Author Topic: .357 maximum for whitetail (Read 563 times)

yosimite sam · « **on:** October 25, 2004, 09:31:04 AM »

my father will be using a .357 maximum for deer hunting this year its a ruger super blackhawk with hornady 180 grain handloads backed with a mid size dose of H-110 has anyone had any results with this combination or specific cartridge I would appreciate any input

waynemorgan · « **Reply #1 on:** October 25, 2004, 11:02:06 AM »

i have been using a 357 MAX in my 10 in contender for five years now it is great for deer out to 100 yards the 180 sp is best the 158 is ok for up to 65 yards max ,,i also use it in hogs ( note i DO NOT any more i only had one shot on three BIG M.F hogs here in south texas after they got ahold of me i am now looking for a S & W 500 )

good luck on your deer wayne

Gregory · « **Reply #2 on:** October 25, 2004, 11:50:56 AM »

Used a 357 Max with 180 gr Hornady XTP bullet to fill my IL antlerless tag last season. 40 yd shot penetrated both shoulders. Works very well.

Bullseye · « **Reply #3 on:** October 25, 2004, 05:12:46 PM »

I have shot 5 or 6 deer with the Max in a Contender. Always got the job done. I used 180 gr. XTP's.

Lone Star · « **Reply #4 on:** October 26, 2004, 02:50:52 PM »

Quote

...with hornady 180 grain handloads backed with a mid size dose of H-110...

Just don't go much below 19 grains of H110 or you may see erratic ignition and velocities in a revolver. IMO the 180s are vastly superior to lighter bullets in this cartridge for hunting game. Since 158s are designed for .357 Magnums, most are very fragile at close range out of the Maxi. Don't expect a lot of penetration with soft bullets.