357 mag for deer...... yup it does work (pics)

[GMC403]

I was able to finally put my money where my mouth is and harvest a decent Blacktail buck with the 77/357.

It worked out that the buck and I happened to share the same space long enough for me to pull the trigger on him. He was quartering towards me at 45-50yds once he finished strolling into my calls.
When he realized I was not what he was looking for, during his moment of reflection, I took the opportunity to put the front bead on him and try out the 357.

The 180gr JHP entered right low/front of his chest and exited behind the left front leg, taking out the heart on the way through. He took one hop/kick after the impact and pilled up 10ft away.

The bullet caused very little meat damage and seems to have held together great (no recovery)

Pics:

Entrance:




Exit:







The round:

 

[Royzo]

Nice buck!
357 works great as long as its used within its limitations. What rifle are you using?

 

[GMC403]

Thanks,

Ruger 77/357. I screwed up, thought I posted this in the hunting forum..... whoops.

 

[StoneHorse]

Yep, can't argue with success. Taking in consideration of bullet type, shot placement & range limitation for the cartridge

 

[bud69]

Very nice good info
Nice buck btw

 

[Bittereinder]

Good to know. My son uses the same rifle and bullet weight, just haven't had an obliging deer to use it on.

 

[A-zone]

Nicely done!

 

[WhelanLad]

Larfin!!

BBQ tonight via .357 !

 

[sheep100]

What round did you use? Is it a reload?

 

[Ardent]

Nice shot and lovely blacktail.

 

[mb9]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing.

 

[GMC403]

What round did you use? Is it a reload?

Factory Federal 180gr blue box JHP.

 

[sheep100]

Factory Federal 180gr blue box JHP.

Did you get it from an online retailer?

 

[stickhunter]

Well done! That'll be some nice eating, for sure. I have still have a Marlin 1894c in my collection with a Williams peep sight. I love carrying that rifle when plinking in the woods, but have not taken it hunting... one day. The 357 is definitely a favourite whenever I take friends to the range --- it has enough thump to be exciting to shoot without causing any alarm for those recoil and noise sensitive.

I see the Ruger 77/357s pop up on the EE once-in-a-while and I am always tempted.

 

[captonion]

Very nice, I use a 351 WSL with similar results..

 

[GMC403]

Did you get it from an online retailer?

No, bought it in person at a small town shop.

product code #C357G

 

[GMC403]

Well done! That'll be some nice eating, for sure. I have still have a Marlin 1894c in my collection with a Williams peep sight. I love carrying that rifle when plinking in the woods, but have not taken it hunting... one day. The 357 is definitely a favourite whenever I take friends to the range --- it has enough thump to be exciting to shoot without causing any alarm for those recoil and noise sensitive.

I see the Ruger 77/357s pop up on the EE once-in-a-while and I am always tempted.

Thanks,

The 77/357 is certainly worth a try. It's fun to shoot, mine has been exceptionally accurate with everything i've fed it. I have a new level of enjoyment with it now knowing it's capabilities.

I agree and have had the same response from people that have shot my 357 rifles........ smiles all around.

 

[mastermind]

Well done from another 357 fan!

Marlin 1894C and CSS

 

[ruffbird]

Congrats on your deer! I too like my 357 rifles, one like yours & a Marlin 1894.
Thanks for your post.....

 

[FLHTCUI]

Mmmm, Venison !
Thanks for Sharing,
Rob