What's the optimum barrel length for 357 SIG?

[Caseless]

That is, when it comes to ballistics. In a practical size...< 7" barrel. Curious mind wants to know.

 

[tlhelmer]

Good question! I want to know as well. I have heard that the round was designed around a 4" bbl, but i am not sure.

 

[Lone_Gunman]

Zero inches.

This is a trick question.

 

[Rich357]

It depends on the powder used. A fast burning power may give you more velocity from a short barrel than a slow burning powder. You may not see as much of in increase in velocity if you use that same load (fast burning powder) in a longer barrel compared to using a somewhat slower burning powder.

I have a 5.32" KKM barrel in .357SIG for my Glock 35. It works great.

Rich

 

[Rich357]

Here is some data from the Glock Annual '99, article "Glock's .357 Trio", page 80. It gives some idea of the effect of barrel lenght when using the .357SIG.


G31, barrel 4.49 inches
G32, barrel 4.02 inches
G33, barrel 3.46 inches

G31 Cor-Bon 125 gr 1431.2/586 velocity/energy
G31 SpeerGD 125 gr 1378.8/527

G32 Cor-Bon 125 gr 1402.4/546
G32 SpeerGD 125 gr 1355.8/510

G33 Cor-Bon 125 gr 1350.2/506
G33 SpeerGD 125 gr 1278.2/453

Rich

 

[Graystar]

I think the round was designed to mimic a .357 Mag shot from a police service revolver. So I think it was designed for best performance out of a 4" barrel.

 

[Akurat]

Um, ok then...6.99 inches.

 

[MrAcheson]

When folks compared .357mag to 357sig, the switchover was usually at around 4 inches. Sig uses faster powders so it performs better in shorter barrels, but at around 4 inches the Magnum takes over and never looks back.

 

[Caseless]

So the 357 SIG round is designed around a 4" barrel, with relatively fast burning powder. That makes sense. I just don't see many full size pistols(5"+ barrel) in 357 SIG. The only factory ones I know are the S.A. XD Tac. and Sig Sport.

 

[Ala Dan]

Greeting's All-

I think SIG has it right; 3.86" in the P229!

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[tlhelmer]

Ala Dan,

I thought you were a die hard .45 fan in the P220? Do you like the .357 Sig in a 229 as well?

 

[Poohgyrr]

Ahem,

I kinda like the .357 Sig barrel I just bought for my G35. Just about the right length. Figure if I need a speed demon, this should about do it. If I need a heavier bullet, I'll use the .40 barrel, or switch to a Smith .44 Mag , or a Remington 12 Ga slug.


PS: I still think the .40 Hi Power is the best .40 out there...

 

[caz223]

I think that 5" would be plenty, but factory loads are more tuned to the sub 4" barrels that are more common.
Anywhere between 3.5"-5" is fine, I'm sure.

 

[Ala Dan]

Hey tlhelmer-

Yes, I am a die-hard .45 caliber SIG P220 fan to the max!

But, if I had to choose the P229 I would tend to favor
the .357 SIG cartridge; over that of the .40 S&W.

Why?

Very simple, I'm just NOT A FAN of .40 caliber weapon's!
Give me the time-tested .45 ACP for any type of
occassion.

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member