Which load?

[Drawdown]

I have a Model 19-5 6" S&W but I've never hunted with it. For Whitetail deer which load would you use for the best chance at a quick kill? I have 180 gr LFN Buffalo Bore & Grizzly's, 180 HP Federals, along with some 158 HP and SN and it shoots these all very well. But what is the ultimate Deer load? I've already got the ultimate hunting handgun IMO!

 

[jakenov3]

As much as I like the m19 I would not use it for your stated purpose. A 28-2 would be a much better choice. Just my opinion, Good luck

 

[BigBill]

I plan on shooting standard loads out of my s&w k frame and N frame revolvers. I probably can shoot the stouter loads from my N frames but I won't hammer on them.

I do have ruger revolvers that shoot the hotter loads. But being old now those hotter loads along with the hot babes are gone now. I'm trying to get into heaven. (Kidding)

I like my 357 magnum reloads of the 140gr Speer jhp bullet using 2400 powder. It's a very accurate round. A standard magnum load of 158grs should work nicely. Just don't shoot a steady diet of magnum loads in the m19.

 

[old bear]

Draw, first I don't hunt with a handgun or anything else for that matter, so my suggestions are not based on personal experience.

shot placement as always is King, any of the 180Gr ammo you have should work well. Just shoot what ever ammo is most accurate for you with your M -19.

Good luck and good hunting.

 

[nebmike]

I've taken several deer with .357s and I have 'never' seen the need for 180gr hard cast bullets. Not saying they wont work, but if you put the bullet where its supposed to go a good hollow point 140gr+ will work just as well as anything in that caliber and probably better than a non expanding bullets in my experience.

My favorite deer load uses 145gr Winchester Silvertip component bullets loaded hot. Second favorite bullet is a 140gr XTP.

I know lots of folks think that heavy hard cast bullets are the thing to hunt with in handguns, but save for large dangerous game, I would disagree based on 25 years of lots and lots of handgun hunting.

YMMV

 

[chief38]

For Deer Hunting the Model 19 will work just fine! You are only going to fire a shot or two. I use and would recommend the BB 180 grain hard cast LSWC .357 Magnum.

It's accurate and should be more than adequate on a Whitetail at reasonable distances.

Nothing wrong with N Frames, but unless you are thinning out an entire Herd, the M19 is more than good enough for a few shots of the BB. I've shot them in my M65 & M19 with no problems what so ever. Just don't shoot them all day long. Good Hunting!