.357 with 3" barrel performance

[Halv]

I read awhile back that the .357 HPs will not expand properly out of a shorter barrel. Is that a problem for the true snubbies only (or a myth completely), or is my 3" better off using .38 +p? I reload my own ammo, but I've herd not to use reloads for defense because it "looks bad".

I've been a fan of the SP101 and I finally bought myself one, and I love it! I don't carry, but I plan to have it in my bedroom for home defense.

For viewing pleasure

(I have a computer wallpaper I made for it in the SP101 Photo thread.)

 

[archigos]

Similarly, I find myself missing my 637 and want to get back into a snubby for concealment - I'm looking at the LCRs at this point and trying to figure out whether its worth it to go to the 357 instead of the 38.

 

[Halv]

I was looking at one of those last week at the local shop, that just seem's painful haha. I feel like the first shot would mess up your grip, and your follow up shots would be harder. It does look tempting though! If you get one, let us know how it shoots.

 

[DenaliPark]

I'd quit worrying about expansion, and focus on SHOT placement and penetration. BTW, my primary sidearm in the bush is a 3' S&W .357 magnum(66 and 686 plus)...Use a 158 gr or greater bullet.

 

[IBEWBULL]

http://www.shopcorbon.com/Glaserandreg-PowRBallandreg/357-Mag-100gr-PowRBall/PB357100-20/600/Product

You will have to look at some research data on volosity loss and bbls.
I seriously doubt you will loose over 150 fps on 1 inch. reducton. This is from my old memory.
I haven't had a 3 inch gun ,YET.

 

[Halv]

I'd quit worrying about expansion, and focus on SHOT placement and penetration. BTW, my primary sidearm in the bush is a 3' S&W .357 magnum(66 and 686 plus)...Use a 158 gr or greater bullet.

I agree that shot placement is the most important thing, but I might as well combine it with the most effective ammo.

 

[David E]

There are several loads that are designed to expand from shorter barrels.

'Twas not always thus

 

[sammitysam]

Interesting site that examines the velocity lost by the inch, from 18"down to 1" in different handgun rounds, very enlightening, ballisticsbytheinch.com

Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk

 

[Random Discharge]

Barrel Length More Important for 38SP

Barrel length in the 2" to 6" has a little more impact on 38 SP loads than 357 loads, based on some data posted by someone with a Dan Wesson revolver some time ago (allows changing barrel and adjustment of barrel cylinder gap) that I've kept for reference.

A 158 gr 38SP lost about 45 fps per inch of barrel. Revolver barrel length over 6" didn't help a 38SP much (actually it started to slow down), but of course that could change with slower burning powder loads. The loads clocked about 800 fps out of a 3" barrel (interpolated value between 2" and 4" test barrells).

For some perspective, a 38SP 158 gr lost about 6 fps per mil of barrel cylinder gap between 3 mills and 10 mills. A sloppy gap can cost you as much velocity as an inch of barrel.

The 158 gr 357 lost about 31 fps per inch of barrel. No data for barrel cylinder gap on 357 magnum. The loads clocked about 1175 fps out of a 3" barrel (again, interpolated from 2" and 4" barrel results). The percent reduction in 357 energy is half that of the 38 SP when dropping from a 3" to a 2" barrel (ratio the square of the velocities to get relative energy change).

Bottom line, 357 magnum JHP out of a 2" or 3" barrel has plenty of energy. You'll appreciate that 3" barrel more if you switch to 38 SP loads someday.

Good choice on the barrel length and the revolver. SP101's are nice shooters.