Looking for advice on 357 rifles

[Ka Boom]

Guys, I'm thinking about getting a .357 cal lever action rifle to use as a short range brush gun. Most of my shots will be within 75yds, and whitetail will be the largest size game hunted with it. There are choices of 16", 18.5" and 20" + barrel lengths. Would a certain barrel length be an advantage or disadvantage over the other with the 357 round? What type bullet would be a good choice to use for hunting?

If you have owned one.
What types of game have you taken with it?
How well did it perform in the field?
And at what ranges did you sight it in?
What kind of bullet grouping should I expect from one at a given range?

Thanks for your help.

[Thebear_78]

My dad has had one with a 16" barrel for several years now.  It has been one of the best swamp/corn field whitetail rifles we have ever used.  It has killed 12 whitetails at ranges out to 120 yards, most being in the 30-50 yard range.   158gr JSP reloads has been its steady diet.  It really outperforms the pistol length barrels.  I would stick with the shorter barrel, its just a lot handier and you wn't lose that much velosity from a pistol cartridge in such long tubes.

[pastorp]

Ka Boom, I have a marlin 1894CP. 16" barrel and I had a 1894C 18" barrel. I couldn't tell any difference in the way they shot. I like the shorter barrel the best, but both ballanced well. I would buy which ever I could find. The only make the C right now.  Byron

[Kal52]

This year before Deer season my wife, god love her, got me a .357 emf hartford. All I can say is this gun is Now my favorite ever. This model has a 20" barrel and the saddle ring, which i will be putting a single point harness from wilderness on it, if and when they ever ship it to me.

I used the 158 fusion ammo, seemed ok, but put a hole the size of a fist in the deer at 80yds and did not pass through. I used 180 grn cast core, punched a hole clear through both shoulders at 150 and change, very little internal dammage (too long of story of why i took that long of a shot).

I also used a 158gr hollowpoint, i would avoid these, they are the worst of the bunch, these were hi shoks, and at 40yds hit bone and deflected up to the spine, deer kept moving, had to be shot twice, it was awful, the second shot wasnt that impressive either. I think i have to agree with most fellas on this one and say 158grn jsp is a good choice.

I Havent shot for groups yet but offhand i can hit a 10in plate everytime at 100yds with the opensights now (had to practice a bit).
wanna take it yote hunting next weekend, have some 125grn soft points and the 158s yet, we will see if i can call somethin in.

as far as leng goes, its a short little gun to begin with, so id just pick the one that feels the best to you, your really not going to see much diff either way.

I hope you find what you are looking for, and have fun.

good luck

Dave

[Ka Boom]

Thanks guys,
Sounds like the 357 is a winner.
I was worried that it may be a tad light for whitetail.
But with the right bullet I should be in buisness.

Really apperciate the help.

[Jerry Lester]

The 357 magnum is fine for deer as long as you use a good load, and use it within it's limits.