Need opinions on Glock 33 and 357 Sig

I have a three barrel set Sig P226 -9mm,,357 Sig and .40 S&W . The .357 Sig uses the .40 S&W recoil spring. The .357 Sig feeds better in all loadings I have tried. It does however like a little different profile bullet than most 9mms use. It still won't jam with any profile, because of the bottle neck. but performance and neck tension are best with 125 Grain Sierra Power Sport style bullets. You want a section of cylindrical bullet on the bottom and a shortish overall length. The 147 weights are not it's forte as it is an anti personell round and even the 125 grain soft points expand well with tremendous penetration if you are shooting them in a 4.7-5" barrel at 1450 fps like the Lehigh 125 grain Gold Dot load does (1475 FPS! 5" barrel ) .
For a 2 pound weight OWB or shoulder carry gun with 15 round+ mags the ,357 Sig is hard to beat IMHO. It is extremely flat shooting with maybe 2" drop from 25-100 yard zero. 200 yard targets are in danger as its about a foot or less drop it is stunningly accurate and hitting like a .380 off the muzzle ! My Holosun 507K sighted P226 stays in .357 Sig with the .40 and 9mm barrels just for SHTF survival .
 
I dont know. I just thought it was odd that my 17 (with a lot of +P+ through it) just shows finish wear, whereas the 357's were actually peening the slide. Supposedly the 40's do it too, to a point, but then stop, which doesn't make a lot of sense to me, but that's what Ive been told by those who have them. Maybe my 31 was just one of those outliers too. And the gun still ran fine with it going on.

I would think if Glock thought it was an issue, they would have addressed the RSA's, but they didnt, or at least they didnt in the past. Still looks like they all use the same springs though. It just seems like Glock isnt too concerned about it.

I think the only way youre going to know is to get one and shoot it and see how things go. If you start to get battering and it stops, great. If it doesnt seem to be slowing down, maybe try one of the aftermarket RSA's and a different weight spring.

You can always call Glock too. They seem to be really good about taking care of things if you have a problem.
 
It's a cool caliber but it's also expensive. Defensive ammo might not be that much more (if any) expensive but practice ammo is stupid expensive, going on $1/rd.

The cartridge has a lot of potential and yeah, if you're looking for certain ballistics from a small gun, a G33 would make more sense than a small .357 MAG. I played around with handloading actual .357" bullets in the 357 SIG before and got great results, but really other than cost, I can't say much bad about it.
 
Anchorite said:
A 357S barrel is on my short list for my 22.3. Did you keep the factory recoil spring when you were shooting the Sig, or did you change it? I hadn’t really thought about changing springs, but @trackskippy post above got me thinking.
Click to expand...
Same spring. I have a 9mm barrel too and use the same spring and extractor. It is about 95% reliable, due to not changing the extractor I'm sure.
 
I have a p226 and g31, both are 357sig. I want to convert a s&w 40 to 357sig (I only know of 2 makers that do barrels for this). I don't have nor want any compact and sub and micros.......no use for me. Strange thing is Glock labels g19 equivalents, "compact" and s&w 4" labels them "full size". So, I guess I have 1 compact (s&w 10mm 4").
 
As far as the 357 sig, its a capable catrtridge. But 1 of many. I don't invest in calibers that are hard to find or more expensive than more common calibers with so many economical choices when it comes to practice ammunition from various overseas sources. I'm not aware of 357 sig ammo options from these "bargain basement" brands. In my neck of the woods, used pistols in 357 sig are generally bargain basement priced, because no one wants them and they tend to sit in showcases for a long time. In my personal opinion, Glock really missed the mark with the designs on the smaller autos like the 26, 27, 29, 30, 33, etc. The frames are too short to get a good grip and the slides are too fat to easily conceal. It hasn't been until fairly recently that Glock has made skinnier pistols for concealment like the 43 and 48. Prior to these becoming available, I obtained a S&W shield 9, and I still carry it.
 
