vote SOLIDLY in corner of the excellent underrated .41 magnum. It has almost the same power of a .44 mag,flatter trajectory,easy to reload for,accurate,and less recoil than the .44.