Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles 357 for bear from a rifle

I was wondering if any of you have ever used the .357 for bear the brush. Shots would be less than 75 yards and use good hand loads or some of the more premium ammo. Any thoughts here. Has anyone done it. Bears here in pa can get quite big.

Haven't shot bear with the .357 but did with heavy 45 colt loads and it did well. I used a .357 pistol on a few deer and hogs and went back to the .45. I wasn't that impressed with the results and it wouldn't be my first choice even in a rifle.

If you can get performance up to about 35 Rem. levels with heavier bullets it should be fine.

79, Please don't try to get 35 Rem. levels in the little 357 case!!!!!-Muddy

I have not done it but would have zero issues doing so with the right bullet, either a 180 gr cast WFN or the same weight Partition.

According to Mr. Hornady in a rifle a max load for a 158gr. is 1550 fps (22 3/4'Bbl 357 mag rifle) and a 180 gr in a 35 Rem 15" Contender is going 2200 fps max, Not even close. I rest my case.Muddy

In a single shot, you can seat a cast bullet way out, and load to 357 max +, according to Bellm, anyway.

Why would you want to? Use an appropriate rifle.

I think a 357 rifle is appropriate for bears, when handloaded or using the right factory ammo. I don't know where Hornady gets its numbers, but my brother can get 158 casts to 1900 out of his 20" Marlin cowboy. He's gotten 180 XTP to 1700, and 180 PT to 1650.

A 180gr bullet would be a necessity IMO, and in hot handloads or hot factory ammo like Buffalo Bore. 180 XTP even at 1600 would be great. In tests, this shot through 3 pieces of 1/2" OSB spaced between 10 milk jugs full of water. Bullet stopped in 11th jug, mushroomed to 48 cal, with 74% retained wt. Without OSB, it shot through 12 jugs and into the pine straw. Anyone want to argue that this is not enough for a bear?

357 Mag 180gr CORBON Hunter BCSP This would give you an advantage.

1200 fps out of a 6" revolver barrel should get close to 1600 with closed breech and 20+ inches of barrel. Not a 35 Remington ( bad comparison ) but would no doubt work on Bear.

I used the 45 cal. 260 gr. version and the Bear really didn't like it.

I'd have zero issue using my Marlin 1894c with my 180 gr Cast Performance handloads. 13.5 grains H110 I think, plenty accurate and penetrate like a mofo. Personally I'd keep it 100 yards and in, but that's just me.