Handguns For Deer

Q: I hunt with a .357 Mag. revolver and have killed several deer with it, with only a couple requiring a second shot. However, my hunting buddies tell me I am undergunned. What do you think?

A: It seems this topic comes up whenever someone expresses an opinion about a particular cartridge and its effectiveness on game. There will always be those who take exception to your stance, through their own personal beliefs and experiences. While the .357 Mag. is a capable deer round in the hands of a good marksman at limited ranges, the smallish magnum leaves very little margin for error. Loaded with a proper bullet and combined with good shot placement (which applies to any and every cartridge) the .357 Mag. will cleanly take deer, as you have discovered.

Having said that, most of the handgun hunters we know have a tendency to ere on the larger side with regards to calibers. Their preferences begin with the larger .41 Mag. and .44 Mag.