357 sig vs. 45 ACP

[Matt3357]

I am looking to buy an S&W M&P Compact in one of these calibers. I want it for a bedside, target shooting, and possible concealed carry. From a self defense standpoint, which would be better for my uses?

Thanks,
Matt

 

[Beagle-zebub]

Is there something that .357 Sig has over .40 S&W, besides penetration?

 

[9mmepiphany]

accuracy?

 

[DBR]

The one that will probably harm your hearing the least is the 45ACP standard pressure from at least a 5" barrel - if that matters.

 

[David E]

.45 acp is plentiful compared to the .357 Sig.

Evenso, good luck actually finding an M&P chambered for it. I know it's "available," but actually finding one is an entirely different matter.

 

[JTQ]

The .45 ACP version of the M&P is slightly bigger than the 9 MM, .40, and .357 size pistol. Handle both it may make a difference to you.

 

[AK103K]

I switched from .45 to 357SIG a number of years ago, after being a life long, die hard, .45 fan.

I believe the 357SIG is a slightly more potent round, and does give you true 125 grain 357MAG performance from guns that are easier to shoot well with, and give you basically twice the on board capacity.

.45 acp is plentiful compared to the .357 Sig.

Actually, in the past year or so of the "shortage", I've seen more 357SIG on the shelves than I have .45acp. At both Walmarts around here, it was about the only pistol caliber on the shelves for months. Its readily available on the web too. Its also cheaper than .45acp.

 

[Matt3357]

There are a couple gun stores near me that have almost every caliber and configuration. So that is not a problem. What about muzzle flash, shot recovery and over penetration? Wouldn't want to kill the neighbors.

Matt

 

[AK103K]

I have yet to see any muzzle flash with any of the factory ammo I've used (Speer, Federal, and Double Tap) or with my reloads (125 grain bullet, 13 grains of AA #9), recoil recovery is basically the same as +P+ 9mm, and not at all bad. The bullets designed for defense are designed to stay in the body, and I dont think over penetration is an issue in that respect, at least not any more than anything else.

If you dont want to kill the neighbors, dont shoot them.

 

[BlindJustice]

I'd recommend .45 ACP version because
the round is sub-sonic for HD it's a factor
firing inside a building for noice. ALso the .45
ACP will have less tendency to overpenetrate
in comparison to the.357 SIg.

.45 ACP is also more available than the .357 SIg
which IMHO has marginal performance advantage over
the less expensive 9mm LUger.

Randall

 

[AK103K]

9mm only starts to approach the 357SIG in its +P+ loadings, which are at the rounds limits. Even then, its still below the 357SIG's base loading, that drives a 125 grain bullet at 1350fps. Companies like Double Tap load it more into the realm of the 357MAG, and you get 1525fps out of a 4.5" barrel.

This gives a pretty good visual idea as to what the different rounds do. They all penetrate about the same, but the damage done is somewhat different. If you look closely, the 357SIG actually has a slight edge over the rest in that respect.

 

[Stonestacker]

Either will work, just get the one you like.

 

[huntsman]

There are a couple gun stores near me that have almost every caliber and configuration. So that is not a problem.

Maybe now but not after TSHTF, stick with the.45acp for availability.

 

[nathan]

Both will kill , no more or less. Practice the one you shoot and hit best.

 

[Matt3357]

So this is really a Ford vs. Chevy thing. Ammo availability is not really a big deal. I will buy a couple of boxes of factory HP's, shoot one box and save the other for HD. Then I will load up practice ammo similar to the factory and shoot the crap out of it. The only other concerns I have would be over penetration if I miss and muzzle flash. I already have a 357mag revolver, but I have a scope on it, (not real conducive for close range SD, but rings a gong at 100 yards like no body's business). So do I really want another 357 or something different. Non SD use will be limited to plinking at a gong and bowling pins. I think I have found my deciding factor. Does Missouri Bullet make a bullet designed for the 357 sig?

http://www.missouribullet.com/results.php?category=5&secondary=8

I know they offer a lot of choices for the 45ACP. If they don't offer anything that will work in the 357 sig then it is out of the running because all of my plinking ammo is from them.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[BlindJustice]

.355 Diameter will work in the .357 SIg.... cast bullets at .357 SIg
velocities and you should invest in a Lewis Lead Removal tool/kit.

Randall

 

[Artiz]

Are we really comparing .357sig with .45ACP? Apart being bullets, they have nothing in common.

 

[AK103K]

While the 357SIG does use a 9mm/.355 dia. bullet, its usually caliber specific, due to the shape of the bullet. You can get by with 147 grain 9mm bullets, as they are closer to the correct shape. I havent had real good luck with them accuracy wise though.

At the velocities the 357SIG runs, I myself wouldnt use lead bullets.