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.357 Mag hand loads for deer hunting

hunter384

Hi,
I am new to hand loading and am looking for some help to develop a load for a Ruger GP100 with a 6 inch barrel. I am looking for suggestion on bullet weight, brand, and design. Also I would like some input about powder, how much and what brand to use. I am going to use these loads for deer hunting. So if anyone has any input or loads that they have used and could share it with me that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again.
 
Remington 180 grain SJHP if you like jacketed. I like hard cast and use 180 grain WFN checked from Cast Performance, Beartooth or your choice. Either are killing machines with the caveats of shot placement and range. JMHO
 
There are a million suitable bullets, but in my opinion I'd go with a heavier bullet that still expands at the velocity you could expect at 50-75 yds which in my opinion would be close to the quick kill limitations of the .357 with a 6" barrel. The main two powders to choose from. H110 and W296. Both are basically identical, but in a .357 are the two best choices, especially with heavier bullets. 2nd to those two would be Alliant 2400 and third IMR 4227. The GP 100 is a GREAT revolver by the way.
 
I have used a 357 mag in different barrel lengths from 4" & 6" revolvers and 10" T/C Contender to kill deer. I would suggest that with your revolver you use either the 158 gr Speer Gold Dot or Hornady XTP with 16.3 grs H110. Work up to this load it is max. Keep your shots under 50 yards. Yes you may be able to hit a deer farther out but in my experience with the lower velocities the revolver produces compared to the sealed breach Contender you just don't have enough bullet energy to do what needs to be done much past 50 yards. With the 10" Contender with the 180 gr Hornady XTP pushed with 13.5 grs H110 does a good job on deer out to 100 yards. Be ready to do trailing up of the deer after the shot. Deer don't react the same from a pistol shot like they do from a rifle shot because the high velocity shock is just not there with the pistol. Practice shooting from hunting positions and take a rest if possible and put the bullet right were it needs to go.
 
My favorite all purpose .357 mag load is Elmer Keith's which used Lyman 358156 gas check, hollow point mold. I don't know if the hollow point version is still made, but with hard alloy you don't get a lot of expansion anyway. I also set the luber/sizer to fill the bottom crimp groove with lube. Keith used 38 special brass and crimped in the bottom groove in his .357 and used Unique powder. Very accurate in my Ruger Security Six.
Mr. Keith probably shot more deer with this bullet than I have shot in my lifetime!
 
I have been shooting 16 gr H110 behind a 158gr Hornady XTP. I haven't seen Gold Dots around for a long time now, if anyone knows where to get them let me know. Nosler also makes a 158gr .357 bullet that is a few cents cheaper to shoot. I just picked up a box to try.
 
My vote is with the 158 xtp as well as the w296 or h110. I have killed a few deer with a 6" Smith and Wesson . I haven't lost one that I took a shot at. I do keep my shots with pistol under 50 yards. That is just my preference and were I find to be very consistent with my shot placement.

Nick
 
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