I'm going to use my 6" L-frame .357 magnum this fall for deer. The .357 was the "most powerful handgun in the world" in the years it existed before the .44 magnum came along. I would imagine that more than 1 deer was killed with it. People have long nixed the .357 for hunting, especially after the .44 came along. I personally probably would not use it for anything larger that deer or black bear. I had an email conversation last week with a highly respected ammo manufacturer, he said the .357 was fine for deer with the right load, I'll probably use a 158 gr or
180 gr JHP or JSP. Range will be typical archery range from either a tree stand or ground blind. With hopefully a well placed broadside shot I will take home venison.

Yes it can be done, I've taken a couple of deer with a 586 6 inch both were at 25 yards or less with double lung shots using 158gr SPs.

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SWHF #595

I have taken large Mule deer while walking the hills in Nevada
through high Sage and Quaky stands and walking down a ridge line after being dropped off and working my way down off the mountain.

My longest shot was at 50 yards, resting on the hood of my truck with a .270 rifle back up.
The Buck with a bullet placed right behind it's front elbow,
never took a step.
This surprised me, I was expecting a leap and 30 yard scamper.

As mentioned a good shot placement and a relaxed deer can make things easier.

Here is my load in a new .357 years ago at the rifle range at 50 yards.........
however it was with the use of a sand bag, not off hand, with stock iron sights.

I've decided to do the same. After doing a ton of reading about 44 mag vs 357 mag for hunting, it started to become clear that neither is anywhere near as powerful as even the lightest rifle, and therefor shot placement is paramount whichever handgun is used. That and there is ample history of the 357 taking down big game before the caliber wars hit the internet. Since neither disrupts neighboring tissue like a rifle does, choose a bullet with good penetration that will create a "sucking chest wound" that deprives the animal of oxygen.

That is good shooting with or without a sandbag, way to go. I will wait for a good clean shot and if I don't get one I'll try another day.

I've read and researched until my eyes are about to pop out, but I am a firm believer that the .357 is more than adequate for deer. I'm glad to see others agree. I have bigger calibers but thought the .357 would add another challenge. If I get a deer that's fine, and if I don't that's fine too. You are correct, shot placement and proper bullet selection is paramount. I am really looking forward to deer season.

Deer are not thick skinned...a well place 357 Magnum 158 gr JSP within 50 yds will fill your freezer any day of the week.

Just don’t shot them off a vehicle as my pal Nevada Ed does...stay in the woods and hunt em.

Good luck

Definitely be in the woods, either a tree stand or ground blind. May opt for a 180 gr. JSP though.

Hay just wait a pea picking moment there, pard.

We were coming down a dirt road at the end of the evening hunt and at the last half hour of light , there was a heard of deer on a flat, just as we got to the bottom of the hill.

Legal light, off the main road and a easy "Drag" if I did my part.

The problem was...........
I dropped the 4x4 but the truck that was behind us, thought that I was drawing down on the 8x7 point behind it, that I did not see !!

Cuda, wuda, suda...................