2ndunamended
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What is the minimum barrel length for maximizing the capability of the .357? I'm looking at a 3-inch S&W 686-6 (having formerly had the 4-inch variant).
Minimum barrel for maximizing .357
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ColtPythonElite
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I have .357 guns in 2, 2.25, 4, 6, 7, 8 3/8 and 16 inch barrel lengths. Velocity goes up as the barrel length increases. You have to figure out what you want to do with the gun and go from there. The longest I would want to carry regularly is a 4". The shortest I would want to hunt with is a 4". The shortest I would want for a range toy is a 4".....You know....The 4" is a pretty good choice if you can only have one.
2ndunamended
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The difference between the 3" and 4" is about 2 oz. I'm mostly considering for home defense and occasional carry. For home defense the 2 extra oz. of the 4" variant is negligible, as it likely is for carry.
BobWright
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What ColtPythonElite said!
I'd have to agree with that. I chronographed some of my handloads in .357 Magnum in which velocity from the 4" exceeded that of the 6" barrel.
If I were to carry a .357 with less than a 4" barrel, I think I'd choose a .38 Special +P loading.
Bob Wright
I'd have to agree with that. I chronographed some of my handloads in .357 Magnum in which velocity from the 4" exceeded that of the 6" barrel.
If I were to carry a .357 with less than a 4" barrel, I think I'd choose a .38 Special +P loading.
Bob Wright
Maximum performance in 357 comes at about 16" of barrel. That may be a bit longer than you want in a revolver.
The increase levels off at about 6-8" though, so that may be about where you want to stop.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
The increase levels off at about 6-8" though, so that may be about where you want to stop.
http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html
Jeepergeo
Member
Depending on what you plan to do or your objective, the .357 Magnum may deliver all you need and more before it reaches its maximum potential. For self defense at reasonable close quarters, you probably don't need the max, but for hunting or backup while hunting, you might need more.
The ballistics by the inch web site noted above presents interesting test data.
The ballistics by the inch web site noted above presents interesting test data.
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
You probably won't like a short barrel .357 muzzle blast inside a closed room either!!!
rc
rc
I remember, many years ago, that the optimal barrel length...where velocity drop off lessened was about 6.5"- 7.5"
Choosing a barrel length for your revolver is balancing the gains in conceal ability and ease of carry against the improved velocity and accuracy you get from longer barrels. A 4" K or L frame makes a fine holster gun for open carry, vehicle and home defense but is more difficult to conceal and cc comfortably. A 2-1/2 to 3" are quite easily concealed with an IWB holster.
Whatever barrel length you choose the .357 mag will have greater velocity than a .38 spl with the same bullet weight though you always have the option of using .38's in your .357 mag. The magnum will also have a much louder report and flash.
If you want to optimize the velocity produced by the .357 mag use the longest barrel length.
Whatever barrel length you choose the .357 mag will have greater velocity than a .38 spl with the same bullet weight though you always have the option of using .38's in your .357 mag. The magnum will also have a much louder report and flash.
If you want to optimize the velocity produced by the .357 mag use the longest barrel length.
Bula
Member
All around use I'd opt for the 4". The six is a nice range and hunting length. Either way you slice it, the .357 mag is awesome for its versatility and performance.
Keep this in mind. The ballistics numbers you see published are from 8" barrels. Even at 6" there is a noticeable velocity loss and a 4" barrel is about 1/2 the length the round was designed to be used in. Below 4" and a 9mm shoots equal weight bullets faster. No one would be surprised to learn a 300 magnum from a 12" barrel is a lot slower than the published numbers, but don't seem to understand 357 mag is the same.
Even with a 4" barrel you'll only be about 50 fps faster than 9mm. I wouldn't want a magnum revolver with less than a 4" barrel.
Even with a 4" barrel you'll only be about 50 fps faster than 9mm. I wouldn't want a magnum revolver with less than a 4" barrel.
bannockburn
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I find a 4" barrel in a .357 to be a practical compromise between velocity loss and all around handiness, to that of a 6" barrel. Having said that I would add that I wouldn't say no to a S&W Model 27 with a 5" barrel either for the same reasons.
