What type of .357?

[ArmednReady]

So I am going backpacking in mountain lion country and bringing my mossberg isnt an option, so my next best line of defense is my Ruger SP101 in .357 mag, so with that being said what kind of ammo should I use? What grain and what bullet type? Thanks

[rgs1975]

In cat country I carry Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast flat point lead ammo in my .357 S&W.

[BigDogatPlay]

+1... a very good choice. Used in a Marlin carbine they are the shizzle.

Heavier bullets better. 158 grain or more. For off the shelf at a gun store ammo most makers 158 grain jacketed soft points should work fairly well. Need to have a round with a bullet that will hold together well through the heavy musculature. JHPs may not do that.

[Mr. Beretta]

In cat country I carry Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast flat point lead ammo in my .357 S&W.

Excellent choice!

[CSACANNONEER]

+1... a very good choice. Used in a Marlin carbine they are the shizzle.

Heavier bullets better. 158 grain or more. For off the shelf at a gun store ammo most makers 158 grain jacketed soft points should work fairly well. Need to have a round with a bullet that will hold together well through the heavy musculature. JHPs may not do that.

While I want to agree with this, I also know that Barnes bullets tend to be lighter and are one of the primary choices for taking big/dangerous game world wide. So lighter bullets seem to be a great choice too. At least the guys who spend tens of thousands of dollars to hunt African lions seem to think so. It should follow that our little lions would drop faster than the African lions using the same ammo, right?

BTW, the OP should realize that carrying a firearm to protect one from cats isn't the worst idea but, you would be carrying it to protect other from cats. You will never see the one that gets you in time to reach for a weapon let alone draw, aim and fire it accurately. I'd suggest carrying bear spray as well.

[asheron2]

You might consider the tiger lcr( 38 spl). Or waiting for the 357 model as ruger representatives have confirmed it's been submitted for the roster.

[Argonaut]

If you have to shoot a cat anything will do with your pistol. He will be close (or you don't have to shoot him) , it will be about shot placement. The most prolific cat killer in California history was a government hunter from the Bay area. He used a 9mm Luger a lot but was not above shooting them with a 22 either. in the 40's and 50's when he was active I am sure the bullets were either simple lead or hard ball.

[Trapper]

Two factors that should be considered are accuracy and controlability. The 180gr Buffalo Bore rounds are a heavy load to shoot in a snub nose and may not provide the best accuracy. In my 3" S&W 66 I get my best accuracy with a 125gr JHP, my 6" model 19 and Marlin carbine like 158gr JSP's.
As Argonaut said any .357mag round will work for cats at close range.

[FUBAR]

In cat country I carry Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast flat point lead ammo in my .357 S&W.

+1 on the Buffalo Bore or DoubleTap 180grn.

[rideanddive]

The factory sights are set for 158 grain

Ruger sets the point of impact for the SP101 with 158 gr loads