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Q&A · Hunting

How to sight in my .357 Magnum lever gun?

April 5, 2026

Quick Answer

To sight in a .357 Magnum lever gun, use a 50-yard zero and a 150-grain bullet. This setup provides good versatility for hunting small to medium-sized game at various ranges. Make sure to use a high-quality target and follow proper sighting procedures.

Choosing the Right Ammunition

When sighting in a .357 Magnum lever gun, it’s essential to choose the right ammunition. For hunting deer-sized game, a 150-grain bullet is a popular choice due to its balance of velocity and penetration depth. Look for ammunition with a muzzle velocity of at least 1,400 feet per second (fps) to ensure reliable expansion and penetration.

Setting Up the Sight-In Process

To sight in your .357 Magnum lever gun, begin by setting up a target at 50 yards. This distance provides a good balance between accuracy and visibility, making it an ideal starting point for most hunting applications. Use a high-quality target with a clear aiming point and a measurable grid for tracking adjustments.

Making Sight-In Adjustments

When making sight-in adjustments, use a systematic approach to ensure accuracy and consistency. Start by measuring the bullet’s impact point on the target and calculate the necessary adjustments based on the sighting data. For a .357 Magnum, a 1-inch adjustment at 50 yards translates to approximately 2-3 inches at 100 yards, so make adjustments accordingly to achieve a zero at your desired range. Use a consistent and deliberate approach to make adjustments, and verify your results after each change to ensure accuracy.

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