Hunting ammo

[Romanarcher]

Looking for recommendations for hunting ammo. 686p deluxe 357mag 7"brl. Used for hunting mainly deer, and smaller varmits, coyote,raccoon,skunks etc.
Finally got out to the range with this toy, and what a pleasure it was to shoot. I started out at 10 yrds with 38 special PMC bronze 132 grn FMJ, and 1st shot was in the 10 ring.......I had to look twice!
I shot about 30 rounds of 38 spcl and 30 rounds of .357 mag American Eagle 158 grn JSP and had only 1 round drop out of the 9 & 10 ring. I haven't shot much pistol for a few years, just starting to get back into it, but I am so amazed at how well this gun points, and shoots, it is so well balanced.
I didn't even have to adjust the sights, it shot this well right out of the box, and I'm not that good of a shot.
I really had a hard time making up my mind before I bought this gun. I looked at Taurus's, and Ruger's also and really was undecided, espescially spending the extra money for the S&W, but now realize you get what you pay for!

 

[TwoPoundPull]

You might want to make friends with somebody with reloading gear, and who is willing help you find a pet hunting load for your gun...I've had good luck with Hornady's 158gn XTP's over 296...Every gun is different, my 627 will not shoot the same as my 686, both 6" bbl's...Most over the counter ammo is ok, but you can't beat home made...
I know this doesn't answer your question, but it's something to think about...
2#

 

[badguybuster]

Ive have some RAM precision 180gr 357's (XTP's) that really do wonders on coyotes.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Try out some 180 grain Buffalo Bores for deer. They are devastating and do have the hardest recoil of any .357 round I've ever shot! I'd shoot a black bear with one as they penetrate very well. For all the little critters the rounds you used for sighting in (especially the .357 JSP's) would work just fine.

JMO

 

[BobR1]

I agree with the above. Use 180's for deer. You should get a drain hole on each side. Much prefered to one hole, incase you need to do some tracking.

For coyotes, etc I would probably go with a 125 to 158 grain bullet in either a hollow point, soft point, or Semi Wadd Cutter GC.

My normal "Summer" carry ammo consists of 2 each Speer shot shells, followed by 4 lite loaded 38 Special semi wad cutters. That combination takes care of most things that I run into in the field where I live.

Finding someone to reload for you, or better yet reloading yourself will allow you to better tailor your ammunition to your needs.


Bob

 

[Mule88]

You may also want to see where your gun is shooting at 50 yds if your in a hunting situation. 10 yds wont give you a true measurement of accuracy at hunting distances. Congrats on your gun, i have a 7 incher also and love it! Im currently using Speer 158 gold dots in it.

 

[Larry from Bend]

I've killed 3 Mule Deer with a 6" Model 19 with 158 grain JSP bullets. I THINK they were Noslers (I shoot several different brands). They were handloads loaded close to max. All 3 MD expired fairly quickly. I was always careful to get a double-lung shot. All bullets exited.