357 max 158 or 180gr?

[ATR]

Hello,
I'm going to try deer hunting this year with the g-2.
I've got a 14" max barrel on order.
I'd like to know your thought on a 158gr bullet vs the 180.
I know with a cal like the 357max your suppose to reload but I just don't shoot much. I can get loaded ammo via the internet for the 158 and 180.
I know saying I don't reload will make your  heart skip a few beats but just relax don't kick the dog have a beer you'll be fine in a few minutes.

[EdK]

Most 180s are OK and probably the most popular in the 'Max. If you go with a 158 you must be careful that it is not too frangible as most all HP 158s are designed with self defense in mind with a 4" service revolver - not 1800fps.

[swampthing]

I second that. I would take it one step further and try to find soft point ammo. I'm not a fan of handgun hollowpoints for hunting.

[EdK]

http://www.lasc.us/Fryxell357Max.htm

[ATR]

Thanks guys

[poncaguy]

I have some 357 Max ammo from Dan Wesson....158, 170 and 180 grain. Going to try the 170's this year on does and see how it performs.
poncaguy

[ATR]

What do you think of the dan wesson ammo? I have a box of the 158 and 180xtp dan wesson on order

[poncaguy]

Haven't shot any yet, our club is trying to find a new range. New construction behind our old range shut it down.................

[PaulS]

The Maximum really shines with heavy bullets. In a Contender (or any single shot) it is easy to load them long and get more powder behind the 180 grain rifle bullets from either Speer or Hornady. I am currently working up some loads using the Hornady 180 spire points because they have the cannelure closer to the base than the Speer bullets which means I should be able to get more powder in an accurate load. The better ballistic coefficient will help with trajectory as much as the added velocity. These bullets are made to operate well at these velocities so you get about the same terminal performance as with a 35 Remington when limiting your shots to around 125 yards or so. I don't even conside the pistol bullets anymore in my 357 Maximums.

[Hopalong7]

Heavy bullets (180 or above) have always been more accurate in all my Max barrels(4).  I've shot the Hornady 180 SSP, and XTP and Lyman 205 with good success.  The only one I've used on deer was the SSP and performance was so good I saw no need to try anything else.  The only light bullet that I,ve ever gotten to shoot worth a hoot was the Rem 150 SP and they are hard to find.         GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[Gregory]

I've used the 357 Max and Hornady 180XTP will good success on several deer.

[PaulS]

In my Contender pistol and my repeater carbine I use only Speer and Hornady 180 grain rifle bullets seated to the cannelure.
There is lots of room left for powder and I use either H110 or AA1680. Both are accurate and the H110 is as consistance as any load I have ever fired.