What are the selling points of .357?

[The Good]

I've recently become very interested in the .357 mainly because I love revolvers and a revolver chambered for .357 would be highly effective for self defense and at the same time large and weighty enough to offer lighter recoil than what im used to in my .38 j frame. I admit.. What i stated above is only an assumption. I've never fired anything in .357. Part of the allure is that i can also practice with light .38 spl. rounds, but I was hoping someone could share some .357 wisdom.
The .357 revolvers seem to be really popular.. And i've found when it comes to guns, the one that everyone has is a good choice. I'm just wondering why. It's possible that my presumptions about the .357 are incorrect so before I go any further i want to learn what i can.
A few specific questions:
-i saw somewhere someone saying that muzzle flash was a concern and that problem could be remedied by a longer barrel? Is it true that muzzle flash is significantly diminished in a barrel 5" or longer?
-i can look at bullets and read about their individual velocities, but experience is better.. So can anyone tell me how the .357 compares to 9mm, .38 spl. +p, and .40 s&w?
-686 or 627? Nothing against the other companies.. I'm just very comfortable with the s&w platform, and have the muscle memory, so that's what i want by my side.

Thanks guys. Hoping to learn a lot

 

[pokersamurai]

First of all, I'm a fellow revolver fanatic and I also believe that the .357 is one of the most quintessential revolver calibers of all time.

To answer your specific questions:

1) All revolvers will have some flash at the barrel/cylinder gap. Muzzle flash can be remedied the same way it is with semi-autos. First, by using a longer barrel which will allow the powder to burn more completely thus reducing flash. The second is to select a round that uses a low-flash powder that is specifically designed for self-defense (most major ammunition manufacturers have rounds like this).

2) It depends on what you mean by how .357 "compares" to 9mm, .38, & .40. If you are referring to velocity & ft/lbs of energy, the .357 will have the advantage over most common self-defense calibers. If you are referring to penetration and expansion, the .357 usually expands similar to the other mentioned calibers, however, it is capable of greater penetration. If you are referring to its "street record" the .357 has a very proven track record as a fight stopper, I'd say it has a slightly better record than the other self-defense calibers.

3) You can't go wrong with either choice. The 627 is an N-Frame so it's going to be a little bulkier than the 686 which is an L-Frame. If it were me I'd choose the 686 in either a 3" or 4" barrel if I ever planed on carrying it concealed, but if it will only be an open carry/nightstand/target gun than I would choose the 627 with a 5" or 6" for the extra weight and capacity.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Poker samurai covered it pretty well.

A few more things. The 686 and 686+ are great guns. I have a 7 shot with a three inch bbl. Recoil is pretty tame compared to the .38+p j frame I used to have. I love that gun.

I also have a 6 shot performance center Competitor. That is also a spectacular gun. Recoil is non existent in that gun and muzzle flash is reduced with a 6" bbl due to more complete powder burn. I imagine a 627 would feel about the same.

I also carry a Ruger SP101 5 shot. 158 grain loads are stout but certainly doable in that little gem.

Recoil will be greater than a 38, 9mm, or 40, but to compare it to a semi auto is flawed since the recoil impulse is different on a semi with the slide cycling and all.

For instance. I can shoot .357's all day in a full size gun. However, I don't care for 40 S&W due to the snap of that round.

 

[MagnunJoe]

.357 is tougher on your ears than most pistol cartridges. Shooting a .357 magnum indoors without ear protection will do damage to your hearing.

 

[Carl N. Brown]

I have owned and shot .357 revolvers over the past 30 years (Ruger Security Six blue, GP100 stainless, currently Security Six stainless) mostly recreational at the range or in the mountains. They have done duty as nightstand guns.

The selling point to me of the .357 revolver to me has been the standard features of my Security Six (full size grip, robust frame, medium weight barrel, adjustable sights) made it a better platform for shooting .38 Special than most revolvers sold in .38 Special at the same price range. Another selling point is the range of ammo for the revolver from .38 Spl wadcutter to .38 Spl +P to defensive .357 125gr JHP to hunting 158gr JSP.

The selling point to me of the .357 Magnum cartridge has been the 158 gr JSP is much better than screaming like a little girl should a large predatory animal attack in mountains. For defense indoors, though, I have loaded .38 Spl 158gr SWC or 125gr JHP at +P levels on the theory you might have to hear during or after a defensive encounter.




460 Kodiak: "I don't care for 40 S&W due to the snap of that round." I have a H&K USP in .40 S&W (polymer frame) and compared to my steel frame 1911 in .45 ACP it do snap and whip with authority. Accurate pistol with large easy to see sights. Again, recreational experience only so far (knock on head) but it has been my carry piece on some 120 mile night journeys. Like the .45 or .357 I let the .40 recoil, hold firmly and control, but don't fight it, let it expend its energy. I have no problem shooting the .40 3 targets ten rounds each in the local modern military match (H&K USP has had some military users). .500 S&W I called quits after 3 rounds.

