Last updated July 26, 2026 · By Nick Hall. Part of our complete air rifle guide.
The Benjamin Bulldog .357 proved that a big-bore airgun could be compact, practical, and deer-capable all at once. Its bullpup layout packs a full-power .357 into a short, handy package, and it has become one of the most popular airguns for hunters stepping into big-bore. Here is the honest verdict.
How we tested: Every pick here was run through our testing methodology. Minimum round counts, accuracy and reliability protocols, the failures that disqualify a gun. If we haven't shot it, we don't recommend it.
Benjamin Bulldog .357 Specifications
| Type | Big-bore PCP, bullpup layout |
| Caliber | .357 (9mm) |
| Magazine | 5-round |
| Energy | ~180-200 FPE with heavy slugs |
| Shots per fill | ~3-5 full-power shots |
| Fill pressure | ~3,000 psi |
| Street price | ~$900-1,000 |
Deer Energy in a Compact Package
The Bulldog’s bullpup design is what sets it apart: by moving the action back into the stock, it fits a full-length, full-power .357 barrel into a rifle short enough to maneuver in a blind or thick brush. It makes roughly 180-200 foot-pounds of energy with heavy cast slugs, which is enough to ethically take deer and hogs at close range where the law allows. The 5-round magazine gives you follow-up shots, a rarity in the big-bore world, and the whole thing runs on a standard 3,000 psi fill. For a hunter who wants an air-powered rifle for big game without a giant, unwieldy gun, it hits a sweet spot.
How It Shoots
The Bulldog delivers real thump. Recoil is noticeable by airgun standards but mild compared to a firearm, and the report is loud, this is a big-bore, so hearing protection is wise. Like all big-bores, shot count is low (plan on three to five full-power shots per fill), so a carbon-fiber tank or compressor is essential. Accuracy is good once you find the slug your barrel likes, which is the key to any big-bore. The bullpup trigger is not its strong point, being a bit long and mushy, but for a hunting rifle taken inside sensible ranges it does the job. Match your slug and know your energy at distance, and it is a capable big-game airgun.
Where to Buy the Benjamin Bulldog
The Verdict
The Benjamin Bulldog .357 is one of the best big-bore airguns for a hunter who wants deer-capable power in a compact, practical package with the bonus of a magazine. The trigger is average and shot count is low, as with any big-bore, but the combination of energy, handiness, and multi-shot capability is hard to beat at the price. Where the law allows big-bore airgun hunting, it is a genuinely useful tool. See the full field in our best big-bore airguns guide, and check the rules in our air rifle laws overview.
Our Rating: 8.5 / 10 — compact, multi-shot, deer-capable big-bore power.
Benjamin Bulldog FAQ
Is the Benjamin Bulldog a good big-bore airgun?
Yes, it is one of the best big-bore airguns for hunters. The Benjamin Bulldog .357 packs deer-capable energy into a compact, handy bullpup with a 5-round magazine, a rare combination of power, portability and multi-shot capability.
How much energy does the Benjamin Bulldog make?
The Benjamin Bulldog .357 produces roughly 180-200 foot-pounds of energy with heavy cast slugs, which is enough to ethically take deer and hogs at close range where the law allows.
Can the Benjamin Bulldog kill a deer?
Yes, with proper shot placement at appropriate airgun ranges and where big-bore airgun hunting is legal. Its .357 caliber and roughly 180-200 FPE are sufficient for deer and hogs.
How many shots does the Benjamin Bulldog get per fill?
Like all big-bores, the Bulldog uses a lot of air per shot, so plan on about 3 to 5 full-power shots per fill. A carbon-fiber tank or high-pressure compressor is essential.
Does the Benjamin Bulldog shoot pellets or slugs?
The Bulldog fires cast lead .357 slugs, not pellets. Finding the specific slug weight your barrel likes is the key to getting good accuracy.
How much does the Benjamin Bulldog cost?
Street prices for the Benjamin Bulldog .357 typically run from about $900 to $1,000, not including the tank or compressor needed to fill it.
8,518+ Gun & Ammo Deals
Updated daily from 200+ top retailers. Filter by category, caliber, action type, and price.
Related Guides