Ruger GP100

I have a Ruger GP100 .357 MAG with a 6 inch barrel. Has anyone had any hunting experience hunting Mule deer of Elk? If so what amo would you

Joel, I haven't hunted deer with the .357 as I have .44's and .45's better suited to the task. If I ever do hunt deer with the .357 I'll limit myself to average size whitetail at close range and under conditions as controlled as I can make them. On that day I'll use 180 grain Nosler Partitions or 180-200 grain LBT WFN cast lead slugs going as fast as accurately possible. Such a recipe might serve on mule deer, but if handgun hunting - especially for elk - is your ambition I recommend you get yourself a long barreled .44 magnum or Ruger Bisley Blackhawk in .45 Colt (and use 'Ruger/Contender Only' heavy loads). Good hunting! Michael

Whitetail and .357 go together pretty well out to 50 or 60 yards, but if I remember correctly mulies and elk are quite a bit larger. I would rethink this if I were you. Don't get me wrong, I have the same pistol and have taken a whitetail with it. He went right down too. But the bullet was not a complete pass through.

The load I carry when bear hunting is a 170 grain jacketed truncated cone design. has very little lead showing, H110 powder and CCI magnum primer loaded in fresh Federal brass. Work the load up to where pressure signs start to show (flattened primers, hard extraction, etc) then back off a bit. Be darn careful about max loads listed in the books. You have a strong pistol but do not think it will not come apart in your hands with too hot a load.

Not a reloader, Try the Hornady loads but stay away from hollow points for your purpose. You will need the penetration the standards give you.

Yes, I said bear hunting, It is my sidearm just in case mr bruin isn't done thrashing around yet. The '06 is my prefered choice for all of my hunting, 'cept in the duck swamp.

I would reconsider using the .357 for Mulies or Elk. You would be better off with a .44 Mag if you are considering handgun hunting. I perfer the rifle myself 30-06. I do not trust my handgun shooting for taking game. But if you are I would recommend the .44 Mag.