Marlin 1894 357 for deer

[sneakboxer]

Well does the 357mag out of a 18-20in barrel have the snuff to ethically take a deer? I have killed quite a few with my 308 but a short light lever would be nice. I found a 1894 357 i'm thinking about buying. Most of my shots would be at 50yds and no more than 100yds.
I also just started to reload. The 357mag and 38spl would be easier/cheaper to reload for than say 30-30 or 45-70, right?
Thanks for the help,

 

[alwaysoutdoors]

I say yes.

 

[Tnyoteboy]

With a heavy enough bullet and correct shot placement, I'd say yes.

 

[DCloudy777]

I watched a 165-170 pound Sika buck (game ranch in Missouri) get shot with a 12" .357Mag revolver. Range was about 30 yards, load was a 180gr Federal CastCore. Shot was a frontal, bullet entered at the neck, drove all the way through the deer lengthwise, and exited out of the deer's butt. The deer fell, lay there for about 5 seconds, jumped up and ran like hell for about 20 ft, then fell again, dead as a doornail. .357 is plenty for any deer around these parts, especially out of a rifle.

DanO

 

[Kimberman]

5. 18.5 inch Marlin 1894

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard Cast = 1851 fps
b. Item 19B/20-170gr. JHC = 1860 fps
c. Item 19C/20-158gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 2153 fps---- Can you believe this?!!!
d. Item 19D/20-125gr. Jacketed Hollow Point = 2298 fps---- Or this?!!!


This was pasted off of the www.buffalobore.com sight, it is what their loads chrono out of a Marlin 18.5" barrel. I dont think many deer within 100 yards can take any of these loads to the boiler room and live through it.

 

[EastTNHunter]

180gr hardcast keith-style bullet would be perfect. This was the biggest, baddest dude on the block until the .44mag came along. It was designed for hunting, and was considered "overkill" by many then.

 

[sneakboxer]

You guys are really making it hard not to buy this rifle.... I think if it rains tomorrow i might take a second look. If it's not raining i'll take the bow out and dream of a pistol cal lever action.
I think I'll use the "early Christmas gift" routine with the wife.

So many guns and so little money.
Thanks for the info.

 

[Tiny]

Go For IT.. You Only Live Once.. I better keep my fingers from typeing any more as I 'bout to type myself into tempation on something I've been thinking about... LOL

 

[jmoreland]

I have one and love it! Mine is scoped with a Nikon Monarch 1.5-4.5x20. I am gonna deer hunt with mine this year using Hornady Leverevolution, it shoots really well.

 

[stik]

i hunted with one for years until i got tired of looking at deer too far away to shoot so i bought a 270. the first deer i shot with it was 15 FEET!!!
twig killed his first deer with a marlin .357 shooting 125 gr. hollowpoints.