.357 Pistol

[ejnogarb]

I've heard that the .357 performs better than either the .45 ACP or 9mm, but it's size makes it too awkward for autoloaders. Is that true?

 

[jsbethel]

I have never had an opportunity to shoot either a Coonan or Desert Eagle .357 Magnum but they do look rather awkward. The Coonan was supposedly a fairly well made pistol.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If you're referring to the .357 Magnum revolver cartridge (not the .357 SIG autoloader cartridge), the length of the round does necessarily make for a rather large and awkward grip. The biggest problem, however, is getting the long rimmed cartridge to feed in an autoloading action.

 

[punkndisorderly]

I wouldn't say the 357 Magnum performs better absolutely. It's a great round, but it also tends to have lots of muzzle flash and blast.

Keep in mind that the powder, bullet, and barrel length also will have a great deal to do with performance. For example, I'd take a good, hot 45 hollowpoint over 357 FMJ practice ammo.

 

[MAKster]

The reason why a 357 magnum or 38 special autoloader doesn't work well is because of the rimmed case.

 

[Sport45]

The rimmed case may have something to do with it, but the folks that make .22lr autoloaders seem to have solved that problem. Maybe with a larger cartridge the grip angle becomes too severe?

 

[rcmodel]

It has more to do with the overall length of the .357 cartridge then the rimmed case.

The largest handgun grip that is comfortable for most folks is designed for the .45 ACP/.38 Super/10mm size rounds.

They all run just a tad over 1 1/4" long.

The .357 Mag measures closer to 1.60" and that makes for a very large grip & gun for most people with normal size hands.

rcmodel

 

[Walkalong]

.45 ACP

Sound: Low boom compared to sharp crack. Easier to hear after shooting without ear protection in a self defense situation.

Mass: Big heavy bullet with momentum if it doesn't expand.

.357 is not a good choice in an auto for all the reasons rcmodel gave.

 

[rcmodel]

I must say that my sons Desert Eagle .357 Mag is one of the most accurate, fun, long range handguns I have shot.

No recoil, and a hedge-apple doesn't stand a chance at 100 yards!

On the otherhand, it should have came with trail wheels & a trailer hitch just to haul it out to the range.

Totally impractical for much of anything a handgun is used for, except shooting hedge-balls at 100 yards.

rcmodel

 

[Walkalong]

Yep, too D*** big.

 

[Molasses]

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=407435&highlight=.357+semi+auto