Richard Head
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50 fps? Really you sure about that? I've chrono'd 187 grain bullets at over 1100 fps from my little SP101 with a 2.25" (1320 from 6" and 1340 from 8.3" barrel) barrel can a 9mm do that? Lyman uses a vented 4" test barrel in their reloading manual. That'll give you a good idea of what a 4" 357 can do. It's about 100-150 fps less than a 6"-8" barrel depending on bullet weight. The difference between a 6" and 8" inch barrel is negligible with heavy bullets
"Even with a 4" barrel you'll only be about 50 fps faster than 9mm. I wouldn't want a magnum revolver with less than a 4" barrel"
9mm+p runs 124gr 1200-1250 from a 92fs i once had. factory available 357 will run 125 to 1600-1700 from a 4' barrel, though BB figures are a little lower on this page. Their 158 gr 357 easily does 1550 from a 5.5 barrel, and thats what i mostly carried, when i carried a 357. Most 357 loads sold in stores seem to be the 'reduced recoil' version, which yes, is just over 9mm balistics, but the real stuff can be found.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/66...jacketed-hollow-point-high-velocity-box-of-20
9mm+p runs 124gr 1200-1250 from a 92fs i once had. factory available 357 will run 125 to 1600-1700 from a 4' barrel, though BB figures are a little lower on this page. Their 158 gr 357 easily does 1550 from a 5.5 barrel, and thats what i mostly carried, when i carried a 357. Most 357 loads sold in stores seem to be the 'reduced recoil' version, which yes, is just over 9mm balistics, but the real stuff can be found.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/66...jacketed-hollow-point-high-velocity-box-of-20
Milkmaster
Member
Amen RC!
You also might not like the snappy short barreled .357 on your wrist. I only shoot .357 in my lever gun now. My wrist can no longer tolerate the short .357 revolver. I went back to a .38SPL in a Ruger LCR. I heavier revolver might be OK, but not for my uses.
gotboostvr
Member
I own 2.5", 4" and a 6" M19. Same gun, 3 different barrel lengths.
The 4" is the most useful unless you put a heavy priority on concealment. The 4" hides pretty well, especially when it's a round butt K Frame.
Mine's a square butt and with target stocks, still does pretty good.
The 6" dosent play well with holsters. If it's only a range/bedside gun the 6" buys you more velocity, and less muzzle flash and less recoil.
The 4" guns are just handy and my personal favorite.
Being said, all 3 are definitely keepers.
The 4" is the most useful unless you put a heavy priority on concealment. The 4" hides pretty well, especially when it's a round butt K Frame.
Mine's a square butt and with target stocks, still does pretty good.
The 6" dosent play well with holsters. If it's only a range/bedside gun the 6" buys you more velocity, and less muzzle flash and less recoil.
The 4" guns are just handy and my personal favorite.
Being said, all 3 are definitely keepers.
Taurus 617 CCW
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It really depends on the powder used in the cartridge but I don't like to go below 4".
2ndunamended
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...?
Every thing said above is pretty much right and spot on.
All of us have different needs and tolerances.
I suggest you go to a local range and spend $50 to $100 and shoot 357 mags and 38 specials out of a 2,3,4,5 and 6 inch 357 caliber gun.
You can then pick the right gun for you for a lifetime.
I would always choose the 357 over the 38 special just for the variety of the loads.
It will be money well spent.
All of us have different needs and tolerances.
I suggest you go to a local range and spend $50 to $100 and shoot 357 mags and 38 specials out of a 2,3,4,5 and 6 inch 357 caliber gun.
You can then pick the right gun for you for a lifetime.
I would always choose the 357 over the 38 special just for the variety of the loads.
It will be money well spent.
I would also consider Ruger if buying new.
http://www.taloinc.com/ruger-firearms/wiley-clapp-gp100-1752
I occasionally conceal carry a 3" revolver, a 4'' would be to long for me. I don't mind losing a little velocity to fit me needs.
Overkill870
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My preference for 357 magnum is a 4 inch k frame. My model 66 handles and shoots just perfect to me. If I need something smaller I go to a j frame 38 (but not saying I wouldn't carry a j frame 357 if I had one!).
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