Author Topic: .357 (Read 3455 times)

slickest · « **on:** January 12, 2009, 03:50:09 PM »

since im in the process of purchasing a .357 revolver i have been looking along the lines of a rifle also. Wondering if anyone own a .357 lever action and how you like it? Also what would be the biggest game that you could reasonably shoot with it and at what yardage?

FourBee · « **Reply #1 on:** January 12, 2009, 05:41:30 PM »

Hey slickest:
I have a .357magnum in the 1892 Puma style. All I've shot is paper with it, but would like to get a deer in its sights. It kicks just a tad more than my .223 bolt action. It's light weight and a nice little carry rifle.

slickest · « **Reply #2 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:20:28 AM »

As what I stated above Im wondering almost if I should go with a .44 mag. I want to get the .357 for target/plinking, back up firearm for deer, and maybe for black bear but im wondering about a .44 mag at the same time.

jschance · « **Reply #3 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:30:25 AM »

The .357 when placed in a rifle becomes an entirely different cartridge. With the correct bullet choice, it is entirely capable of deer sized game.

I've hunted two seasons now with a .357 Mag Rossi Puma and dropped two deer. This season's deer was a large 9 point buck (dressed out about 185 lbs) In both cases the first round was fatal (and in both cases I fired a second round pretty much because I could).

Considering the ballistics, I've used a 170 grain Speer Gold Dot Soft Point and a 180 grain gas checked lead rnfp bullet. In both cases, my chronographed velocity was in the 1700 fps range. If you look at 30-30 ballistics, you'll see that these are comparable, and the bullet starts at .35 caliber (for wound channel).

So, to answer your question, feel confident in your usage of a .357 rifle.

Mikey · « **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2009, 02:47:28 AM »

Jerry Lester is literally our 357 expert. He takes Whitetail with 357s from both revolver and rifle. I believe he prefers the 158 gn bullet in the revolver and the 125 gn bullet in his rifle and has no problems at all with harvesting Whitetail, so I am sure your 357 would work well.

For Bear - I would want a slightly heavier load in the 357, especially from a revolver, and I prefer the heavier 200 gn cast swc. I think Jerry once said that a 200 gn slug from a 357 would not do any more than a 158 gn slug would, and that is to penetrate through and through a Whitetail. I think the 200 gn load would perform very well on Black Bear. JMtCW. Mikey.

ps: if you decide on the 357 and handload your ammo you will need to check the bore diameter on your rifle to make sure you can accurately shoot the same cast loads through both a revolver and a rifle. Some rifle bores are a tad oversized and need properly sized cast slugs to shoot accurately - those same loads may not be as accurate through your revolver. That being said, jacketed slugs seem to work fine in both. HTH.

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2009, 03:03:01 AM »

Jerry's bullet of choice is the Remington 158 grain JSP in both revolver and rifle.

Speaking of Jerry I've not seen him around in quite some while does anyone know what might have come of him? Is he sick or hurt or what? If anyone knows him personally or knows how to contact him I'd like to hear what's become of him.

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #6 on:** January 14, 2009, 02:52:38 PM »

Quote from: Graybeard on January 13, 2009, 03:03:01 AM

Jerry's bullet of choice is the Remington 158 grain JSP in both revolver and rifle.

Speaking of Jerry I've not seen him around in quite some while does anyone know what might have come of him? Is he sick or hurt or what? If anyone knows him personally or knows how to contact him I'd like to hear what's become of him.

That's right GB. For deer I prefer that bullet above all others. I use the 125g Remington SP's at around 1400 + or - in my rifle for plinking, small game, predators, and such. Almost zero recoil, deadly accuracy, and not too hard on edible meat, or pelts.

I guess I have been slightly scarce for the last few months. Sorry about that. It's a long story, but here's a condensed version. A partner/friend(so called) really put the shaft to me in my business. His actions cost me about half my usual income, and to say things have been tight is a severe understatement. We're(me, my wife, and kids) sitting here about 7-9 weeks from the start of our next work season with less than $1000 in the bank. We're about $8000 short of surviving the winter without losing our home, along with what little we have left after selling off everything to keep bills payed, and food on the table. Nothing short of a miracle from God will get us through this winter, and it's really taxing our marriage to boot. I've been about as stressed out as is humanly possible short of kicking over from a heart attack.

I've browsed the boards some, but my hearts just not been in it if you know what I mean.

Graybeard · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2009, 06:10:32 PM »

Wow sorry to hear that Jerry. Times seem to be tough all over as each day it seems another member posts a tale at least somewhat similar to yours. The really bad thing is with Obama going into office very soon it seems likely to only get worse.

