Deer hunting load for .357 mag

onlybrowning · April 29, 2007, 01:42 PM

I will not be using this as my primary hunting implement, but as a backup for my rifle. I do , however want the option to take a deer at close range (less than 50yds) with the gun. I am wondering if the Speer 160 Semi wadcutter half jacket, or the 158 grain Hornady XTP would be a better bullet choice (I have them both). I have H-110, H-4227, Bullseye, and Unique right now. The gun is a 4" Ruger GP 100. Note: I would like the load to be as "powerful" as possible asn still safe in my GP. I am thinking the listed loads are a little anemic. What say you?

mrawesome22 · April 29, 2007, 04:48 PM

http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp

The Hornady website has a neat little tool that will calculate energy and all that.

Overhill · April 30, 2007, 11:05 AM

158 Hornady XTP bullet and 2400 powder. I have harvested two deer with this combination, but with a six inch barrel.

April 29, 2007, 01:42 PM	#1
onlybrowning Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2005 Location: Saratoga Springs, NY Posts: 275	Deer hunting load for .357 mag I will not be using this as my primary hunting implement, but as a backup for my rifle. I do , however want the option to take a deer at close range (less than 50yds) with the gun. I am wondering if the Speer 160 Semi wadcutter half jacket, or the 158 grain Hornady XTP would be a better bullet choice (I have them both). I have H-110, H-4227, Bullseye, and Unique right now. The gun is a 4" Ruger GP 100. Note: I would like the load to be as "powerful" as possible asn still safe in my GP. I am thinking the listed loads are a little anemic. What say you?

April 29, 2007, 04:48 PM	#2
mrawesome22 Senior Member Join Date: November 9, 2005 Location: Ohio, Appalachia's foothills. Posts: 3,779	http://data.hodgdon.com/main_menu.asp The Hornady website has a neat little tool that will calculate energy and all that.

April 30, 2007, 11:05 AM	#3
Overhill Member Join Date: March 1, 2007 Location: PA Posts: 96	158 Hornady XTP bullet and 2400 powder. I have harvested two deer with this combination, but with a six inch barrel.