According to Tom Suddles (from the company, I guess), the heavy 357 mag loads will all reach the 1000 ft lbs at 100 yards required to hunt big game in Colorado. What do you guys think? Is that claim realistic.

He has results from 18.5" Marlin - I did not "do the math" but it appears to be so. I don't know if it is for the 180 grain load, 158 grain load, or the 125 grain load or all of them but I would be skeptical of the 125 grain for "big game" hunting regardless of the numbers. It is what it is. I love Buffalo Bore.

__________________
"Had his shooting been as good as his running, he might have given a better account of himself."
James. C. Henderson

If it makes the cartridge legal to use, than that's good for you. Otherwise, I wouldn't be too worried about the foot pounds. A heavy .357 bullet of proper construction penetrates well, so placed properly it should be all right for deer sized game under 100yds. I don't know what your definition of "big game" is, but I wouldn't shoot anything that might bite back with a .357. The cartridge is marginal for medium game such as pigs and deer.

I have always heard that Buffalo Bore manufactures GREAT,
reliable, hard hitting ammo. They seem to have good credibility.
Actually, I am glad to know that they have a "heavy" 357 load.
The 357 is a good cartridge and can take most game at
reasonable distances.

Timberwolf

__________________
"If guns are responsible for crime, then matches are responsible for arson."