Sig P229 ammo question(9mm?.357?.40?)

[jimstuy]

Hi:
I read through a couple posts here regarding the Sig P series handguns, but I am confused on why most people would prefer the .357 or .40 calibre over the 9mm? Is it purely for stopping power?
Also, someone mentioned the option to get two barrels of .357 and .40 for the P229, I didn't really get that point as well. Does that mean the barrel of the gun can be readily interchanged, or I should goto the range and try out both calibre and stick with one?
Thanks for any inputs!

 

[ScotZ]

I have both the Sig .40 and .357 barrel for my 229. The subject of stopping power can be debated for days. My personal answer is yes. I got the .40 and .357 for the stopping power. The .357 sig round is basically a .40 piece of brass necked down to .357 which is basically 9mm. So you get the punch of the .40 cartridge behind a 9mm bullit.

 

[basicblur]

When looking at my P229R (as with many of my guns) I balance rounds vs caliber. I ended up with a 357 SIG 'cuz it's often my winter carry gun (BGs tend to be more heavily dressed in the winter), for a little historical perspective-it just seemed right since SIG helped develop the round, and the fact that I didn't have that caliber.
On a related note-iff'n you want ammo from the local WallyWorld, only thing sitting on the shelf is 357 SIG!

I'd read that reports from many agencies which have gone to the round are pleased with the results.

 

[jimstuy]

I was wondering how much more recoil a .40 has relative to the 9mm version of the P229. I already went to the range and went through 100 rounds on their 9mm rental, I'll try to rent a .40 next time I go and see.

So you'are pretty happy with the .357SIG ammo for your 229?
Thanks for both your comments. I think I'll try out these two ammos and make up my mind. (the 9mm rounds I went through at the range cost me 58 bucks for 100 rds and it was the winchester white box version.... $$!!!)

 

[21bubba]

.357 sig= the "darkside". Once you cross over, you'll never go back.

 

[Jed Carter]

The answer is YES, the SIG 229 in .40S&W can be changed to .357SIG just by changing the barrel, same mags same slide, etc. .40S&W has recoil similar to heavy 9mm, like 147 grain, .40 is my favorite auto round to shoot. The .357SIG is on another level, the necked down cartridge has 2 great benefits, first is increased pressure that equates to higher muzzel velocities 1300 to1600 fps. The second and more important one is... that the taper of the cartridge improves its ability to feed into the .40 cal chamber, this virtually eliminates feed issues... shoving a .355 bullet into a .40 hole. My 2 cents buy the SIG229 or the fullsize 226 in .40 and get the .357 barrel... NITE SIGHTS TOO!