Which .357 magnum load
11-05-2007, 08:36 PM
#1
Nontypical Buck
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Titusville Florida
Posts: 1,727
Which .357 magnum load
Here in Florida there isn't a separate season for deer and small game and we're allowed to carry a handgun while small game hunting. I don't want to be caught shorthanded if a buck walks out while i'mhunting squirrels withmy .17 HMR. With this in mind which .357 load should I carry in case I get an opportunity at a deer. For home defense I use 125 grain hollow points, are these too light for hunting or would I be better off with a heavier bullet? Any recomendations would be appreciated, thanks.
11-06-2007, 07:20 AM
#4
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Wappingers Falls,N.Y
Posts: 140
RE: Which .357 magnum load
I have had success also using 158 gr JHP but out of a 6" Ruger Blackhawk.
Don't expect the deer to drop in it's tracks, it will run. The hollow points do not exit the deer but end up on the far side under the hide.
Don't expect the deer to drop in it's tracks, it will run. The hollow points do not exit the deer but end up on the far side under the hide.
11-06-2007, 11:41 AM
#5
Fork Horn
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Atlanta Georgia USA
Posts: 169
RE: Which .357 magnum load
Those 125 gr loads are designed for rapid expansion, and dont have the penetration for hunting purposes. Get something heavier that can generate at least the minimum legal energy, which is approx 1000 ft/lbs as a rule of thumb. The websites of the cartridge manufacturers should have the info you need for a particular load.
11-06-2007, 01:06 PM
#6
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location:
Posts: 1,985
RE: Which .357 magnum load
I'm loading 158 gr XTP's for hunting! Look for something that wit expand and pass through to leave blood trail,they say a good semi-soft cast for hunting is the way to go with handguns.
11-07-2007, 07:38 PM
#9
Typical Buck
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Possum Kingdom, SC
Posts: 545
RE: Which .357 magnum load
I would have to agree that you should avoid hollowpoints. 125 grain or more, roundnose or flatnose, semi-jacketed. No wadcutters.
I shot an 8 point with my NEF .357 mag Handi-rifle 2 years ago and the 110 grain holow points stopped on the far side of the ribcage after going through both lungs. No exit hole, no blood trail. If I hadn't seen him drop a hundred yards away,I might not have recovered him.
I shot an 8 point with my NEF .357 mag Handi-rifle 2 years ago and the 110 grain holow points stopped on the far side of the ribcage after going through both lungs. No exit hole, no blood trail. If I hadn't seen him drop a hundred yards away,I might not have recovered him.
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