From the reading I've done, the primary thought behind the development of the .357 gun/cartridge was as a hunting arm, secondarily (but probably later overshadowing the former) as a law enforcement weapon.
Well, the original gun and cartridge can still get the job done. I killed this little 5-point buck this morning with my 1954 pre-27 6.5", load was a 160 hard cast SWC over 14 grains of 2400. Shot him as he was visiting a mock scrape I'd made a few days ago. Bullet placement was about ideal, tight behind the shoulder, broadside. He made it about 30 yards and went down for good. I love shooting these classic S&W sixguns, even more so when I can put one to use for it's intended purpose.
This is the first deer I've shot with a .357. I always knew it would get the job done, but having plenty of heavier caliber sixguns, mostly .44 special and magnum, I've relied on those, and have killed several deer with those as well as one each with .41 mag and heavy-loaded .45 Colt. I have to say this deer went down just as quick as any I've shot with the big bores. Couldn't ask for a better, more efficient kill.
r
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Smoke4320
USAF RET 1971-95
