Need help w/New Blackhawk in .357 Mag

[Selmer]

Ok, I have a roommate with a .357 Mag.  He is quite proficient target shooting with it but has never hunted deer with it and would like to hunt with me this fall.  He's using a Ruger New Blackhawk with open sights.  Is there anyway to scope this set up if he would like to?  I will be introducing him to reloading under my supervision with this gun.  What do you recommend for bullet selection for plinking and hunting?  I assume the 158 gr. for plinking, 180 gr. XTP for hunting, correct?  I have a .454 Casull in my Encore which I have loaded extensively for, but have no experience with the .357 mag.  I see that for light loads I can use many of my shotgun powders, such as HS-6, Unique, and 700-X.  I'm assuming H110 is still THE choice for stout hunting loads in this caliber, just as it is in my .454.  I have confidence in his ability to place bullets, I just need to know what to put in the case for deer hunting.  We are hunting Iowa whitetails at short (<50 yds.) ranges.  Do I need a Lee Factory Crimp die for loading this round or does the crimp die in the standard 3-die set work ok?  I've had great success with my Lee Factory Crimp in the .454, but we're trying to keep initial cost down, but the die is only $20 or less if I remember right.  Ok, I think those are all my questions, if you have any answers or further suggestions, please let me know.
Thanks!
Selmer

[wncchester]

There are several makes of scope mounts for the  SBH.  Any of several jacketed bullets over a full charge of H110 or 2400 will do the job nicely inside 50 yards, no hollow points are needed, something that will penetate well is better.  A good quality scope of 1 1/2x will be best for that work.

[irold]

In my 357 Mag loads, I've been using 2400.  Its given me the best performance, that's in a 2 1/2" 686, and a 6" Trooper.  Never killed a deer with them, can't help you there.  Suggestion for a scope, If he likes them... a red dot.  They mount far enough forward as to not interfer with thumbing the hammer back.  And, at around 50 yards , they're plenty accurate.  You can get into a a Bushnell Trophy for  <100 bucks. They seem to be pretty durable.  I've had one on my 44 Encore for several years, my boy has one on his 10" 454 Casull, just put it on this summer, but its still together after several hundred rounds.   Just food for thought , Good Luck  ( these red dots are 30 MM, sometimes they require a special ring if you don't like the vertical split that comes with them )

[cwlongshot]

There are a number of good mounts out there. I had a Buhler mount some years back and It was very well made. I believe Leupold has one and wouldn't doubt it is B Square offered something as well.
 Btw, if you have good eyes, practice and become proficent, 50yds is not such a poke for the open sites. I also comend you for the 50yrd limitation with this combo, thats ethical thinking, good for you!!

 I have a couple 357's set up for hunting.
One has a 1X Burris and a 8" barrel. It shoots a max load of H110 and a 140XTP bullet very well.

 Another is a 4 5/8" barreled first model Blkhawk. I shoot 158 GD HP's and 296 powder. (Same as H110)

 Lastly is a Marlin carbine, I shoot 158XTP FP's in that with good success. The old 180 BLK TALON bullets also work well, if you can find any.

 I find the HPs work well in the shorter barrels but you NEED the SP as well as heavier projectiles for rifle velocities.

CW