357 handgun for deer?
11-06-2005, 07:17 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 105
357 handgun for deer?
I was wondering if any one has used a 357 handgun for deer or has heard of how it worked out. If you have how many grains of bullet do you recomend and what brand. Also how well was the deer hit and how far it went after a lung or heart shot.
Thanks, Nick
Thanks, Nick
11-06-2005, 08:21 PM
#3
Boone & Crockett
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wall SD USA & Jamestown ND
Posts: 11,474
RE: 357 handgun for deer?
In out state that is the Minimum allowed Hand gun. I would not push it beyond 50 yards but out to 50 yard it will do the job. Use the heavies bullet you can find. A heavy cast bullet may be your best bet.
11-06-2005, 08:51 PM
#4
Super Moderator
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Seagrove N.C. USA
Posts: 7,281
RE: 357 handgun for deer?
Thats what I carry.
I have a S&W Model 19 - 357 magnum with a 5 1/2 inch barrel.
I use 158 grain JHP
If you can get a deer in bow range a 357 magnum will be fine.
Around 40 yards or so and good shot placement.
Good shot placement is important no matter what you use.
Good Luck
I have a S&W Model 19 - 357 magnum with a 5 1/2 inch barrel.
I use 158 grain JHP
If you can get a deer in bow range a 357 magnum will be fine.
Around 40 yards or so and good shot placement.
Good shot placement is important no matter what you use.
Good Luck
11-07-2005, 05:19 AM
#5
Giant Nontypical
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posts: 7,208
RE: 357 handgun for deer?
I took a doe with one last year. Pretend you are bowhunting, and it works fine. Less than 40 yds(50 if you can really shoot well) broadside, thru the lungs. You'll pass a lot of shots that with a rifle would be dead. Have patience. I used the 180 grain Gold dots. most people stay on the heavier side, lot of guys like the 158 grain too. Wouldn't go lighter than that.
11-07-2005, 10:00 AM
#8
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Georgetown, Texas
Posts: 528
RE: 357 handgun for deer?
I have shot some pigs with a .357 lever action. I use a 185 gr I think, maybe 180 but I think it was 185. Anyway, those pigs are a bit tougher than Deer and you do get a bit more volocity out of a long gun than a pistol but I bet at short ranges you will do fine. I have used a .357 to finish off a Deer once, full pass through on a broad side heart shot. I hit a bit high had broken his back and needed to get things done, not a big fan of watching anything suffer.
