Deer Hunting with a .357 Need input of loads.

Hi Guys, A few months back, I got a Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel. I love this gun! Acurate and carries great. I find it quite versatile as a wilderness gun for backpacking, hiking, etc. I'd like to try hunting with it this fall (in Pennsylvania) for deer. When I carry it backpacking in bear country, I load it with Buffalo Bore 180gr hardcast (which the Ruger tames very well!) How do you feel about this load for deer? Would it be too much penetration with a non expanding bullet? I'd prefer to use the most powerful ammunition possible, but don't want over/under penetration due to bullet type. I don't handload, so I wish Buffalo Bore or Doubletap made a 158gr soft tip with their respective 'maximization' of the cartridge (somewhere in the 600+ ft/lbs range). Any ideas? How do you feel about 158gr bonded hollowpoints, would they expand too soon? Thanks for any info.

If you have confidence in this load for your current needs, it will certainly convert deer to venison if the shot is placed correctly. I see no need to find several other loads, go through a testing procedure, have to re-zero your sights, and then switch back later. Just use the load you use now. I can see your concern about under penetration; no danger of that with the load you're using. As for over-penetration, I'm not sure two holes (entrance and exit) are such a bad thing when hunting. It's not like self-defense in a shopping mall, where there may be other folks behind the target (you're not hunting at the local zoo, are you?); a hunter can usually take the needed care to keep the shooting angle safe even if the bullet exits (at a much lower speed). If you're hunting from a stand, you can even pre-determine safe shooting lanes and no-shoot zones.

Now, on the other hand, if you have the time/money and are just looking for a reason to shoot some more....then go for it! :mrgreen:

Most serious handgun hunters use a lead bullet with a large meplate. Although their are some good hollowpoints and good softpoints that do the job. I would not be too concerned about energy/velocity. As long as you put the bullet where it needs to go you will harvest your game.

Hopefully you are a hand-loader. If you are use either the 158 gr. Hornady XTP or a Nosler JHP and a suitable powder charge to get about 1300 fps from your barrel length, it will get the job done. However keep the shots at well under 50 yds & place the bullet carefully in the chest region. With a 6" barrel, Alliant Blue Dot, 2400, or Winchester 296 would be good for that bullet weight & barrel length.