Well, the only input I can give to this discussion is that I have a 26 Gen 5 as my EDC. I love it so much that I have dropped it off to have the slide milled for a Holosun 507K green dot. I should be getting it back this week. It is a great EDC gun and I don't need/want anything else at this stage in my life. I think if you get a good self defense round for your 26, it will be all you will ever need.

Joe
 
FL-NC said:
As far as the 357 sig, its a capable catrtridge. But 1 of many. I don't invest in calibers that are hard to find or more expensive than more common calibers with so many economical choices when it comes to practice ammunition from various overseas sources. I'm not aware of 357 sig ammo options from these "bargain basement" brands. In my neck of the woods, used pistols in 357 sig are generally bargain basement priced, because no one wants them and they tend to sit in showcases for a long time. In my personal opinion, Glock really missed the mark with the designs on the smaller autos like the 26, 27, 29, 30, 33, etc. The frames are too short to get a good grip and the slides are too fat to easily conceal. It hasn't been until fairly recently that Glock has made skinnier pistols for concealment like the 43 and 48. Prior to these becoming available, I obtained a S&W shield 9, and I still carry it.
Click to expand...
Until getting a Glock 43X my favorite Glock was a tie between the 26 and the 19. I shoot each equally well.
That magazine compatibility between the double stack guns is always nice.

I've tried multiple examples but never shot well with the G21/20 and G30/29. They are just too large for my hands. My 1st Glock bought back in 1996 was a Glock 21. I sold it after being laid off after 9/11/2001. Then picked another up a couple years ago. That Glock 21 is sitting on consignment at a local gun shop. It's been there awhile and I might go get it back.

I still have 3 Glock 19's, a Glock 26, a PSA compact Dagger (G19), plus my Glock 43X in my collection.

I also had a pair of Glock 27's bought from 2 different friends that needed cash. One of them came with about 2k of mixed 40SW JHP ammo. I gave both of those Glock 27's, mags, ammo, and holsters away to 2 childhood friends who are brothers living in different states.
 
WisBorn said:
www.handgunhero.com

Glock G26 Gen4 vs Glock G33 Gen4 size comparison | Handgun Hero

Compare the dimensions and specs of Glock G26 Gen4 and Glock G33 Gen4
www.handgunhero.com www.handgunhero.com

I was wondering what the real size difference was between the 26 & 33. They are close!!!
A owner of a LGS near me loads his 357sig similar to 9mm + p. He just likes the cartridge 🙂.
Good luck deciding!
Click to expand...
At the end of the day, I think the 9 and +P is a better mousetrap, but the cool factor of the Sig blows the 9/38 Super away. That’s why I want one!
 
WisBorn said:
I think the 357sig is a cool cartridge too. I have never owned one, but it's still neat 👌
Click to expand...
I entertained the idea in the early 2000's but went 40 S&W instead. Over the years I tried to convince myself I needed one, but the 9mm answered my questions every time.
It's a highly effective cartridge, no question.
 
InTheSwamp said:
I entertained the idea in the early 2000's but went 40 S&W instead. Over the years I tried to convince myself I needed one, but the 9mm answered my questions every time.
It's a highly effective cartridge, no question.
Click to expand...
9mm and 10mm bases covered 🙂
Of course I will add 380acp (when attire requires) and 45acp (because I'm old and I like it) for autoloaders 👌

I still think that the 357sig would be cool...
 
Back in the early 2000's, 40S&W and 357SIG sold for the exact same price when bought by the case. Right around $250/1000. I bought quite a few of each at the time, as I had spare 40 barrels for my SIG's in 357 (and that was really a waste, but thats another story).

A few years later, when Obama got in, and that panic took off, was right about the time I had decided to get out of 357SIG, and was divesting myself of the guns and ammo. Lucky me. :) Those cases of 357SIG and 40S&W I paid $250/case for, were going for more than double that at the time, and 357SIG was actually close to $600/case. Made out like a bandit! :)

Once the prices started coming back down, the 357SIG seemed to hold it value better than the 40's for some reason and they didnt come back together, and 357 was always more after that. Never understood that, unless maybe they decided to not make as much of it at that point and it stayed up because of that.


