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Posted On: 8/7/2020
By: Lee
A: Thanks for reaching out Lee! I got your additional comment that you're firing a Ruger GP100 with a 6" barrel. I'm afraid during these odd times we've currently only got 357 Mag ammo by Corbon in stock: luckygunner.com/357-mag-125-grain-jhp-corbon-20-rounds. I'm afraid it's less than optimal for hunting whitetail, but at an appropriate distance (and naturally with correct aim) I believe this ammo could get the job done. For hunting hogs with a GP100 I'd advise something more along the line of a 170-200 grain semi-wadcutter, or even a hard cast to ensure a clean punch through the big pig's thick hide. If you can find it, Buffalo Bore's 357 Mag Heavu 357 Mag Outdoorsman 180 grain Hard Cast LFN-GC would do AWESOME at a hog hunt. That ammo's SKU is 19A/20 if you'd like to take a look on the manufacturer's website for it. I hope this helps!
Posted On: 2/28/2020
By: Joseph
A: A fine first firearm and great question to boot. A large black bear can tip the scale at 550 pounds, and the heaviest wild American black bear ever recorded weighed approximately 1,100 pounds! That’s a monster, and that’s why you know deep penetration is crucial.
Now, in all honesty, 125 grains is relatively lightweight for a 357 Mag bullet. That means it may not possess the mass and resultant momentum requisite to penetrate to an exceptionally hefty bear’s vital organs. For that matter, an expanding bullet like the FTX may not penetrate deeply enough, either. For defense against bears with a handgun, the consensus is generally that heavy, non-expanding bullets are best. A hard cast bullet in particular is able to resist the kind of deformation that could limit its potential for deep penetration.
We would personally prefer a 180 grain hard cast if we were trekking through Yogi territory. If you’re concerned about recoil and you don’t intend to encounter any unusually large black bears, a 125 grain FTX should prove enough to discourage a curious bear from sharing your oxygen. Just “bear” in mind that a large and enraged bear may prove too much for a lightweight expanding projectile to deter.