 

[19-3Ben]

First off- I want to thank you for asking specific and well researched questions. You didn't come here all willy-nilly like some people looking to start a caliber war or anything.
You've obviously seriously looked into it.

Barrel length- There are of course the ususal tradeoffs, same as a semi-auto. Longer barrel gives better velocity, lower recoil, and less concussion/flash. Shorter barrel is easier to maneuver and conceal. Decide the purpose of the gun, and THEN pick the barrel length. For me, I use a 4"bbl wheelgun for HD, but my carry gun is a Speed Six with 2.75"bbl. As pokersamurai said, the load you pick will make a big difference.

Everything else has pertty much already been covered, so for the sake of not being redundant I'll leave it with this. .357mag is a great and very versatile chambering. Good luck and enjoy.

 

[JRWhit]

You've gotten some great answers and its pretty well covered. You mentioned the popularity of the .357. That in itself is a valuable asset in a cartridge. Due to the popularity of the .357 and the 38 special, you'll find a very diverse and wide ranging choice of loads for different purposes. Many more than what can be found in less popular cartridges. Sometimes the popularity of a cartridge can give it an edge against others due to offerings in the marketplace.

 

[smkummer]

I own many Colt revolvers and 70% of them are chambered in 38/.357. If you are limited to only one (dread the thought) then a medium frame (ruger, Smith L frame or Colt ) with a 4, 5 or 6 in barrel is one very useful versatile handgun. Of about 4 of us shooters that own these, over 90% of the time we are shooting 38 special or 38 plus P ammo out of them. We often upload 38 special with plus P and we download .357 for range use but we are also shooting hard cast bullets also. With that in mind and if your a reloader, don't turn down a medium frame gun chambered in 38 special as they can safely be loaded to very respectable levels (light .357 levels).

 

[YZ]

During the last winter's panic the 357 ammo, and especially the 38 were still available. They are not commonly used in semiautos. For that reason alone I would hedge my ammo supply by keeping a 357.

 

[MedWheeler]

For the reasons already stated, the .357 is just a great overall cartridge. But, for me at least, it's primarily a "fun-to-shoot" round when I want some booyah at the range or in the field. At home, my Magnum revolvers are loaded with a .38 Special +P round. I have enough faith in them to forego the Magnum blast in an indoor defense situation. Just my choice; I know my home, its occupants, and its surroundings.

 

[Henryfan1]

125 gr 357 magnum. I remember reading about more one shot stop encounters with this than anything else.

 

[Hoppes Love Potion]

Definitely has a rep as an effective defensive round. I haven't shot many magnums because my .357 revolver was pretty small and light.

I think if I was looking now I'd consider the 686 but also be on the hunt for an older Model 28 Highway Patrolman. To me, that's the ultimate workhorse .357 revolver.

 

[Schwing]

I am fairly new to reloading so others with more experience fell free to chime in here but... I have found the .357 to be one of the easiest calibers to reload. With something like a .380 or a 9mm, I seem to have trouble getting consistent and accurate loads. Almost every published load combination I have used for the .357 has worked great.

 

[CraigC]

Best thing about many .357's is that they make dandy .32-20's, .41Spl's, .44Spl's, .38-40's, .44-40's, .45ACP's and .45Colt's.

All else equal, I prefer a moderately loaded big bore. It will do the job with more bullet on target without making my ears bleed.

 

[Zaydok Allen]

Ummmm, yeah I love .357, but

The 357mag is the most versatile handgun cartridge of all!

is a bit of an exaggeration. Maybe misleading is a better word. There are many revolver cartridges out there that will vastly out perform .357, there are many that can be loaded to much wider range of power levels, which means greater versatility in defensive scenarios, hd scenarios, or hunting scenarios. It is a great cartridge, like I said, I own three. But it isn't exactly the unstoppable juggernaut of handgun cartridges. JMO

Now if you are talking about the versatility of the cartridge in relation to the many different sized platforms you can get it in due to the power/cartridge size ratio, I'd agree it is very versatile.

The word "most" is a very dangerous, and easily argued word.

 

[gamestalker]

I've been reloading for and shooting .357's, 38's, 9mm, and .40 for a long time. I personally carry a .357 most of the time, but to say that it is any easier on the recoil end of things, or is in any manner more comfortabe to shoot than any of the other mentioned cartridges, would be unlikely.

The most impending issues regarding the .357 mag., and assuming you are referring to all out magnum self defense ammunition, is the report and recoil. Depending on the specifics of the firearm, recoil can be managed some, but it will still be rather stout. I have compensated and uncomped weapons, and even though recoil is redirected, it isn't eliminated.

However, the report from a magnum load is so excessively loud, that it is just about certain anyone firing just one round without ear protection is sure to suffer permanent hearing loss / damage. Don't get e wrong though, any of the other cartridges mentioned are going to be extremely loud as well, but the .357 is no doubt a step up from those. Additionally, any compensated weapon is harder on the ears in most instances, regardless of the cartridge.

As for muzzle flash, even though it is a factor, I don't personally consider it.

