.357 Magnum deer hunting ammo - softpoint, hollowpoint or GC cast?

[geologist]

For the rare occasions when I use my iron sighted 18" barrel .357 magnum carbine for deer hunting I usually load it with 158 grain JSPs.

I haven't shot any deer with it yet.

How will factory JSPs hold up at the higher carbine velocities? Are the bullets in factory Federal JSPs strong enough for the higher carbine velocity on mule deer or black bear?

I haven't hunted with .357 magnum hollowpoints because I thought that the penetration at higher than handgun velocities might be less ie. the hollowpoints might grenade on a mule deer. Is this the case?

And finally, would cast bullet handloads be a viable option for mule deer or balck bear through this rifle if it can shoot them accurately?

 

[hoytcanon]

The JSP's will be fine on game. Cast is also a good way to go... I use a 158 SWC gas checked at max with excellent results. I reamed my .357 Mag singles to Maximum and now shoot the 180 SP's out of them... I am testing the 200 FTX's now.

 

[Neilm]

I would be inclined to use cast or flat point bullets. I shot a black bear with hollow points in the revolver and they opened so quickly that there was hardly any penetration. Bullets would not penetrate the shoulder into the lungs. The last o 5 shots was into the neck at close range.
Good luck

 

[antiqueguy]

im going to say use what shoots best in your gun and know you and your guns limits and don't push them. im going to add most pistol powder burns up quick not all carbines shoot faster then pistols there is a certain point will the bullet starts to drag and it slows down

 

[MiG25]

If it were me i would shoot some jugs of water and see if the bullets flatten or come apart.

 

[antiqueguy]

If it were me i would shoot some jugs of water and see if the bullets flatten or come apart.

water and flesh are two different things water mite as well be a brick wall it will deform even the hardest of bullets

 

[762nato]

I used to use 180 gr. Hornady FTP. That being said after a couple of kills with marginal performance I do not use the .357 for deer anymore. It will get the job done but just barely.

Andy

 

[MiG25]

water and flesh are two different things water mite as well be a brick wall it will deform even the hardest of bullets

Yes, I am aware that water and flesh are not the same. The OP has expressed concern about bullets grenading at the increased velocity of a rifle, I suggested a quick test. I suppose he could just go and buy a goat or a calf or a pig and test them on those test mediums.

 

[caramel]

I have a great pet load for 357 mag, very hard hitting and will downed the biggest deer up to 100 yards ( 3 felted to it)... Sierra 170 gr JSP 17.5 gr of Litt'lGun, running just south of 1700 fps out of my carbine, devastating load if there one... JP.

 

[WhelanLad]

Hmm Great thread mate!

Could be a lot of handy information in here, Especially if one was to go an Test some projectiles, Loads an variables!!

Im sure the .357 rifle is a Dime a Dozen over there!! an so is the Whitetail an Mule deer!

Id also be inclined to ream it out to the Maximum , only just recently read an article on that thing yesterday! ha!


GC Cast would be an option, As a solid projectile going slower would penetrate a lot better than a fast Soft Pint IMO, an shots wouldn't be over 100m I wuldnt of thought either!

cheers
WL

 

[ruffbird]

I recommend a hard cast, flat nosed, GC bullet loaded with a magnum powder such as Lil'Gun, H-110, 2400, etc.

These things will penetrate & break bone!