357 Mag for deer

357 is a ok cal for deer if you know your ability. I own a Ruger Super Blackhawk and can hit a deer sized target at arround 200 yards with loads that I have worked up and in ideal conditions from a sandbag rest but I dont shoot at any animals over 40 yards. the energy that it takes to make a CLEAN kill on a animal like a deer is not much more energy that a 357 has at the muzzle. I agree with the 41 mag to be the best deer cal for deer. you can load it down to plinking power or up to almost a 44mag. the 41 mag was invented for a very specific reasion it was made to STOP people in there tracks. I bridges the gap between the 44mag and the 357. the 44 mag was too much of a kick for some people and the 357 was too fast and used light and fragle bullets. .the 41 mag has less kick than the 44mag but almost the same stopping power. If you are serious about handgun hunting do your self and the deer a favor and go for the 41 mag or the 44 mag and you won't be dissapointed. A dad told me once that alot dead is the same as a little dead but quicker.
 
Well, I can assure you the .357 sure works on men! A nice by product of using a pistol for predator hunting is you'd be getting a lot of good practice/experience for using one in self defense. That's why I use the same Model 870 Remington to hunt with that I use on duty. Lots and lots of practice with the same weapon.

Sam
 
It seems that everytime the subject of the 357 mag for deer comes up everyone jumps straight on the 44 band wagon.
I'll put it simple. The 357 magnum will reliably kill all North American game animals. That is a proven fact.
That said I personally believe that the 357 and 41 magnums are suitable only in the hands of the most expierienced of handgun hunters.
Generally the novice doesn't possess the skills or the control to pass all but the ideal shot. Perfect shot placement from the properangles are required.
Save your money and buy the 44 or 45 class guns and PRACTICE ALOT!!!!! Leave the small magnums to the pros.
 
Lot's of good advice already given. I used to hunt deer with a .357. Killed a few, lost a few. Got rid of it and got a .454 Casull. I generally shoot 325 grain LBT cast bullets. You make a good hit you drop the deer. No comparison between the two. By the way the loads are hot loads that are loaded for the 45LC. If you can go to a heavier caliber just do it and be done with it.
 
I killed one with a 357 last year. Just was not impressed though. I prefer 44cal or larger........

45 Colt Bisley Blackhawk.........

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480 SRH........

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I guess I will might as well say something too. I will start out by saying that I use a 44 mag SRH and a 454 SRH here in Ohio to deer hunt with. I have been considering taking my 357 deer hunting this year though. I do agree with what Ben said about thinking like a bowhunter when using the 357. This was going to be my mentality when using my 357. I am very comfortable shooting handguns while hunting and I feel confident in my ability and my 357. About the only thing I do disagree with on what some people may say or suggest sometimes is about shooting light loads. Keep in mind that this is just my opinion. I firmly beleive that if I am going to use a handgun to hunt with I am going to shoot only hunting loads from that gun. To me this is a key roll in practicing. If I wanted to shoot 45 LC's through my 454 to practice with then I will just get out my 45 LC. But I would only shoot the round that I would be using for deer hunting in it. Like I said this is just my opinion on a VERY "controversial" subject.
 
Hitman,
Well said. Practice makes perfect. You have to shoot to be good with a pistol. Every year so many hunters go to the woods and haven't even shot a box of shell through their long guns. With a pistol, you better do some shootin' or you will likely be disappointed.
 
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