One last consideration is over penetration. Since the .357 produces high velocities even with a heavier 158 gr JHP, one should be aware of this and the risk associated with such, making shot placement an even more important factor.

Without stepping up to a larger magnum wheel gun cartridge, you won't find anything that offers more stopping power. I absolutely love my .357's, and even though I have the option to carry other firearms, I still prefer a .357 hands down. And if you should decide you don't want or need the full house magnums, you can always load up with quality .38's, and still have an excellent self defense offering.

GS

 

[Zaydok Allen]

However, the report from a magnum load is so excessively loud, that it is just about certain anyone firing just one round without ear protection is sure to suffer permanent hearing loss / damage. Don't get e wrong though, any of the other cartridges mentioned are going to be extremely loud as well, but the .357 is no doubt a step up from those. Additionally, any compensated weapon is harder on the ears in most instances, regardless of the cartridge.

As for muzzle flash, even though it is a factor, I don't personally consider it.

One last consideration is over penetration. Since the .357 produces high velocities even with a heavier 158 gr JHP, one should be aware of this and the risk associated with such, making shot placement an even more important factor.

This is all very true. Ammunition choice matters a great deal in my mind when dealing with a magnum caliber revolver for the two reasons you mentioned. Hearing damage and disorientation in a low light situation, and over penetration. My loading choices are as follows for these situations

Self defense city: 110 gr 38 special +p Cor Bon
Home defense: 135 gr 38 special +p Speer
Self defense rural town (where I live): 125 gr .357 Hornady CD
Self defense woods in mountain lion country (where I live): 158 gr .357 Speer Gold Dots
Self defense woods black bear country: 180 gr Buffalo Bore hard cast .357

 

[BYJO4]

The 357 has proven itself to be a highly reliable and round. There is a wide range of factory ammo available for it. Reloading makes it even more versatile. I have both a 627 and 686. The main difference to me is grip size and the 686 fits my hand a little better than the N frame.

 

[Confederate]

The .357 has phenomenal stopping power, and loaded with 125gr JHPs, you will have a great deal of power in whatever barrel length you decide on. Does the caliber pack a punch from the muzzle flash? Yes, but that's not necessarily bad. A 4-inch is generally preferred for self defense and it's my favorite. If you're a hunter or outdoorsman, a 6-inch is ideal. For concealed carry, a shorter barrel is preferred by many. In fact, there's a saying that with a short barrel if you miss the bad guy, the muzzle flash will burn him to a cinder!

I have a tough time deciding which one I like best, but I have to say my 3-inch Ruger Speed-Six is my favorite. Around the house, regular .38 +Ps are very controllable and effective. Cross country trips by car and outdoor events I would carry full throttle .357s. They carry enough power to handle mountain lions, black bear and can penetrate barriers such as cars. In other words, sometimes the extra power is needed and sometimes it isn't.

 

[CopperFouling]

I saw somewhere someone saying that muzzle flash was a concern and that problem could be remedied by a longer barrel? Is it true that muzzle flash is significantly diminished in a barrel 5" or longer?

It may or may not be a concern, but I have shot both a 3" and 6" revolver with .357s, and the difference in flash is noticeable. My SP101 3" created a huge fireball (see below) at night, while my 27-2 6" had much less.

I love the .357. It's especially good to reload. Lots of bullet weights, styles, and loads.

 

[highpower]

.357 is tougher on your ears than most pistol cartridges. Shooting a .357 magnum indoors without ear protection will do damage to your hearing.

Shooting ANY gun indoors w/o hearing protection will damage your hearing.

Now, back to the regularly scheduled program.......

I really like the .357 cartridge, it is extremely versatile and with the right load it has great stopping power within it's limitations. Stepping up from the .357 you start to run into some very large revolvers with a fair amount of blast and recoil. For most situations it is more than adequate.

I like the cartridge so much I now have four revolvers chambered in it. My latest is this 1968 vintage Colt Trooper that I picked up last week. The frame size on these Colt Troopers (and Pythons) are roughly equivalent to the L frame Smiths and they are quite pleasant to shoot.

 

[Tony_the_tiger]

The appeal of .357...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7w4M-LNXuQ

 

[YZ]

The word "most" is a very dangerous, and easily argued word.

Most arguments are caused by it. Oh wait...

 

[PJSprog]

Part of the allure is that i can also practice with light .38 spl. rounds,

Be careful with this mindset. You probably shouldn't consider shooting .38s as "practice" for a .357mag. Compared to the magnum loads, those rounds will feel like shooting .22s. It will be an entirely different feel (and sound!).

That said, I've owned a 6" 686 since 1987, and it remains to this day my favorite firearm.

 

[CraigC]

Be careful with this mindset. You probably shouldn't consider shooting .38s as "practice" for a .357mag. Compared to the magnum loads, those rounds will feel like shooting .22s. It will be an entirely different feel (and sound!).

I don't agree with this. I think you should be at least familiar with full .357 loads but .38's give you the opportunity to hone your fundamental shooting skills without the recoil and blast. Recoil is actually a very small part of the equation. The important stuff happens before recoil.