I picked up a Berretta Cougar 8357 (357sig) in a trade over the weekend and all I can say is wow. When I looked at the 357sig before I did not get past the ammo price, which is this caliber's biggest fault IMO. However, from what I have read this round makes up in performance for the ammo cost.
Now some of what I experienced may be due to the gun because I have never shot this round in anything else and I am no expert in ballistics. When I went to the range I was expecting recoil like the 40 cal, but to me it felt more like a 9mm. It was more of a push recoil. The 40 cal has more of a snap with much more muzzle flip making it harder for a fast well controlled follow up shot. Here is where I think the 357sig shines and making it superior as a self-defense load. I was able to shoot and hit 8" metal plates as if I was shooting my CZ75, which says a lot. Now the Cougar 8357 has a rotary locking barrel and this could the reason I did not have much muzzle flip. Whatever the reason this is a great self-defense package. Keep in mind this was my perceived recoil you may or may not experience the same thing.
I have been looking for something in between the 9mm and the 45ACP and this is it. Do not get me wrong I still love the 45, but I like the idea of having higher capacity and a little faster follow shots than the 45. The 357sig has better penetration than the 45 if I am not mistaking
Now like I said the downfall to this round is cost 15.97 for 50 FMJ at Wal-Mart. You can buy in bulk and save quite a bit though. Hollow points are pricey to, but not much worse than any other caliber for quality defense ammo. I think I am going to look at reloading FMJ for this round because I have a feeling the cost savings will be huge.
I am not trying to start a caliber war because my knowledge of the 357sig is still limited. I do like everything I have read so far on the 357sig from a self-defense standpoint. If you are looking for a round in-between the 9mm and the 45ACP. Look at the 357sig it maybe what you are looking for.
Now some of what I experienced may be due to the gun because I have never shot this round in anything else and I am no expert in ballistics. When I went to the range I was expecting recoil like the 40 cal, but to me it felt more like a 9mm. It was more of a push recoil. The 40 cal has more of a snap with much more muzzle flip making it harder for a fast well controlled follow up shot. Here is where I think the 357sig shines and making it superior as a self-defense load. I was able to shoot and hit 8" metal plates as if I was shooting my CZ75, which says a lot. Now the Cougar 8357 has a rotary locking barrel and this could the reason I did not have much muzzle flip. Whatever the reason this is a great self-defense package. Keep in mind this was my perceived recoil you may or may not experience the same thing.
I have been looking for something in between the 9mm and the 45ACP and this is it. Do not get me wrong I still love the 45, but I like the idea of having higher capacity and a little faster follow shots than the 45. The 357sig has better penetration than the 45 if I am not mistaking
Now like I said the downfall to this round is cost 15.97 for 50 FMJ at Wal-Mart. You can buy in bulk and save quite a bit though. Hollow points are pricey to, but not much worse than any other caliber for quality defense ammo. I think I am going to look at reloading FMJ for this round because I have a feeling the cost savings will be huge.
I am not trying to start a caliber war because my knowledge of the 357sig is still limited. I do like everything I have read so far on the 357sig from a self-defense standpoint. If you are looking for a round in-between the 9mm and the 45ACP. Look at the 357sig it maybe what you are looking for.
