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October 28, 2011
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Hey guys. Im sure this question has been asked and answered many times, but i was unable to find anything through the search to answer it for me.
what are the most powerful .357 factory loads for whitetail hunting with a handgun? i have heard good things about Hornaday 158gr xtp's, but i would like to hear some personal experience. Ive also heard buffalo bore 180 gr Hard cast would be an excellent choice. Out of an 8" bbl, either of those should still achieve a 1400+ muzzle velocity right?
I know some would say that a .357 is inadequate for hunting, but i dont plan on taking any 100 yd shots anytime soon
. from what ive gathered, fast expansion of lighter bullets is the major downfall here, meaning they expand too fast before adequate penetration can be achieved. im a firm believer of a clean kill, and i dont take a shot unless i'm fairly sure i can achieve that. So any suggestions would be much appreciated. i have plenty of time to order a box of whatever i may decide on before 1st day.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
March 27, 2009
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I will be watching this one! If it was in season and had been daylight a nice 8 point would have been mine yesterday! 8' away from and just stareing, I stared back!
Bad thing only had a 9x18 on me! 
May 17, 2010
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I do not think that 1400fps is realistic out of a 180gr .357. Maybe 1200, but probably more like 1000. That said ..I refer to them as "bone breakers". They are awesome!
158gr jacketed is a sweet easy shoot up to 1500fps.
I have not hunted yet. But I want to try and take a hog with a 180!
Soap Box, Ballot Box, Ammo Box
in that order.
4 Monson Model 15's
1 Palmer FB 15
1 Rossi 357 Model 92 (lever)
1 CZ 75B
October 28, 2011
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Ahh, the one that got away. From 8 feet though, that mak probably wouldve killed it 
If it were legal to hunt with a semi of course
And actually, on Buffalo Bores website it lists the muzzle velocity of the 180 gr JHC out of a 5" smith to be 1380 fps. Now whether this is the truth or not is another thing
Supporter
Range Officer
Range Officers
May 2, 2009
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I'll tell you right now; I grew up hunting whitetails in PA with my Python and then my DW 15-2...
I took many of them with a variety of 158gr JHP's, and even a few with some heavy cast. Bullet is a small factor, just don't go to light.
Biggest concern is keeping the shot within reason and hitting the sweet spot.
SHOOT
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