Why is .357 so good?

E.Williams · June 2002

I have searched the internet for balistic studies to see what a .357 does when it gets inside somebody and cant find any.What makes this round so good?Why is it better than say a 44spl for self defense?What is the difference between a magnum round and regular pressure rounds?Is a magnum round always better?Im sorry for all these questions but Im curious to why it is so good.Thanks for help.

Eric S. Williams

gap1916 · June 2002

A magnum round will move a projectile of the same weight much faster. It is also a marketing term. The .357 round by itself is not that good it is a combination of things. The weight of the round, 125gr vs 158gr. The shape of the round, round nose lead vs semi jacketed hollow point. Speed of the projectile at impact.

In some combinations the 44spl is better than the .357mag.

The most important item is bullet placement.

My 2 cents

almaguns · June 2002

Who says it is?

E.Williams · June 2002

That was a question I forgot to put on my post.Lets say I got a center of mass hit with a .357 or .44spl would the .357 do more immediate damage than a heavier slower roud in the .44spl?

Eric S. Williams

charliec · June 2002

Try going to www.internetarmory.com. They have some interesting comments on different calibers and weight of bullets. They also discuss what different ammo to use, whether hunting or self-defense.
As far as the .44spl a .44 mag will shoot these same as a .357 can shoot .38's

If man thinks for one minute he understands women, he's timed it about right.

azzeater · June 2002

I shoot way cleaner with my .40 cal than my .357 mag, therefore, my .40 will be better for ME in case i need to use a firearm. I've been told by many on this forum and outside that you're most safe with the gun that that you shoot best.

hey all!

S&W Man · June 2002

The shot placement is THE most important criteria in any caliber. That said, the 357 Mag is probably the best all around caliber for a number of reasons. Depending upon the bullet you are shooting, the 357 has over all some of the best stopping power available. The 44 mag is more powerful in some loads, but suffers from overpenetration and the fact the caliber is so powerful, it can be very hard for many people to handle. The 44 spl will match the 357 in some loads, but is not available in the number of loadings the 357 is. The 40 S&W will match the 357 in some loads and not in others. The 357 seems to keep better stopping figures than the 40 S&W. The 45 ACP will beat the 357 Mag, but again the number of loads available are less and the caliber is again hard to handle for many compared to the 357.

Another tremendous agvantage to the 357 is that it is a better hunting caliber than the 40 S&W and the 45 ACP. The 44 Mag for big game might be better. Also, IF one were to get to a point where they had to find ammo for the gun and it was not readily available, the number of calibers that the 357 Mag will shoot far surpasses the numbers that ANY other caliber can handle. The 357 Mag can also be more readilly found in a concealable gun than some of the other calibers. If one can place his shots properly and needs more that the capacity of the 357 mag, then he really needs a shotgun of rifle.

WITH ALL OF THIS SAID THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ITEM TO REMEMBER: If you are comfortable and proficent with any specific caliber, THAT is the best caliber for you to use. Accuracy and shot placement, which are best with the gun you are most proficent with, will be the success or failure of ANY caliber.

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Edited by - S&W Man on 06/21/2002 23:13:19

beantole · June 2002

"In the most comprehensive survey on handgun stopping power, the best of all was the 125 JHP .357 Magnum."

That is interesting. One of my home defense sounds is a 357 magnum hollow point 125 grain bullet. However I also have some 200 grain
357 mag "bone crushers" by Corbon. They are touted as being a defensive round for a hiker who encounters a bear that attacks. Anyone ever heard of this round. It looks like a modified wad cutter.

Nighthawk · June 2002

The .357Mag is the gun that all L.E. standards are set by. It has always been notorious for its one shot stop rate with the 125gr bullet.Studies by the FBI have proven the .357 mag to be just the right combonation against two legged predators. It doesnt over penetrate or under penetrate. Therefor it mushroomed well and delivered all of its energy in its target. The 125gr Hollowpoint .357 Mag is the round all L.E. weapons are compared to.

Rugster

chappsyny · June 2002

I routinely carry a 357 magnum for a variety of reasons. First, it has more than enough stopping power for your average assailant. Now, if the BG is hoped up on drugs or something then that's a different story all together. Generally speaking, a compact 357 will weigh less and be more easilly concealable than a 44, depending on the manufacturer/model, etc. Also, I am fairly small (5'4", 150#) and appreciate the moderate recoil of the 357 vs. a 44sp. It is much easier for me to get a quick, accurately placed followup shot.

The bottom line in the matter is that one should always carry the largtest caliber that they can reasonably handle and get a quick followup shot on. If you're comfortable with a 44, then carry a 44. If you are like me and the 44 is a bit too much for you, then a 357 is a terrific alternative.

New Hampshire, USA - "Live Free or Die!!!"

Why is .357 so good?

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