Is this a good hunting round?

[diamonback68]

I got a free box of .357s from a gun purchase.
They are MAGTECH .357 Magnum, 158GR SJSP, 1233 fps, 535 foot lbs. Are these decent for small to medium game (deer)? How about for self defense? Thanks.

 

[m1gunner]

Out of a rifle or a pistol?

It will be fine for SD and should be OK for smaller deer, but shot placement is critical for either.

 

[diamonback68]

Out of a rifle or a pistol?

It will be fine for SD and should be OK for smaller deer, but shot placement is critical for either.

It would be a 4" Model 28.
Those velocities on the box are supposed to be from a 4" gun, but I know they are not absolutely accurate numbers, only published.

 

[Skip Sackett]

That kind of velocity/power level should take a deer at close range, 50 yards or so with no problem.

I have loaded some to those levels from a handgun that my son used in his Marlin and took a doe at 100 yards or so. He said it was DRT.

In bigger calibers, the 44Mag for example, that bullet type has had consistent results on deer. Up to 135 yards, through and through in "the boiler room". Bullet weight retention has been in the 90% area when hitting solid bone, such as a front leg, then ribs on the entry side, ribs on the exit side. Remember though, heavier bullet, velocity @ 1700fps from a rifle.

Maybe what you need is a good carbine to go along with that six shooter!

 

[diamonback68]

I also have been hoarding some Winchester 180gr Supreme Partition, but haven't tried any yet.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I also have been hoarding some Winchester 180gr Supreme Partition, but haven't tried any yet.

From a Carbine those would work great on Deer but from a 4" barrel I'm not sure they would best a 158gr bullet. The drop in velocity will negate and advantage of the heavier bullet IMO. The energy is a lot less with a 180gr bullet too because of the lack of velocity. (not that it wouldn't do the job, just that I feel the 158gr bullet would do it better from a revolver)

 

[diamonback68]

Thank y'all for the comments.