I have made my decision but one more thing.

[The deerslayer]

I did make the decision on a 357 for my hunting pistiol, but I want my ammo to be hand loaded. Could someone give me some good data for a hot loaded 180 grain JHP? Thanks!

[ted]

I used 15 grains of Lil'un with a small pistol magnum primer and a hornady 180 xp/hp. This load is the max listed in the 2003 hornady manual and I got 1466 fps average out of my ten inch T/C with this load. I shot it into a gallon jug of water and it went through this and about 14 inches of wet newspaper. It mushroomed very well (to .69 inch) and weighed 163 grains (which is a 90% weight retention). I would like to say I shot a deer with it but had no luck getting one close enough this season.
 As far as you wanting a 'hot load', I wouldn't try or recommend anything over the factory. I don't know if you are using a T/C or not but, this should be plenty to wallop a deer. Let me know how you do and good luck!
 Has anyone out there used this bullet on deer and what were your results? Also, (just out of curiosity) has anyone chronographed this load or any .357 out of a 10" and a 12" contender to see what the velocity difference is? I would think about 50-75 fps more with the added 2 inches of barrel.

[De41mag]

deerslayer;

How about the Sierra 170gr. JHC in 357. I would give some serious thoughts about that bullet. Back when I was shooting a 357, I found it to be the most accurate bullet in that caliber. You 'll get a little more velocity and real good expanison. I even shoot that bullet out of my Mod 14 S&W 38 special, get some mushrooming. Give it a try, I think you'll be pleased. My handload was the 170gr. JHC with 15.0grs. of H-110 and a CCI #550 mag sm. pistol primer.
Just thought you might be interested.
Dennis  

[Mikey]

How about a 200 gn semi-wadcutter over 12.4 of WW296 for 1335'/sec.  That bullet is very accurate in my 357 revolvers and also in my 38 specials.  HTH.  Mikey.