From what I've heard, can't say if true or not, for the most part banks have stopped home repossesions as they can't resell them anyway. Maybe in some way the bail outs will help you altho it seems they are only intended to help the super rich.

I'm expecting this year to be a little tough on us also as we've been notified our income will decrease around $1000 a month this year. It's not as bad as many here have reported but will require some belt tightening to be sure.

Keep us informed as you can. Wishing you all the best. Prayers sent for you.

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #8 on:** January 15, 2009, 03:09:10 PM »

Jerry, sorry to hear your situation. Check into the Energy Share program for help with your utility bills, that's what it's for, those on hard times. Bank might be able to put payments on the back of the note. Post when you can. DP

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #9 on:** January 15, 2009, 03:14:40 PM »

Maybe I should have PM'ed Jerry, but there are alot of people here that may be in the same boat. I set on the Energy Share board for our area and am Director of Operations of a non- profit agency that helps people with basic needs. We see alot of new people now days, most are getting hit hard. There are alot of places that can help people out there, but if you get in too deep before seeking help, there may be nothing that can be done. Be proud, but please be smart. DP

454Puma · « **Reply #10 on:** January 25, 2009, 08:13:14 AM »

Jerry
Chin -up brother! Times are tuff-been unemployed for almost a year -thankfully the wife is still working! Remember family is the most important thing we have, everything else is just gravey on top!

jcn59 · « **Reply #11 on:** January 27, 2009, 06:34:44 PM »

Jerry,

I hope things work,out for you. Family is most important-you know that, & God first. Don't be too proud to see a therapist or pastor. Things have a way of working out for the best.

jn

kernman · « **Reply #12 on:** January 28, 2009, 01:16:35 AM »

Slickest,

I would love to own a 357 magnum lever action. Someday when I can afford it. I heard it comes close to a 30 30 in ballistics although I personally doubt this, even though they may look equal on paper.

But I'm hardly an expert.

Jerry,

I second what jcn59 said. As a marriage and family therapist, I can tell you that therapy helps a lot, if you are working with a good therapist.

My prayers are with you and your family. Please take care of your health, and your heart. Hope you are eating right and getting lots of exercise.

And thanks for all the contributions you have made to this site; hope to see many more from you.

Regards,

Kernman

pastorp · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2009, 10:02:44 AM »

Jerry, I too has noticed your absence from the boards. I just asked over on marlinowners about you and one of the guys said he had seen this post. Hope you were able to hold onto your little 32H&R mag single six that Clements built for you. That would be hard to replace.

I hope you know the guys here and at marlinowners care about you. You will be in our prayers for sure. Byron

Dee · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2009, 10:28:52 AM »

I also load the 158 grain Remington jacketed soft point. I load it to about 1900 fps. Have been shooting the 3030 for 50 years, and the 357 mag load in my Rossi 1892 RIFLE will in my opinion do anything the 3030 will do inside about 120 yards.
I dropped a coyote a few month back at a stepped off 160 yards. Mine is the fancier version with walnut stocks, and I have slicked it up and tuned myself. It has become my go to rifle around here and has been for several years now.

P.S. Jerry. I lost my bohind in the housing market two years ago and will never recover the money lost, and Jerry, I lost it all (money). At one time I was negative in my bank account over $300.00. I am 59 yoa, and will never get to retire now. I'm coming back, luckily the house and cars were paid for, but NO SAVINGS LEFT. It's all gone. Hang in there buddy. God does not lead us into anything he can't lead us out of.

Jerry Lester · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2009, 02:45:56 PM »

Thanks for the encouragement fellows.

FourBee · « **Reply #16 on:** March 21, 2009, 05:34:08 PM »

Quote

Posted by: Graybeard ~ Jerry's bullet of choice is the Remington 158 grain JSP in both revolver and rifle.

Ever since your post back in January, I've searched the gunshops and online stores for any brand of 158 grain JSP bullet. Nobody can get them, is the word I've been hearing.

Finally got hold of some today. Who'd of thought they'd disappear like they did?

Halwg · « **Reply #17 on:** April 01, 2009, 04:19:32 AM »

I have the Marlin 1894C, and it's a nice shooting gun with the 158 gr JSP bullets. I have worked up a load and am waiting for this coming deer season to see how it performs on the WV whitetails.

