.357 Pistol for Deer?

[roscott]

I would like to hear some opinions and hopefully experiences regarding whether .357 out of a pistol is enough gun for deer. I know some guys use .357 rifles with good results, but since the round gains significant velocity from longer barrels, I am wondering if it has enough knock down power from a 4-6" barrel.

To to anyone that has tried it in the past, were you successful, and did you have to use volcano-level rounds to get it done?

Thanks!

 

[w_ADAM_d88]

No personal experience, but I would say yes it can be done. I personally would think over 6" would be better/best. I know that my dad had taken a dear with a S&W .357 highway patrolman from around 30 yards.

 

[Old Dog]

My 10 deer seem to indicate that the .357mag in a 6" pistol is plenty gun if you do your job and place the round in the correct spot. 8 were heart/lung shots between 25 and 75 yds. out. Not one went further than about 25yds. after hit. 2 were spine hits at 25yds. and dropped in their tracks. You just have to know your distances and your ability.

 

[slipnotz]

The 357 will do the job, you just have to know your limit. That being able to put it in the kill zone each time at whatever distance you decide. A SW 6" revolver has worked for me a couple of times.

 

[ghitch75]

i have killed a lot of deer with a S&W 686-4 6"........357mag is just fine for deer.....

 

[roscott]

Wow. I really thought this was a controversial thing, but lots of dead deer say otherwise!

To those that have experience, what ammo did you use, and were you using scopes?

 

[Old Dog]

Hot hand loads, 158gr. XTP-HP @ 1300-1500fps. Open sights and red dots. Prefer open in early am or late pm, I can see better than through a red dot.

 

[Old Dog]

P.S. deer hunting with a .22lr pistol, now that would controversial.

 

[Magnum314]

The 357 will do the job, you just have to know your limit. That being able to put it in the kill zone each time at whatever distance you decide. A SW 6" revolver has worked for me a couple of times.

Absolutely! I have had great luck with good heavy loads such as the Buffalo Bore 180gr. hard cast-LFN at 1,400fps out of my Blackhawk. No issues whatsoever in taking down deer-sized game. And there are many more out there in the 158gr weight and up that are all equally as capable.

 

[Bybo]

Deer are not an armored animal. A 22lr will kill one. It's about shot placement

 

[Mgderf]

I used the Hornady LeverEvolution to take the deer I have with a 4" barreled Taurus.
Great round on deer.

 

[Crusader17]

I have a 6 inch 586. Was prepared to use it last deer season, didn't get a chance. Make sure you have legal ammo, can't use FMJ.

 

[Hoosierdood]

Hornady XTP 158 gr loaded hot out of a Ruger GP100 4" with open sights. Put down an 8 pointer a couple years ago at 30 yards.

 

[9mmfan]

Several years ago a friend of mine got a couple deer with his Taurus 357.

 

[possumpacker]

started using a colt python for deer the first year leagle for In. i think 1986. 8in tube using 158 jhp handloads at 1300fps primary deer gun till 95. took 11 deer and a couple of bigboys over 200lbs at ranges 10 to 75 yrds. that was back when i had good eyes and steady hands. now its rifles, scopes and shooting sticks.

 

[Old Dog]

Deer are not an armored animal. A 22lr will kill one. It's about shot placement

True, but it would still be controversial.

 

[Meena]

I have killed one deer with my Ruger Blackhawk in .357 just to do it but I prefer a .44 out of a pistol length barrel.

 

[Sniper 79]

Me and a friend took a ride down to FL. He had no problems dropping several hogs from the swamp buggy using his 38spl. Got to know how to shoot and how far out the cartridge can ethically kill a critter.

 

[mickar15]

Factory, I think Remington, 158 grain semi jacked soft point. 25 yard spine shot. Dead right there.

 

[LtScott14]

6in GP100, 158gr Federal-Dead deer. Scaled at 174# and carried 6 points. Yep they work. Range was similar as couple above like 30yds.