Which one is best???

[rescue_171]

I'm sure this will start a debate but which one do you guys think is best for medium size whitetails at 100yds or less? Both barrels are 10 inch bull barrels from my contender.

10 inch 357 max with 180 grain XTP
10 inch 41 Mag with 210 grain XTP

I have both and wondering which one you guys like best. Also I have my powder choices narrowed down to H-110, Lil gun or 1680. Which one you guys think is best?

[Grumulkin]

Since I've never used a 357 or 41 Mag. for hunting, I'll pass on deer hunting opinions.

In regards to the powder, I wouldn't use Lil' Gun.  There was a long discourse in the Freedom Arms section.  Apparently, Lil' Gun burns so hot it can cook barrels.

[Dezynco]

6 one way, half dozen the other?  The 357 Max may have a slight edge in range, maybe, but only if you're a better shot with it that the 41 Mag.

[Hopalong7]

     I have both and have shot deer with both....it's a toss-up to me.  Lately I've favored the Max, but there was a time when I would have said the 41...hands down.  I would agree that the max might have a little edge in range...especially with a pointy (180SSP)bullet.  As far as powder goes, 1680 would be my choice in the Max and H110 in the 41.  I've had good success with Lil'Gun in Hornets and Bees, but haven't tried in either of these two.  Also, both work great with cast boolets .  You can't go wrong here, so, just take your choice.
Walt

[Ken ONeill]

Tweedle Dum vs Tweedle Dee. The .357 Super Mag shoots a bit flatter, but personally, I prefer the .41 Mag.
I prefer H-110 in my .41 Mags.

[shot1]

A deer hit in the right spot will not know the difference. I would pick the one that I could shoot the best.

[luckydawg13]

i had the max sold it and got a 44 mag so ill go 41

[Ladobe]

I killed a lot of big game in the late 60's and through the 70's with a Herter's 401 Power Mag (esentially the same as a 41 MAG).   Lots of wild boar and a few blacktail along the coastal ranges of CA, plus a few mule deer and couple of elk in the Rocky Mountian states before I stopped hunting with the revolver.   It never let me down on any of them.   One of those firearms that I regret that I sold.   I used 2400 for my handloads in it.   Had a Contender 10" 41 MAG barrel too but never got up enough interest to get around to shooting it before I resold it.   The 357MAX I had I used for medium game (predators) and it was fine for them, but I never shot any mule deer with it.   Can't remember for sure now but  I probably used 2400 or H110 in it.

Probably comes down to personal choice when either would work, like the 401PM was my choice.   I had a couple of Smith Model 29's and a Ruger Blackhawk in 44MAG at the time too, but seemed to always grab the Herter's when going hunting.   I just plain liked the revolver better than my Smith's or the Ruger Flattop, and really didn't need the extra oomph of the 44 for any of them.

Tweedle Dum vs Tweedle Dee....    

[Bullseye]

I have shot quit a few deer with a 357 Max and a 41 Mag.  I still have the 41.  In my experience the 41 just got the job done better.  Deer never went as far after a good hit.  The 357 Max also twisted my wrist and made it hurt more than any other gun I ever shot at the range.

[luckydawg13]

  The 357 Max also twisted my wrist and made it hurt more than any other gun I ever shot at the range.

+1

[pme166]

I love shooting the 357 Max but I find that is my "fun" limit.  41 mag, 44 mag etc are beyond my fun levels and I jsut don't shoot them.

I can blast away at the range with several hundred Max loads and have a great time though. 

Too each his own I guess.

[spinafish]

as far as powder goes...1680 is really hard to beat in the .357 MAX..