.38 special +p versus .357

B

Bezoar

Moderator
for deer.

I enjoy the topic of 357 versus other cartridges for deer and its always been a stalemate. 357 works, just shorter range if used in handgun and you got to put the bullet were it needs to go.

Now most factory 158 grain ammo for 357 hunting all tops out at 550 pound sof energy in 4 inch barrels. go to federal and winchester websites.

Now buffalo bore makes a 38 spcl +p 158 grain hardcast keith load that is listed at 1250 fps and 555 pounds of energy, sure a 6 inch barreled 357 got that figure, so whats the difference really in the end?
 
http://ballisticsbytheinch.com/megraphs/357mag.html
has the energy for the 357Magnum in several different manufacturers listed well over what you stated.
I don't think that the 4" barrel is much used for hunting, (maybe self defense woods carry), More popular would be a 6". The energy from that barrel in 357Mag would be more like 800 'Lb
But people have been known to poach deer with 22lr as it makes less noise.
 
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Bezoar said:
so whats the difference really in the end?
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Well, I've never used a .357mag for deer, but if I were going to, I'd choose Buffalo Bore's .357mag 180gr @ 783 ft/lbs over any of the loads you listed.
 
+1 to above

Most manufacturers load down their .357 Magnum (and .38 Special +P), I suspect due to recoil complaints in small handguns, strength of old guns and [attach tinfoil hat] to promote their latest flash bang, low drag, high speed automatic pistol rounds [tinfoil hat off]. For reference, I just checked Hodgdon load data and the .357 tops out at around 1550 FPS with a 158 gr XTP, which works out to 840 FT/LBS of energy. I personally wouldn't want to shoot those all day without a reason, but the potential is there. Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, and a few others load the .357 to its full potential.
 
I admit better loads do exist, but in the rough market, thats equal to what most factory 158 grainers are making. and ive seen a few factory 180 grain loads that dont make 600 pounds in a 6 inch barrel.

more energy then most 44 specials..
 
I've used my chronograph on many loads. I have real side by side data.

With my 6" GP100 the numbers are as follows.

Buffalo Bore .38spl +P 158 LSWC 1157fps 469ft/lbs

Buffalo Bore .357 158 JHP 1346fps 635ft/lbs

Buffalo Bore .357 180LRNFP 1338fps 715ft/lbs

.357 125 SGD Handload H110 powder 1647fps 750ft/lbs

I have no doubt a .38 will kill a deer but it won't shoot as flat.

I have killed a deer with .357. I used that 125grain SGD handload listed above. It was devistating and passed full through the doe. It drops very little out to 100 yards was was going 2227fps or 1376ft/lbs out of my Ruger M77 rifle.

That would be the best way to go.
 
When I was young 158 grain 357 Magnum loads were marketed at a claimed 1,470 FPS but would actually clock around 1,400 FPS from a 6" barrel. A few years ago I tested some factory ammo and got 1,250 FPS. No idea what it runs now. It felt like the factory ammo was getting weaker and my chronograph agreed with my perceptions. Some guys want to argue that factory ammo has not been down-loaded over the decades but they are mistaken. It definitely has in several calibers I have tested.

A 158 grain 38 Special that clocks 1,250 FPS would be a very hot load. That's 100 FPS faster than the 38/44 ammo. If limited to factory ammo then that 38 Special load would be the way to go.
 
Its an interesting load, and its basically a 38/44 duplicator. I was on the fence about getting a gun for hunting or for plinking, and this load gives me warm fuzzies.

overall 45 colt might be nicer on the ears, and more fun. but a 38 with that punch...
 
CAUTION: The following post includes loading data beyond or not covered by currently published maximums for this cartridge. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. Neither the writer, The Firing Line, nor the staff of TFL assume any liability for any damage or injury resulting from use of this information.
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Guns used 6"Taurus 608 ss/Henry 20" lever 357.

The first two entry's are factory brands. It's neat to see the balistic change between the two barrel lengths. And yes don't leave your h- powered 38's for someone else to pick up. If I would happen to pass, my buddy knows what to do with them.

Box: 357 110 1280/1770 fps
Date: 2/24/14
Gun type: Taurus 608/Henry20"lever
Caliber: 357 Magnum
Bullet: JHP
Brand. Winchester

Box: 357 158 1100/1385 fps
Date: 2/24/14
Gun type: Taurus 608/Henry20"lever
Caliber: 357 Magnum
Brand. Herters

Box: 38 ++p 125 1330/1940
Date: 2/23/14
Gun type: Taurus 608/Henry20"lever
Caliber: 38 Special
Bullet: 125 gr RNFP
Powder: 18.4 gr W296
Primer: Small pistol primer
OAL: 1.455 in

Box: 357 125 1543/2250
Date: 2/23/14
Gun type: Taurus 608/Henry20"lever
Caliber: 357 Magnum
Bullet: 125 gr JHP
Powder: 22 gr W296
Primer: Small pistol magnum
OAL: 1.59 in
 
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