45-70.gov · « **Reply #18 on:** April 01, 2009, 06:55:19 AM »

Quote from: slickest on January 13, 2009, 02:20:28 AM

As what I stated above Im wondering almost if I should go with a .44 mag. I want to get the .357 for target/plinking, back up firearm for deer, and maybe for black bear but im wondering about a .44 mag at the same time.

i prefer the 44

but the 357 is available in a pocket gun tho plus the full sized guns too
44 is not tho a better round....real powerful in a rifle
38 is about the cheapest thing after the 22lr and a good small game round and very quiet

might tri a cheap handi rifle in one each of 44 and 357

mannyrock · « **Reply #19 on:** April 04, 2009, 12:24:10 PM »

I honestly believe that if you bought both rifles, Marlins in .357 mag and .44 mag, and then shot them for a year, you would find that after a year, you would almost quit shooting the .44 mag and would be reaching for the .357 mag every time. After a while, you would sell the .44.

The reason I say this is that for 99% of the shots you would fire, (target shooting, plinking, predators, etc.) the .357 is much more pleasant, and far cheaper, than the .44 mag. Sure, the .44 mag has an edge in deer hunting. But, how many shots do you fire at a deer each year? One? Two? Maybe Three? And because of those three shots, are going to go with a more inconvenient, expensive, and hard-kicking round for all of your other shooting?

The .357 Mag, out to 100 yards, is totally adequate for deer, assuming that you use a 180 grain factory load designated for deer hunting. Not powerful enough? Well, then go online and research Garrett ammunition company, and perhaps Buffalo Bore company, which I think sell .357 rounds loaded to the max, and actually give you a factory round that has 90% of the power of a .30-30. Sure, these high energy rounds are expensive, ($45 per box?), but how many of them are you going to fire in a year? Ten to sight in, and 3 at deer? These rounds are stated to be safe in Marlin .357 mag lever actions.

If you have any doubt between the .357 Mag and the .44 Mag, go for the .357 Magnum first. After shooting it for a year, then see if someone will let you shoot their Marlin .44 Mag at the range. After you shoot a box of the .44 Mag, you will lose all interest in buying one. You will say that your .357 is just fine.

Hope this helps.

Mannyrock

Cuts Crooked · « **Reply #20 on:** April 04, 2009, 12:55:25 PM »

I bought my .357 Rossi many years ago as a companion piece for my Ruger. It turned out to be a fantastic deer rifle, with the Speer 158 gr JHPs that I also used in the Ruger.

However I have been using it for CAS shooting more than anything these days. I have since found that the .45 Colt in a Rossi is fanfreekentastic in the hunting role in lever gun!!!! With a warm loaded 250 gr hardcast bullet I wouldn't hesitate to try it on black bear. It wouldn't be as good for smaller game as the .357 but it's a supurb deer/bear chambering!

kitchawan kid · « **Reply #21 on:** April 04, 2009, 12:58:51 PM »

I picked up a Winchester lever in .357 before they went belly-up,had nothing but trouble with it,had to bring it back to the dealer 3 times for loading and other problems.My Marlin in .45 LC is trouble free.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #22 on:** April 04, 2009, 01:48:36 PM »

I've worn hearing aids since '92 due to an episode of 357-itis back in the late 70's. Though I disdain the little round for its noise and deafening power, it is a dandy little cartridge. I don't own one anymore, but if I had a sixgun, I'd have to have the Marlin to go with it. Only knew of one Rossi, back in the early 80's, in 357Mag. It was as cutie with just a touch of excess headspace. Postings on here lead me to believe it was probably an isolated case. Give Veral Smith's LBT forum (found elsewhere here) a read - he has a lot of 357Mag based postings. A part of your "effective range" question lies in "your abilities" with the gun. There is a huge IF that is the crux of the matter. IF you can put the right bullet in the right place, sharpen your knife and light the grill............

My Marlin is a 41Mag, as are my Rugers. You can shoot it all day long at 38WCF power levels, and really crank it for heavy duty use. Hoping to get enough work to get back on track (out of debt) and be able to afford one in 45Colt to go with my Bisley Blackhawk. Understand they are near 45-70 power level in a small package.

According to his website, Garret does not load for 357Mag. Dedicated to 44Mag and 45-70Govt.

Get that 357Mag rifle, use it, handload for it, get comfortable with it, have fun, and go hunting.
Post your findings...........

Regards,
Sweetwater

mannyrock · « **Reply #23 on:** April 05, 2009, 05:19:00 AM »

Sweetwater,

You are correct. Garrett does not make a hi-powered .357 hunting rounds. It is Corebon and Buffalo Bore.

Regards, Mannyrock

dpe.ahoy · « **Reply #24 on:** April 05, 2009, 05:44:48 AM »

I have 5 rifles in 357 mag and 2 revolvers, 2 rifles in 44 mag and 2 revolvers, 3 rifles in 45/454 and 2 revolvers in 45 Colt. They are all great, but for the rest of the family, the 357's are the winner. Me, I like em all, but if I'm going in bear country, I take the one of the 45's. We got to many things that bite, scratch or try to stomp ya into a red mush in Montana.

DP