.357 load for medium to small dangerous game

[WillBrink]

I have a .357 686 wheel gun I'd carry in areas of medium to small dangerous game, such as wild hogs, etc in FL. while hiking. Not the optimal choice, but with proper load, should be sufficient for my needs as a defensive handgun for what exists for potentially dangerous game in the area. Looking around, Federal Cast Core – Vitle-Shok gets good feedback for hunting medium size game/defense against medium sized animals dangerous to people.

Another rec for load for that need or Federal Cast Core GTG?

[MistWolf]

Will, you'd be much better off with a 45 Colt.

Now that we got that out of the way, let's get down to answering your question- Federal Cast Core is one of your top choices for what you want it to do. It looks like this offering uses the Cast Performance hard cast LBT bullet which is known for deep penetration and good tissue destruction. I suggest you also take a look at Buffalo Bore
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...uct_list&c=162


Federal offers a 357 load using the Swift A Frame bullet which is also an excellent choice

[sjc3081]

Hogs are not dangerous game, they don't attack unless you are hunting them and get in their way when trying to escape. Any quality 357 load would be sufficient to kill a mountain lion(Florida panther).

[R0CKETMAN]

https://www.underwoodammo.com/357-ma...ose-gas-check/

[WillBrink]

Will, you'd be much better off with a 45 Colt.

Now that we got that out of the way, let's get down to answering your question- Federal Cast Core is one of your top choices for what you want it to do. It looks like this offering uses the Cast Performance hard cast LBT bullet which is known for deep penetration and good tissue destruction. I suggest you also take a look at Buffalo Bore
https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...uct_list&c=162


Federal offers a 357 load using the Swift A Frame bullet which is also an excellent choice

Hogs are not dangerous game, they don't attack unless you are hunting them and get in their way when trying to escape. Any quality 357 load would be sufficient to kill a mountain lion(Florida panther).

https://www.underwoodammo.com/357-ma...ose-gas-check/

Thanx gents. I should be GTG with that info.

[Velo Dog]

I've seen a test or two where this load penetrates quite deep from shorter barrels.

http://www.federalpremium.com/produc...un.aspx?id=601

An expanding bullet would be better for 2-legged threats, as well.

[Dreadnought]

Hogs ARE dangerous, though the other part of your comment is debatable. They are at their most dangerous when being hunted and wounded and/or cornered.

I prefer my own cast 358429 bullet (175 grains, ready to load) or a 158 LSWC over the maximum amount of 2400. If I had to choose a factory load, I'd probably choose the 158 Gold Dot load.

[bzdog]

http://youtu.be/DYLbmSp5itA

[JaegerOne]

This does the job. https://www.tombstonetactical.com/ca...fusion-bullet/

[Ron3]

This does the job. https://www.tombstonetactical.com/ca...fusion-bullet/

That one is new to me and sounds like a winner.

I was going to recommend a 180 gr SWC or for an expanding bullet consider Hornady 158gr XTP, 158 gr Gold Dot, or Federal's 180 gr SJHP.

I've noticed the 180 gr loads do not have the muzzle blast (and loudness) of the 158 gr loads. They just put a little more torque on your wrist.