Anyone use a .357 rifle for deer ?

[luberhill]

I have a Rossi lever action rifle in .357

wonder how it will do for deer at like 50 or 60 yards

[airedale]

I have used both a revolver (Colt Python)and rifles (Marlin 94 & Henry single shot)chambered in 357 mag to hunt and take Deer, my ranges have been around 50 to 100 yards. All ammo was handloaded and my favorite 357 bullet weight is 140 grain either a Speer HP or Hornady XTP. There is a substantial gain in performance when firing a 357 cartridge out of a rifle, a well placed shot out of either revolver or rifle gives good results and a clean kill.

Al

Edited December 28, 2023 by airedale

[Grouse]

It's a good choice for a low recoil round when shots are under 75 yards in thick cover, and if used in a lever action rifle, follow up shots are quick.  I have a .357 Mag in a Rossi 92 as well.  It's a real pleasure to carry when hunting. 

Besides deer, it works great on coons, porkies, woodchuck and the close range yote.  Loading it with .38 Special rounds lowers recoil even further, but is limited to small game.

 

[luberhill]

I am reading on Federals .357 HanmerDown ammo

Sounds like a good choice …. If I can find any

[Daveboone]

I have finished a number of deer....but your 30-30 will have it all over the .357, why bother?

[luberhill]

1 hour ago, Daveboone said:

I have finished a number of deer....but your 30-30 will have it all over the .357, why bother?

Ah just another option . I usually go with my .243 ,, but I’d like to try both the 30-30 and my lever .357