Oh, and if you have a bunch of 40S&W brass, and a 357SIG die, you have 357SIG brass. Well, close enough anyway. :)

Although it was never really suggested that you do that, as there are apparently some differences in the construction of the brass, or so I was told, and when you size the 40's into 357, the neck actually comes up a few thousandths short. I only mention it, because from time to time, while loading it, I would come across 357SIG brass, with a 40S&W headstamp. Im assuming I must have picked up some 40 brass while scrounging (they look very much alike if you're just picking things up and not paying a lot of attention) and sized them with the rest of the lot. With a compressed load like you get with AA #9, the neck tension is a lot less of an issue, and you end up with 357SIG rounds that shoot and function just fine.
 
Elkins45 said:
I have a Glock 33 and a S&W340PD. The muzzle blast on a G33 is really something. Having said that, it will be like shooting a pellet gun compared to a scandium 357.
Click to expand...
Elkins45 it's funny that you says that because actually I've owned a S&W 340PD and an 340M&PCT. In fact I traded my 340M&PCT for my brand new G33 Gen 4.

And your statement about the recoil of the Smith 340 W/357 magnum ammo vs. the Glock 33 recoil is spot on. I find my G33 Gen 4 much easier to shoot and easier for follow up shots than the smith 340 I traded for it. Not to mention that it holds double the rounds,and reloads are actually doable. Do t get me wrong I love revolvers and will own others again some day. But from a practically standpoint with what I wanted from and EDC firearm carried concealed for self defense purposes. The Glock 33 G4 beats it hands down.
 
If one wishes to push 125gr JHPs fast, I've carried this ammunition and prefer it to carrying the P226/357Sig,

doubletapammo.com

10mm 125gr. DT LEAD FREE™ SC-HP

A hard hitting round featuring a solid copper expanding bullet. 100% weight retention and extreme expansion make this one of the best defensive bullets available! This is probably the the best personal defense load in existence featuring 16.25" of penetration and .86" of expansion.Caliber...
doubletapammo.com

The 357Sig performs well against nefarious critters, but this caliber isn't in the same league as the 357mag;

Speer 125gr Gold Dots impacting at 1267fps, for those interested in the energy thing, it's a fairly low 519fpe (four layer denim)

357SIG-1367FPS (2).JPG

On the ranch this time of year when large predators migrate down from the mountains into our valley, my carry is typically the .357mag or 10mm. While 125gr JHP comparisons between the two 357s is popular on the internet, people here who carry the 357mag have them loaded with 158gr JHPs. As a handloader, this Winchester 158gr JHP (old tech design) impacted 4LD at a less than max load 1437fps...725fpe,

.357mag158grWinJHP1437fps0519in.jpg

I also handload for the .38Super, a less than max N105 powder yielded an impact velocity of 1491fps...617fpe (6 months later, cooler temps, MV 1486fps). Colt 1911 Gov't,
This 125gr XTP bullet retained its integrity because it was designed for magnum velocities, 9mm 124gr XTPs frag to pieces at these velocities.

38Super125XTP-1491fps012.jpg

This less than max 357mag 125gr Gold Dot JHP impacted 4LD a 1626fps...734fpe,

.357mag 125 GD 1626fps 0.534`` 118.6grs 007.jpg

I have reloading dies for the Sig, but my personal preference is to carry a Colt Delta Elite compared to a Sig P226, I'm not sure a G33/357Sig combination conducive for high volume training sessions, compounded with a two finger grip??? :)
 
Why not? Maybe buy a spare barrel in 40 for times when ammo might be scarce? I'll eventually buy a 357 sig barrel for my G22, just to have the option.

FWIW. many of us who used to load 357 in our revolvers for SD use 38 +P now. I had to fire a 357 magnum round in the dark with no hearing protection once. I don't want to do that anymore.
 
