Guys, correct me if you think I'm wrong, but I don't think I want a JHP running at 2 grand or over. I think a 158 gr. JSP might give better penetration, and hold together better. Whitetails aren't armor clad. It goes back to the same argument....shot placement vs. load. I've used Hornady LEs in the .44 Mag and .45-70 with good results. Other's claimed they fragmented and shed their jackets too early. I have shot them through multiple gallon jugs of water, and yes they do shed their jackets. My .357 is a Maxi, and I shoot 158 gr. Hornady XTPs occasionally in Magnum mode, but not deer hunting. For deer, out of the Maxi, I think I'd choose a 180 gr. lead, flat nosed, gas checked bullet running 1500 to 1800 fps .....more than adequate.
Spanky, I can't believe you're not reloading for the .357. It's one of the cheapest and easiest to do.
I guess I'm not really qualified to make statements about deer hunting with a .357 Mag. I've never done it, because I have better deer puterdowners. My .38-55 has front row seat this year, followed by the .445 Supermag. Both of these ya gotta reload for. I looked at factory, Win. white box .38-55s this morning and just about had a heart attack....on sale at about 37 bucks per 20. It'd cost at least ten bucks to check if it was dialed in
Once you get some brass, the .357 Maxi doesn't cost more worth mentioning to reload than the .357 Mag., or for that matter the .38 Special. I'd go Maxi it. Get aholt a Uncle Tim and git the reamer lined up.
Spanky, gogitcherdeer.
Good luck Buddy,
Pete