.357 magnum 4" vs 5" barrel

[Alex45ACP]

Is there any real world difference in terminal ballistics with a .357 magnum fired out of a 4" barrel revolver vs. a 5"?

 

[Confederate]

Not really. I still think 5-inch .357s would be extremely popular.

 

[Croyance]

Not much, not at combat distances. Supposedly the rule of thumb is 50 fps per half inch of barrel (I think).
Still, there is newer ammunition optimized for shorter barrels (faster burning powders.
I think in a K-frame the 4" barrel is the perfect balance, but for an N-frame the 5" is best. Oddly, they made the first in large quantities, but the second (in different calibers) was not made much.

 

[GRIZ22]

Depending on condition of the barrel (well used 5" vs new 4") you might get a higher velocity out of the 4". Otherwise about 50 fps or so as has been said. Skeeter Skelton was a fan of the 5" in the SW Model 27 as it felt right for him.