357 max for deer hunting

[maineturkeyman]

Has anyone had experiance with a 357 max for deer hunting? I'm thinking of one for my wife.

[jason280]

I can't remember the member's name, but there is someone here who has a lot of experience with the Max and deer hunting.  Personally, I would want to use heavier bullets (probably 180gr).  I would stay away from lighter weight bullets, especially the 125's, as they may not stay together at Max velocities.  Also, I don't know how much shooting experience your wife has, but the Max can be a handfull in a pistol (with a lot of roar and muzzle flash, especially with stout loads). 

[Gregory]

I've used the 357 Max to take several deer, including the one below.  Very effective at the woods ranges I hunt.  I shoot the Hornady 180 XTP.

[Catfish]

I`ve taken 2 deer with the max. and lost 1. The one I lost was due to bullet failer with a 180 gn. Serria bullet. I hit the frount shoulder and the bullet exploded. I`ve taken 2 with the 158 gn. Horn XTP. The XTP`s are alot tougher bullet and blow through the deer. From what I`ve seen the 158 gn. XTP is all the bullet you need for deer.

[EdK]

Too bad the search isn't working - there's lots of threads on this combo. It's about the best woods-type chambering you can get in the Contender. Easy to load. The previous comment recommending a 180gr XTP is a good one. A tried-and-true bullet in the 'max and reasonably priced to boot. Stay away from any .357 hollow point (besides maybe a Barnes in they make one).

Go for it! 

[DLH]

I have taken 5 deer with the 357 Max,  4 with the 180 XTP, and 1 with 180 SSP by Hornady.  Death came VERY quickly!!

[Pie-bald]

I,ve taken 3 deer here in Ohio with the Max.  Using the 180gr. Hornady XTP's and a healthy charge of H110 too say the least I was IMPRESSED! Beautifull mushroomed bullets were recovered out of 2 of the deer, and they were dead on there feet. I used a 14" barrel and a 1.5x4 Burris scope. If I didn't have a wide choice of other calibers available too use here in Ohio I would not hesitate to use this combo all of the time. My boy now has this barrel and It'll shoot one-ragged hoile @ 50yds all day long.

[maineturkeyman]

thanks for the help ,guys, but actually she started shooting my 7mm tcu and she loves it. so i think she'll carry that.

[billjoe]

The 7TCU will work for deer, but the Max is more accurate, at least for me.  I shoot a 10" barrel and it is very lethal on deer.

[maineturkeyman]

my 7 mm tcu is super accurate.  and she is pretty good out to 100yds with a red dot sight.