357 lever gun hunting round

[T30]

I’ve had luck with a Speer 158 grain semi-jacketed soft point with as much H110 as I can cram into the case. Works pretty good and shoots well out to 100. I probably wouldn’t take a shot beyond 75 because my 1892 has iron sights. The few times I’ve shot deer with this load I’ve not had a problem dropping them and getting a through and through wound.

 

[greg vess]

We set here and argue that a 357 isn't a logical choice for deer yet many hunters are out the first day of Bow season with sticks and string. The key is shot placement with a expanding bullet. It can do the job and do it cleanly and ethically. As I mentioned before and as B basstracker89 spoke of a spinal shot will take the animal down quickly. Also a heart and lung shot will do the trick. I would think that more range time and dialing in your accuracy with your lever gun would be wise. Just choose your ammo based on accuracy. Establish your effective accuracy range ( how far you can shoot accurately )then use that ammo and practice with it regularly. One month before gun season really go to the range and hit it hard and dial in your shots and groups. Then decide where you are going to make the shot. If it's a doe a head shot will do. If it's a keeper head mount then heart and lung shot it or the spine closer to the shoulders. Since you are using and smaller and less destructive round your aim will make all the difference between a quick kill or having to track a deer for who knows how long. Besides whether it be bow or firearm shot placement is always the factor that remains the same. Regardless of ammo choice. Just saying!

 

[greg vess]

Is a 357 Magnum Viable for Whitetails? - Game & Fish https://www.gameandfishmag.com/editorial/why-not-use-a-357-mag-rifle-for-whitetails/386376

 

[greg vess]

Notice the recommendation of Federal Hammer down ammo. This ammo was a joint venture between Federal and Henry repeating arms. There are many other ammo choices that fit the requirements of killing a deer. They use a soft point for more reliable feeding.

You might want to do some research on other hunting forums about the range limits other hunters keep within for a more reliable kill and after you go to practice notice at what range your shots start opening up. Just basic stuff to determine what you can and can't expect from that round .

I would also like to see some target results off a bag just to see how the Henry rifle performs. How about it? I think a few might like to see some target. I had a Octagon barrel, brass received Henry in 357 but sold it before I shot it.

 

[atscott]

What da we need guns for??......
The 158s should do fine. Now technically you're supposed to have 500 ft. lbs. of energy at 100yds. That's a hot load for a 357. Assuming those regs are still in place. Well you're in AL. May be different. I've taken deer with 357 rifle and pistol. Just need to be ready for a quick follow up shot if needed. That's why I went to a 44mag. Aim careful, shoot once. Any more, you're messing up meat. Now a head or spine shot close up should do it. I much prefer a heart lung shot. It's hunting and things can and do go wrong

Not sure where "500 ft. lbs." came from. Current GA DNR regs state "any centerfire cartridge" is legal for deer during modern firearms season.

 

[basstracker89]

Not sure where "500 ft. lbs." came from. Current GA DNR regs state "any centerfire cartridge" is legal for deer during modern firearms season.

Works for me!! It used to state that in the regs years ago

 

[alexs2006]

I want to hunt a deer with my 6 inch GP100 some day. So interested in real world results with ammunition.

I do have a **** ton of 158 grain 357 JSPs though. Can kill a deer with a 22............Do I recommend it? No. But it can be done.

I have killed several with a 6” Taurus tracker 357mag and sleet lawman ammo that you can’t find anymore.

 

[Bypass]

Works for me!! It used to state that in the regs years ago

It did use to say that.

 

[jpm2953]

We set here and argue that a 357 isn't a logical choice for deer yet many hunters are out the first day of Bow season with sticks and string. The key is shot placement with a expanding bullet. It can do the job and do it cleanly and ethically. As I mentioned before and as B basstracker89 spoke of a spinal shot will take the animal down quickly. Also a heart and lung shot will do the trick. I would think that more range time and dialing in your accuracy with your lever gun would be wise. Just choose your ammo based on accuracy. Establish your effective accuracy range ( how far you can shoot accurately )then use that ammo and practice with it regularly. One month before gun season really go to the range and hit it hard and dial in your shots and groups. Then decide where you are going to make the shot. If it's a doe a head shot will do. If it's a keeper head mount then heart and lung shot it or the spine closer to the shoulders. Since you are using and smaller and less destructive round your aim will make all the difference between a quick kill or having to track a deer for who knows how long. Besides whether it be bow or firearm shot placement is always the factor that remains the same. Regardless of ammo choice. Just saying!

I'm not sure if you have ever killed a deer with a modern broadhead but they are nasty. I've never had a deer I shot with a rifle bleed out like I have with a Bow and arrow

 

[greg vess]

I'm not sure if you have ever killed a deer with a modern broadhead but they are nasty. I've never had a deer I shot with a rifle bleed out like I have with a Bow and arrow

I used to Bow hunt back in the eighties and believe me I would rather get shot than hit with a broadhead. And that's the truth! The point I was trying to make was that if a bow and arrow can take down a deer then a 357 can take one down as well. That's not a knock on the bow and broad head.