I was thinking the same thing when I bought 40 barrels for my SIG's. Initially, it ended up being a waste of money tied up in barrels and ammo just sitting there on a shelf.

Lucky for me, Obama came around and created that panic, and I made out like a bandit when ammo prices nearly tripled. Sold everything off and moved on.

Personally, I think youre better off taking the money spent on the second caliber and put it into ammo for the caliber you like.
 
2zulu1 said:
If one wishes to push 125gr JHPs fast, I've carried this ammunition and prefer it to carrying the P226/357Sig,

doubletapammo.com

10mm 125gr. DT LEAD FREE™ SC-HP

A hard hitting round featuring a solid copper expanding bullet. 100% weight retention and extreme expansion make this one of the best defensive bullets available! This is probably the the best personal defense load in existence featuring 16.25" of penetration and .86" of expansion.Caliber...
doubletapammo.com

The 357Sig performs well against nefarious critters, but this caliber isn't in the same league as the 357mag;

Speer 125gr Gold Dots impacting at 1267fps, for those interested in the energy thing, it's a fairly low 519fpe (four layer denim)

View attachment 1176663

On the ranch this time of year when large predators migrate down from the mountains into our valley, my carry is typically the .357mag or 10mm. While 125gr JHP comparisons between the two 357s is popular on the internet, people here who carry the 357mag have them loaded with 158gr JHPs. As a handloader, this Winchester 158gr JHP (old tech design) impacted 4LD at a less than max load 1437fps...725fpe,

View attachment 1176664

I also handload for the .38Super, a less than max N105 powder yielded an impact velocity of 1491fps...617fpe (6 months later, cooler temps, MV 1486fps). Colt 1911 Gov't,
This 125gr XTP bullet retained its integrity because it was designed for magnum velocities, 9mm 124gr XTPs frag to pieces at these velocities.

View attachment 1176665

This less than max 357mag 125gr Gold Dot JHP impacted 4LD a 1626fps...734fpe,

View attachment 1176667

I have reloading dies for the Sig, but my personal preference is to carry a Colt Delta Elite compared to a Sig P226, I'm not sure a G33/357Sig combination conducive for high volume training sessions, compounded with a two finger grip??? :)
Click to expand...
The .357 Sig is my preferred Defense Cartridge in a "normal capacity" pistol of 14+ rounds . I use it in a Gray Guns full prepped P226R with RMR and Light and use the Sig 15 shot mags and the gun is carried on a fully equipped and ready War Belt I am familiar with thru range time. It is stoked with Underwood 124 Grain HP which is a Nosler HP bullet that will withstand the 1475fps it is loaded to, ammo for going into serious work. The .357 Sig in a strong pistol is not loaded to it's potential in most loadings, the Under wood load is . There are Law Enforcement loadings of 124 grain Gold Dot bullets that also reach the Underwood level , they expand violently , always , which is a beautiful thing . I have a couple 50 round boxes of those held in reserve/ As mentioned the .357 Sig reloads easily ( same reason it is so reliable in a pistol feed wise- the bottle neck case) but bullets are best around the 125 grain weight and with longer straight sides before the ogive = most .357 Magnum bullets. It was brought to my attention that the .38 Super can be loaded to similar velocities , however the .38 Super case doesn't feed like the Sig and really needs special strong cases to be safely reliable at this pressures .
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

S
  • Locked
Glock 33 to .40 S&W conversion
Replies
4
Views
626
Cousin Mike
C
M
  • Locked
Want...no, better make that NEED, a 357 SIG
Replies
6
Views
711
caz223
C
CZF
  • Locked
G33 Opinions??
Replies
6
Views
474
michiganfan
M
A
  • Locked
Glock G33 Gen 4 .357 Sig subcompact handgun
Replies
4
Views
487
RustyShackelford
R
C
  • Locked
Glock 33 vs 27
Replies
5
Views
4K
CNobbe
C
Back
Top