Best .357 Magnum Ammo for Deer Hunting?

Hunting with Firearms
1

I’m gearing up for deer season and I’ve been considering using my .357 Magnum for the hunt. I’ve heard mixed opinions about using it for deer, so I’m looking for some solid advice.

What to Consider

When selecting ammo, I know that the bullet weight and type can make a huge difference. Here are a few things I’m curious about:

  • Bullet Weight: What weights have you found most effective?
  • Bullet Type: Are hollow points, soft points, or hard cast bullets better for deer?
  • Effective Range: What kind of distances can I expect to effectively take a deer down?
  • Brand Recommendations: Are there specific brands you’ve had success with?

Personal Experiences

It would be great to hear any personal experiences or stories that could guide me in making a choice. Whether it’s about the ammo that worked best for you or a specific setup that you found optimal, all insights are welcome!

Conclusion

Thanks in advance for your input! I’m excited to hear what you all have used and any tips you might have for a successful hunt with a .357 Magnum.

2

I’ve had great results using 158-grain JSP (Jacketed Soft Point) ammo for deer hunting with my .357 Magnum. It offers a nice balance of expansion and penetration.

3

Interesting choice! I prefer 180-grain ammunition. It hits harder, allowing for better penetration on larger deer. Has anyone else tried this weight?

4

I’ve always used hollow points. They expand and cause a lot of damage, but I’m curious if anyone has faced issues with over-penetration.

5

Hollow points can indeed over-penetrate if you’re not careful. I would recommend sticking with JSP or even flat-nose bullets for a controlled expansion.

6

What do you guys think about full metal jacket (FMJ) rounds? They’re cheaper, but I’ve heard they aren’t ideal for deer hunting. Is that true?

7

FMJs are great for practice but not for hunting. They won’t expand and can pass straight through without transferring energy. Stick with expanding types.

8

I’ve found that lighter bullets (like 125-grain) can work well for smaller deer, but you lose penetration with bigger animals. It’s all about your target.

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9

That makes sense! I was wondering about that. Has anyone ever hunted using a .357 with a 158-grain bullet on a big buck?

10

Yes! I shot a nice buck with a 158-grain JSP last fall. He went down pretty fast, which was a relief. That weight really seems to hit the mark!

11

Glad to hear that! It gives me confidence in using that for my next hunt. What do you think about using handloads for better performance?

12

Handloading can definitely improve performance based on your specific rifle. Just make sure to follow safety guidelines! Anyone else a handloader?

13

I’ve been handloading for years! It’s fun, and you can tailor the load for specific deer sizes and distances. Just make sure to take your time!

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14

For deer hunting, the .357 Magnum can be incredibly effective within 100 yards. I’ve had great results with 158-grain soft points that expand nicely on impact.

15

That’s good to know! What about the energy transfer at those ranges? How does that impact your shot placement?

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16

Energy transfer is crucial. Ideally, you want at least 500 ft-lbs for humane kills. The 158-grain loads usually meet this at 100 yards without issues.

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17

What about lighter bullets? I’ve heard mixed reviews on using 125-grain ammo for deer.

18

125-grain loads tend to penetrate deeply but might not expand well enough on deer. They can work under the right conditions, but I’d stick with heavier bullets for reliability.

19

That’s a solid point, Daniel. The terminal performance really matters when hunting. Has anyone tried bonded or hollow point varients for better expansion?

20

I have, and the bonded bullets often retain their weight better, leading to deeper penetration and expansion. They’re my go-to choice for deer hunting.

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