Hunting & Fishing Which .357 Magnum for rifle?

[pewpewfever]

I did my homework at one point on which .357 magnum rounds to use in my revolvers, and I came up with hydra shocks, mostly based on LEO recommendations.

But I also have some lever action rifles in .38/.357, so I’m wondering what is better for use in a rifle, especially for hunting. Any recs?

 

[pewpewfever]

After quite a bit of research, I can see why this question is so difficult to answer. There are some decent options for smaller game, but for taking deer, it seems the 180 projectile is much preferred. And while there used to be a few good options, all but one of those appears to be discontinued. The one remaining is the Hornady 180 gr HTP, but I’m not sure if a hollow point will feed well in a Winchester ‘73. Guess I’ll have to try it. If it doesn’t feed well, then I can either load my own with truncated cone projectiles, or try the HSM bear loads, which would likely be just as good as what I would load.

At 1600 FPS from a rifle, I can aim for the heart/lung region out to about 180 yards. Past that, I need to aim a bit forward to try and cripple the front legs. But I don’t really see my Win 73 being a long range rifle anyway. I don’t plan to scope it.

 

[260284]

Federal Cast Core if you can find it. Buffalo Bore and Cor-Bon make some great hunting ammo too.

 

[Alabusa]

I would take a serious look at the Underwood Extreme Hunter, Extreme Penetrator line.

 

[bigdaddydmd]

Has anyone had any first hand experience with the Hornady Leverlution ammo? I've got a Marlin .357 lever that is one of my favorite truck guns and am just running 158gr jacketed hollow points in it that I use in my revolver. Been thinking of picking up a box and seeing how it does.

 

[Alabusa]

Has anyone had any first hand experience with the Hornady Leverlution ammo? I've got a Marlin .357 lever that is one of my favorite truck guns and am just running 158gr jacketed hollow points in it that I use in my revolver. Been thinking of picking up a box and seeing how it does.

Only in 30-30 and was not impressed. YMMV

 

[RyanScott]

Hydrashocks would be my last choice for anything.

 

[isofahunter]

I like 180gr JSP for hunting.