I think a good all around bullet for the 357 is a semi jacketed soft point.

 

Mine has accounted for 4 deer so far. One with a factory loaded jacketed HP. One with a handloaded jacketed HP, and two with handloaded jacketed lead soft points.

Your choice is between a HP which may not exit and a jacketed soft point, which most likely will. Do you want all of the .357s (rather moderate) energy to be contained within the animal, or would you prefer two holes in the animal for the purpose of hopefully laying down a bigger blood trail? Either way, I have confidence in my 1894 and the .357 magnum up to 125 yards.

Personally, at this point, I opt for the JSP and the greater chance for two holes.

 

wait! a 92 puma! if the price was good. bang mine.

 

In Canada, price is relative. $799.00 used. :bawling:

 

Two holes are always preferable.

HA

 

I have never killed a deer with my 1894 in 357 but I load the 180 xtp HP over a healthy dose of H-110 and I am getting around 1600 fps. I believe this round will shoot clean through a deer and I choose it as my round of choice in the 357.

 

Federal 158 grain JSP. works very well on deer have yet to recover one. Search for Jerry Lester he has killed a bunch of deer with the 357 mag.

 

deer have yet to recover one.

Have yet or always got them?

HA

 

I load the 180 gr. XTP over a max (by the book) dose of Unique for use in an 8’’ bbl Dan Wesson.

 

+1 on the jsp over the jhp in 158gr for pass thru. The 180 gr jhp I don't know about, but heavier is better for double hole punching deer. I have 1 JM 357 and a bunch of 44 mag JM's. They are higher. I don't know how your cost of living compares to us south of the border, so I couldn't tell you if the 92 puma is a good deal or not. JM 357's around here go for $750 to 1050 depending on the condition and the seller. If it were me, I'd hold out for a JM over the puma for a better quality rifle.

 

You can always start with the Puma and use it until you locate a JM Marlin '94. Buy the Marlin then sell the Puma. By the time you find the Marlin you may decide to keep them both. That's how things usually work out. LOL Just my thoughts.
Have a great day.
Jim

 

JSP over XTP in a .357mag. It will make for a better hunting trip.

 

I had a Rossi 357 and I have 32-20 Marlin 94. Only thing I had against the Rossi was that I had to D&T for a receiver sight. Unless I were going to scope the rifle I would be indifferent between the Puma which is essentially the Rossi or the Marlin. They are a fun rifle and the wait to buy a Marlin might be a loss of years of enjoyment. Essentially you are getting into the argument of which is better a Winchester or a Marlin. I got rid of the 357 because I am deer rifle poor and have no need to use a 357 and it is not as usable as my 32-20 for the uses I have for one. A 30-30 can also be loaded with cast bullets and be fun. 357 is probably nice for those that have a 357 revolver and have reloading equipment for one.

DEP

 

They are a fun rifle and the wait to buy a Marlin might be a loss of years of enjoyment. 357 is probably nice for those that have a 357 revolver and have reloading equipment for one. DEP

I do reload and am thinking along the same lines as to how long of await it will be.

Thanks

HA

 

Killed two deer with my 4” Ruger GP100 with Winchester 158 g. JSP. Both deer hit in the chest went down within sight. Keep your distances within reason and heat up the skillet.

 

My friend has a 1894c stainless and it has replaced his 270 for deer hunting. He has killed four nice bucks with the 1894 and shoots only the Hornady Levereloution and it is always a one shot kill, he swears by the Hornady 140 grain bullet.

 

I like them in my 30-30

 

Hey Huntaway...hold out for a JM 1894C! You won’t regret it!

 

I would use the Swift A-Frame if I wanted a 158 gr bullet. Probably WW296/H110 powder.

 

Hmmmm. They would be interesting.

HA

 

So it turns out the rifle is a Chiappa 92 NIB.
It came home with me @ $ 50.00 off sticker.

HA

 

Congratulations. Very nice rifle, and the saddle ring is an added bonus. Don't worry about it not being a Marlin, other types of leverguns need love too.

 

I haven't given up my search for a Marlin 94 but it may very well end up being a Remlin 94.

HA

 

When I was looking for a 1894 357 mag I nearly gave up, and started looking for a Rossi... cound't find a Rossi in 357 mag either, lucky a Marlin 1894 357 mag came up forsale on this forum. Your going to enjoy your 357 rifle...

 

That's a nice rifle! I'm still searching for a 357 lever action. Btw I'd try slow cooking that one, looks to be a tough one! Lol.

 

Low and slow a Smoker's mantra. LOL

HA

 

I saw a Winchester but @ $ 1600.00 it's a bit steep.

HA

 

' Glad you bought that rifle ...............Those are good/decent rifles, and I'm sure you will enjoy it..........

Re: Loads for Deer...............I 've not ever used 357 Mag for Deer, but if I did.............I'd choose a JSP of either 158 or 180 Grains, and load it as Hot as possible, looking for pressure signs and the "sweet spot" along the way.............

Tom

 

I ordered a Skinner Peep so it will have some class. lol

HA

 

Skinner Peeps look quite nice on Chiappa's 92's in .357 Mag....

 

I killed this cow elk shooting 158 grain semi-jacketed hollow tip bullets into the chest organs. Two quick shots at a distance of about 50 feet. I was scouting for the following morning's hunt and left my .308 rifle back in camp when several elk walked up behind me.

Is the 357 MAG an ideal elk cartridge? No, but at archery distance it did the job for me.

TR

 

shot placement is king, penetration is queen, anything else is angels dancing on the head of a pin. most any good projectile will work good when its put in the right spot,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,