I'm going to deer hunt with my 4" .357 Magnum
- Thread starter ReefBlueCoupe
- Start date
haymaker18
Inactive
Someone asked the question, why the heavier bullet? What real advantage is there?
The answer to that question is Sectional Density. The heavier the bullet in a given caliber, the higher the sectional density. Higher sectional density means better penetration. Period. The heavier bullet is longer for its caliber and will go further into the animal while expanding than a lighter bullet of the same caliber and design.
Does this mean that a 125 grain bullet won't kill deer? Certainly not...in fact, the violent expansion exhibited by the 125 grain bullets might do a great job if they miss ribs, shoulder, or anything else that might get in their way. The reason to go 158 or higher in weight is that you get better sectional density (penetration) and that is not a bad idea.
SD is much more important when dealing with truly tough animals like cape buffalo or even something like bear. For the thin skinned deer, it doesn't matter as much.
-haymaker18
The answer to that question is Sectional Density. The heavier the bullet in a given caliber, the higher the sectional density. Higher sectional density means better penetration. Period. The heavier bullet is longer for its caliber and will go further into the animal while expanding than a lighter bullet of the same caliber and design.
Does this mean that a 125 grain bullet won't kill deer? Certainly not...in fact, the violent expansion exhibited by the 125 grain bullets might do a great job if they miss ribs, shoulder, or anything else that might get in their way. The reason to go 158 or higher in weight is that you get better sectional density (penetration) and that is not a bad idea.
SD is much more important when dealing with truly tough animals like cape buffalo or even something like bear. For the thin skinned deer, it doesn't matter as much.
-haymaker18
