357 Sig vs 40 S&W for SD which do you prefer?

[Wreck-n-Crew]

With the right HP or EFMJ I don't see a big difference. If it is regular HP and through bone first it will likely clog the tip and the bullet essentially becomes a FMJ, failing to expand. In that case the 40.

If there is a barrier I prefer the 40 as well for the extra weight. They are both great for penetration but the heavier 40 punches through better and retains more KE/ loses less KE than the lighter 357 sig.

I guess the 357 sig is all equal on perfect terms, but a gunfight never guarantees perfect terms. The 40 in the end would be my overall choice. Also I prefer the heavier 175-180 Gr. I currently have the 175 Gr. in my 40.

 

[Nom de Forum]

"insignificantly faster bullets."

Dunno about that.

http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/product&path=126_192&product_id=613

357 SIG 115gr Bonded Defense® JHP 20rds

3.5" barrel - 1494fps <--- yea Glock 33. True .357 magnum performance.
4.0" barrel - 1550fps
4.5" barrel - 1612fps <--- Glock 31 ought to get that!

http://www.underwoodammo.com/357sig125graingolddotjacketedhollowpointboxof50.aspx

357 Sig 125 Grain Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point Box of 50 (with Youtube test with geletin.)

Muzzle Velocity: 1475 fps

Deaf

The reality is the velocities you listed are not fast enough to provide terminal ballistic performance superior to larger and slower .40 caliber bullets. The consequence of choosing the .357Sig is, for no better terminal ballistic performance, you have a more expensive, more difficult to reload, and less easily attainable ammunition.

 

[herrwalther]

.40S&W purely for availability. If I had a .357 SIG and availability were equal, I would carry the .357 SIG.

 

[PabloJ]

The .357Sig has nothing going for it. It can't match .357 with heaver bullet weights and .40 ammo is cheaper with greater selection and is more readily available.

 

[Aaron1100us]

I perfer both. My G33 is my Summer carry and my G22 is my Winter carry. Just to switch things up a bit.

 

[herrwalther]

The .357Sig has nothing going for it. It can't match .357 with heaver bullet weights and .40 ammo is cheaper with greater selection and is more readily available.

You are not taking into consideration form size and capacity. .357 Magnum is a big mean cartridge, yes. But .357 Mag firearms are larger and limited on capacity. .357 SIG was designed to give performance similar to .357 Mag while still allowing for smaller handgun size and capacity.

 

[Aaron1100us]

^exactly. The 125 grain 357 SIG is supposed to be about the same as a 125 grain .357 Mag out of a 4'' barrel.

 

[JRWhit]

Both are capable of performing the job at hand. Between the two you may have an added confidence with one over the other. Go with that one. In many cases your confidence may be a greater factor than 100-200 FPS.