Is this load adequate for whitetail?

MEDDAC19 · October 10, 2006, 12:11 PM

I have not been able to find any SWCs or LRN loads for my .357 so I'm thinking of settling for this loading. I can get 180gr JHPs. They will be coming out of a 6" tube, all shots will be under 50 yds, more than likely under 30 yds. I'm hunting with a rifle, but I will be carrying the pistol for an up close opportunity if it arises.

Last season, during the either sex days, I had a doe about 10 ft away that I really would have liked to take with a pistol. This season I am going to bring the .357 along for just that type of scenario. So back to the point, is this load good enough?

Wild Bill Bucks · October 10, 2006, 12:16 PM

It will be plenty. Hold shots inside of 50 yards, and practice with a 6" pie plate.

I had the same scenerio about 8 years ago, and I bought my Ruger .44 magnum for just such an occasion. Only problem was, I carried it for five years before the situation arrived for me to be able to use it. When the situation did arise, it did the job fine.

Capp35 · October 10, 2006, 12:45 PM

I am going to use the Winchester 180gr Nosler Partition rounds.
From the reviews that I have read, they are the best factory .357 load for hunting.

October 10, 2006, 12:11 PM	#1
MEDDAC19 Senior Member Join Date: April 18, 2005 Location: Endless Mts,NEPA Posts: 379	Is this load adequate for whitetail? I have not been able to find any SWCs or LRN loads for my .357 so I'm thinking of settling for this loading. I can get 180gr JHPs. They will be coming out of a 6" tube, all shots will be under 50 yds, more than likely under 30 yds. I'm hunting with a rifle, but I will be carrying the pistol for an up close opportunity if it arises. Last season, during the either sex days, I had a doe about 10 ft away that I really would have liked to take with a pistol. This season I am going to bring the .357 along for just that type of scenario. So back to the point, is this load good enough?

October 10, 2006, 12:16 PM	#2
Wild Bill Bucks Senior Member Join Date: December 28, 2005 Location: Southeastern Oklahoma, Next door to Sasquatch Posts: 1,266	It will be plenty. Hold shots inside of 50 yards, and practice with a 6" pie plate. I had the same scenerio about 8 years ago, and I bought my Ruger .44 magnum for just such an occasion. Only problem was, I carried it for five years before the situation arrived for me to be able to use it. When the situation did arise, it did the job fine.

October 10, 2006, 12:45 PM	#3
Capp35 Senior Member Join Date: May 2, 2006 Location: Lone Star State Posts: 198	I am going to use the Winchester 180gr Nosler Partition rounds. From the reviews that I have read, they are the best factory .357 load for hunting.