357 Loads

[east_tn_gk]

I got me a new S&W model 686 + in .357 and I'm starting to set it up for deer hunting. I've bought a few boxes of factory stuff to see what weight or particular bullet it likes. That being said, I will be loading for it after initial testing.
Anybody have any good loads or bullet/powder suggestions?
1) I will be working loads up from the book starting load
2) this is a dedicated deer round, not a combination self-defense / hunting round.

Thanks

 

[Creek bottoms]

14 grains of Accurate #9 behind a 125 grain Hornady XTP hollow point. You might be able to use 14.5 grains. Watch for pressure signs. Great load.

 

[jlanecr500]

140gr Barnes XPB. Follow their load data.

 

[Remi]

Hornady 158 XTP or XTP/fp
16.5grs h110

 

[vonb]

These with a max load of H110:

38 cal (.357) 158gr JHP Bullets - 357 Magnum - Brand New

38 Cal (.357) 158gr JHP bullets

ravenrocksprecision.com

 

[east_tn_gk]

@Creek bottoms @jlanecr500 @Remi @vonb
Thanks for the input, I'm in the process of gathering everything up and setting up the revolver so this is great information to have starting out.

 

[ROVERBOY]

I shoot and load mostly 158 gr. JHP and cast. 2400 with around 15.0 gr.(sometimes a little more)is what most manuals will list. H110 with around 16.0 gr. and sometimes more depending on your gun. Always work up to these warmer loads.

 

[348Winchester]

Don't rule out cast bullets. Lots of game has been taken with lead.

 

[DaveTN]

I don't know about deer, but Federal Hydra Shok (or HST) 158 Grain are proven man stoppers.

HST is pretty much the same as Hydra Shok, just reimagined for the "kids" that think something that has been at the top of the heap for 35 years needs some "new technology".

 

[ROVERBOY]

I've seen loads with H110 and 158 gr bullets as high as 17.6 gr. I've never worked up that far but, have loaded to 17.0 gr. I need to shoot some over my chronograph.