.357 Mag revolver for deer?

[FLIZZ]

I plan on going after blacktails a least a couple days this fall with my Blackhawk. I'm thinking a 158grn Buffalo Bore JHP ought to do the trick. Do you disagree? If so I'd love to know why, and hear of your experience (if any) with .357 on decent size bucks. Thanks

[James E]

.357 is not legal for big game.

[grundy53]

.357 is not legal for big game.

You might want to re-check that. Totally legal.

sent from my typewriter

[FLIZZ]

.357 is not legal for big game.

Yeah, definitely Legal in WA state.

[Dbax129]

 

Totally legal. I plan on using 180 gain bullets though for my deer this year.

[pianoman9701]

Perfectly legal with a barrel of 4" or more and .24 cal or better. From page 76 in the Big Game Regulations:

"Big game, except cougar, must be hunted
with a minimum of .24 caliber (6mm)
centerfire rifle. Cougar may be hunted with
.22 caliber centerfire rifle. Rimfire rifles are
not legal for big game.
Handguns:
Big game, except cougar, may be hunted with
handguns with a minimum barrel length
of 4 inches per manufacturers specification,
and fire a minimum .24 caliber centerfire
cartridge. The minimum for cougar is a .22
caliber centerfire handgun. Rimfire handguns
are not legal for big game."

[pd]

DBax and Grundy are correct (as usual): This is legal.

Just to be clear, to hunt big game (cougar excepted) with a handgun, you must satisfy all 3 of the following requirements:
(1) Must be centerfire (no rimfire), AND
(2) Must be .24 caliber or larger (thus, .357 is OK), AND
(3) The barrel must be 4" or longer (as specified by the maker, not by you).

Here's a curveball for you.  For those of us who hunt in firearms restricted zones, there is an additional fourth condition (PITA!):
(4) Revolver-style handguns only--your service model Glocks and Springfields cannot be used.  Sorry.

I hate this last restriction.  Why in the world did this get added?

[RifleRidge]

totally legal.. Indeed ! 

[carpsniperg2]

I have done my fair share of handgun hunting and love it. Your 357 will do just fine. I run 125 xtps in one of mine and it has done the trick a few times.

[FLIZZ]

I have done my fair share of handgun hunting and love it. Your 357 will do just fine. I run 125 xtps in one of mine and it has done the trick a few times.

Thanks! for actually responding to my question. lol

[Bill W]

I finished an antelope off with 158 gr HPs out of a .357 at about 6 feet.   The bullets did not mushroom and pencil-poked a hole through and through on the rib area.

I'd do some tests on your 158 grain HPs first to see if you are getting any expansion.  Or... I would use a lead SWC and use the flat nose for the wound channel.

[RifleRidge]

I pack a 357 but like my 375 HH

[300rum]

I have shot two, both with 158gr Remington Golden Sabre's.  One out of 6" 686, the other out of a 4" 686.  One at 20 yards, the other at 50 (both single action).  Both behind the shoulder.   

I had mixed results.  Knowing what I know now, 40 yards is pushing it for me, although I am accurate at 50+.

I recovered the bullet from the 20 yard shot.  The bullet was embedded under the far side of the hide and expanded perfectly, just like the pictures. 

[hillbilli]

the .357 will do the job, but be careful of bullet selection, as a lot of the .357 bullets are meant for 2 legged varmints, and wont give you an exit. My choice based on all the bullets I've tested would be the gold dot.. and preferably the 158gr.. in water jugs (and in deer) in consistently expands to .55 caliber and penetrates well. I've heard good reports on the 158xtp but haven't used it. the 158 hydrashok might be a great anti personnel load, but doesn't hold together well.

[RadSav]

I have done my fair share of handgun hunting and love it. Your 357 will do just fine. I run 125 xtps in one of mine and it has done the trick a few times.

It has been a lot of years.  I think it was the first year the XTP FP was available    But I took my Python to CA for a hog hunt.  Took a 300# class hog at almost 50 yards with it.  158 grains flat out pounded him down.  One of the more fun hunts I have done with a firearm!  Might not get quite the performance out of a thin muscled deer, but I would not worry too much about it.