Legal to hunt with .357 ?

[Scottystyle]

Im taking a friend hunting for the first time, and he doesnt have a rifle, so I am loaning mine and letting him tag first.  I was gonna carry the spotting scope and pack my 357 in case I got a close shot opportunity.  Last year I jumped my buck at 10 yards.  Was wanting to make sure its legal to hunt with it and what range would be a comfortable distance.  It is a Taurus .357 8 shot revolver, double action, 6.5 barrel.  also, Im very efficient with it, at the range I can hit a paper plate 7 of 8 shots at 75 yards

[bobcat]

Yes, it's legal. They hardly have any restrictions on handguns anymore. Just has to be 25 caliber or larger, with a minimum 4 inch barrel.

I was going to say maximum range would be 25 yards, but that would be me. If you can shoot it that well at 75, I'd say about 50 yards max for you.

[Scottystyle]

   Good to know, I wouldnt be shooting at a deer over 40yards.  I know energy becomes an issue past that, and wont push it.  I have a boat load of surplus tags for Montana, and not too concerned about getting one here, just focused on getting the friend his first deer..... BUT.... If i have a shooter jump up in my face again..... Its will be   

Also any recomend any rounds to hunt with? 

[carpsniperg2]

I have shot more then a few deer with a handgun and one being a 357. You want a heavy bullet with a good solid design. I like the 158 hornady xtps

[robescc]

I have taken a couple deer with a .357 mag. Cheap Federal copper jacketed soft points does the trick. $18 at Wal-Mart. $50 yards is my max but I can hit a paper plate all day at 100 yard shooting off hand. It takes some practice though.

[Bob33]

Just has to be 25 caliber or larger, with a minimum 4 inch barrel.

Not that it matters much, but the minimum caliber is .24, the same as for rifles.

[Lukeackerson]

This .40 S&W Hornady XTP was recovered from a deer.  It didn't mushroom as advertised, but it killed the deer.  Shot was taken at approximately 20 yards.

[Scottystyle]

  Thanks for the advice everyone, i think i will pick up some of those hurnadys and hit the range.

[lokidog]

How about those replica black powder .44s like the old army and navy revolvers?  That might be kind of fun out here where I can usually get pretty close.

[Scottystyle]

I want tosay those are legal  It would for sure be cool to get a deer with one of those

[BiggLuke]

I've been packing my Ruger GP100 .357, loaded with barnes XPB solid brass bullets, just in case.
LOL....

It should more than do the trick.