Some 357 Sig goodness

[CDW4ME]

When you build jhp ammo to meet the FBI protocol for penetration and expansion through barriers and into ballistic gelatin you get rounds that do just that. Which is useful. It also means that penetration is limited to that 12-18" of penetration.

Have you seen Federal test data for their HST and Gold Dot bullets?
https://le.vistaoutdoor.com/wound_ballistics/load_comparison/load_comparison.aspx
Heavy Clothing
357 Sig Gold Dot - 18.3'' / .53
357 Sig HST - 12.5'' / .64
40 / 180 Gold Dot - 13.2'' / .70
40 / 180 HST - 12.5'' / .80
Auto Glass
357 Sig Gold Dot - 15.4'' / .52
357 Sig HST - 10'' / .56
40 / 180 Gold Dot - 12.7'' / .61
40 / 180 HST - 14'' / .62

 

[CDW4ME]

How does 357 Sig compare to 40 S&W in momentum?
Assuming the calculation for an arrow is applicable to a bullet... (mass x velocity / 225,400 = )
Glock 35 - (40 S&W) Federal HST 180 @ 1,019 fps / 415# KE = .81 momentum
Glock 35 - (357 Sig) 125 HST @ 1,415 fps / 556# KE = .78

Well, how does that compare to other calibers? (Using my chrono data, again, and HST in all calibers)
Glock 19 - Federal HST 124 gr. +P @ 1,210 fps / 403# KE = .67 momentum
Glock 19 - Federal HST 147 gr +P @ 1,044 fps / 356# KE = .68 momentum
Dan Wesson Valor - Federal 230 HST @ 891 fps / 406# KE = .91 momentum

357 Sig momentum is not on par with a 230 gr. 45 it does compare well to 180 gr. 40 S&W (and notably more than 9mm +P)

Just for fun, I no longer own these pistols:
Kel-Tec 32 Federal Hydra Shok 65 gr. @ 804 fps / 93# KE = .23 momentum
Kel-Tec 380 Federal Hydra Shok 90 gr. @ 845 fps / 143# KE = .34 momentum
Thank goodness I don't have to bet my life on that level of "power" anymore.