I like the heavy lead gas checked flat points. They penetrate well and as the .357 is marginal in power I think penetration is second only to accuracy.
I guess a heavy jacketed soft point or a bonded hollow point would work also.
Thanks for the replies. I got a S&W 686 6"barrel early spring mainly to target shoot with. I've gotten pretty confident in my marksmanship out to around 50 yards though I doubt I'll attempt a kill shot past 30. I'll check a few of these out and see what gives me the best groups. Mainly been shooting paper plates with .38 rounds.
Do you load? 158 gr XTP FLAT POINTS are tough. A 180 gr XTP HP is another good one - your gun will be shooting right in the sweet spot for this bullet.
The Swift A frames are nice bullets too - not a lot of shock & awe but they will totally penetrate and you will find the deer about 60-75 yards away.
I use a 357 mag rifle and really like the performance out to 100 yards. Very few move after getting hit with an XTP 158 gr FP.
I've been a 686 shooter since...wait for it...1986 and I've most always used RUMC 158gr SJHP. I just recently started using PMC Bronze JSP 158gr and they shoot great too, but I haven't tried the PMC on game. Just my .02