.357 Nosler Deer bullets?

[willowbend]

Ok i stopped and bought some other Nosler bullets to experiment with in the .308 this morning and put a like new S&W 6 inch 686 PowerPort in layaway and wondering what bullet weight and type does Nosler make for the 38-357 that would be a good choice for a 50 yard deer round?

 

[JD338]

Nosler offers a 180 gr PT for the 357 Mag.
For 50 yd shooting, it will work. If you are going to get serious about deer hunting with a handgun, consider the 44 Mag or even better, 454 Casull. Both have more energy, penetrate deeper, make a bigger hole, and will extend your range.
I use the 250 gr PT in my S&W 629 Classic 44 Mag and it works great on WT deer out to 100 yds. http://www.noslerreloading.com/phpBB2/v ... php?t=4682

JD338

 

[willowbend]

Wont be shooting 100 yards with the pistol so it would only be a woods gun to about 50-75 yards and 75 yards is really stretching it in our woods for a open shot.Unless i go up to north missouri and then it would just be a back up weapon anyway.I had a 44 magnum and wished i never gotten rid of it and got a chance to get a like new 686 power port 6 inch 357 for $425 so i cant see spending another $300 for the 44 mag for that once a year venture.Probably just load up the old 158 XTP or Sierra 140 jhp as a well place shot thru the lungs will do the job,Now i just gotta pull all my old records out and find what powders and primer combos gave the best accuracy.

 

[JD338]

willowbend,

The key to handgun hunting is penetration. You don't have velocity so you have to drive the bullet through so you have a blood trail.
The 158 gr XTP will open up but if you hit a shoulder, you may not get an exit. The Nosler PT or a hard cast lead bullet will punch through bone and give you the exit wound you need.

Sounds like you found a good deal on your S&W 686. Should be a fun gun to shoot. :grin:

JD338