Your thoughts Gentlemen, on the .357 Mag for deer.

[reddbow]

I'd like to know what you all think about the .357 Mag for deer hunting.
That is my preferred handgun cartridge for deer, after using and taking several deer each with both the .357 Mag and the .44 Mag.
What are your thoughts?

Reddbow

[TLMgamecalls]

i like the 357
and use them often
you just have to make a good shot

[marty]

I think the .357mag is a bit light for deer. I like complete penetration when I shoot through the vitals of an animal. It gives a better blood trail. With the one animal I shot with the .357mag I did not get full penetration. I had a tough trailing job. And, that was with hot 158grn loads.

If I am going to use a wheel gun I prefer the .44mag or larger. I've been able to get complete pass through shots on deer with the .44mag. Several deer did not require tracking. But, the ones I did have to track left a good blood trail to follow.

[pheasanthunter]

It's all about shot placement... In Iowa the .357 is min. caliber you can use.. My wifes uncle dropped his first handgun deer this winter with his .357 he bought this past fall.. good shot and was on the ground in 50 yards

[TLMgamecalls]

odd
i have shot over 25 deer with a 357 mag
at distances from 10 to 135 yds
(most were between 50 and 80)
and have never recovered a bullet
(i use factory federal 158sp)
the first deer i shot, the bullet went through both sholders at about 60yds
and i agree that you need a through shot for any sort of blood trail, and shot placement must be perfect

[kahuna]

I prefer a minimum .44 mag. That's just my opinion, 'cuz the .357 is well capable. My next wheelgun is gonna be the .460 S&W. I think that will answer any "power" questions. ;D ;D

[wvhunter129]

I have a Ruger Blackhawk 357, I got it thinking that I would like to try and pistol hunt for whitetail. I wondered myself whether it was heavy enough for hunting whitetails. I guess it would be okay if I would let the deer get within 20 yards or so.

[willfish02]

i have a ruger blackhawk 357 and only shot 2 deer with it 1 at 40 yards and 1 at 70 yards and both dropped in there tracks. i sold

[steve rodoski]

I use a 454 casaul it knocks them down no problem .i have a scope mounted on it and can shoot 100 yds with accuracy.

[1911crazy]

Well I'm going to start off by saying the 357mag. and 44mag. have killed every north american game thanks to Elmer Keith. Its all about the shot placement and the bullet your using. The 140gr jhp's are very accurate in my 6" barreled 357mag. out to 100yds with pinpoint accuracy but my jhp's may not get too much penetration too so soft points would be better for hunting.

[turkeydude]

Good info
Turkeydude

[Mobe]

The .357 mag is the smallest legal handgun to use for deer in Iowa. For close shots It works, but is weak in the kinetic energy area for deer size game.
If you have another option I'd pick a larger caliber.
A .44 or .45 is a much better option.

[smokeybear]

I myself think that a lot of these big elephant killing size magnum handguns are bit of an overkill for deer. But to each their own I say, because my 7mm Rem Mag rifle is a bit of an overkill also in my opinion but that doesn't mean I'm not going to use it. The 357 is more than adequate. Shot placement is the key, but that is true with any size bullett. If you feel comfortable with it and can shoot it accuratley then by all means, lay into it!!!

[Tusker]

As noted, shot placement is everything. I have used about all them at one time or the other. No super big deer around here for the most part, but this ole girl has taken a dozen or so in the last 25 years. I gave her the Ivory for our 25th anniversary together.

[Olddog]

The .357 is a good round I personally dont like it, would rather have something a little larger and more KNOCKDOWN. Just my opinion