Deer hunting with a .357 Magnum - question for all...

[Claims Rep.]

All,

To begin with, I have limited funds, so buying a 44 Magnum is NOT an option (wish it was ). I have a S&W 686 .357 Magnum and a Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum - both 6 inch barrels. I plan to put a 2X scope on one of them to hunt with this fall. So, here are two questions:

1. What scope would you buy?

2. What .357 Magnum load would you shoot to deer hunt with?


Thanks in advance.

CR

 

[Scorch]

Scope- Leupold EER 2X
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=241334

Load- 158 gr JSP max load,
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=748982
or
180 gr NP max load
http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpage.exe/showproduct?saleitemid=534806

 

[JKump]

Can't comment on scope, But Fedral Fusion 158 grain JSP worked well for me on deer.

 

[Doyle]

I agree on the JSP bullets. Hardcast is even better but you have to handload to get those. With a .357, you need penetration more than you need expansion.

 

[Claims Rep.]

Thanks to all for the info.

CR

 

[Water-Man]

You do not need to handload to use hard cast bullets. Buffalo Bore 180gr. will do the trick.

 

[fisherman66]

I was going to jump in and suggest Buffalo Bore, butcha beat me to it.

I've got to agree with a very low power EER scope like Scorch recommended.

Disclaimer...I've not tried this feat with a handgun. I'd like to, though. I'd have a good pair of shooting sticks if it were me.

 

[sourdough44]

I did shoot one deer with my 357. I used regular soft points, today I would use hardcast.