Who likes .45 and .357?

[HerrWolfe]

My absolute favorite though of any firearm I have ever used is the .357. Some folks do not like the blast, but like Scotch, if you don't like it, it is awful stuff, but if you like it, you love it. Next best thing is women. Yes, next best....the .357 is THAT good guys. Gee, maybe I better do that sample over again.... and again... and... .

 

[Rexrider]

Nightcrawler,

There really is no reason not to have a .357. Your .45 ACP pistols will not get jealous. Trust me, they get along just fine.

As everyone stated, .357 mag is just too versatile not to have. My choice of revolver is a Ruger GP100 4" stainless. It can do all the jobs I need it to. Whether it's target shooting, Self/home defense, camping companion, and so on. The only thing it does have trouble with is concealment. But hey, that's what the SP101 was made for.

Whoa....wait.....stop the bus.

There just might be one reason not to buy a .357. I can't believe I did not think of this sooner. If you want an "out" of this decision, here you go.......

It would require you to buy a .357 lever gun. Well, not so much "require" but it will call out to you over and over until you comply.

So maybe it would be best if you did not get one.

 

[Cosmoline]

I put at matched set of 28 lb recoil spring and firing pin return spring in my Kimber Classic and was able to drive 185 grain bullets over my Chrony at about 1350 fps -- that would make a nice hunting load. I also have a Colt Service Ace conversion kit for that gun. Throw in a few shot and flare cartridges and you have a packge that would be suitable for anything you might encounter.

You're still launching a slow, fat bullet at a fairly sedate velocity. Those rounds simply do not have the SD needed to perform as good hunting loads. In contrast, the SD of the 200 or 180 grain .357's is on par with many rifle rounds. In order to get a .45 caliber bullet up to the SD levels needed for hunting, you have to move into 250 grains or over--the size only a .45 Colt or .45-70 can cope with. A 180 grain .45 caliber bullet is little more than a roundball SD-wise. This is why .45 Colt is a hunting cartridge and .45 ACP is *NOT* and never will be.

 

[kevin387]

A simpler question would be who doesn't?

 

[Z_Infidel]

At one time, the .357 Mag was my preferred revolver cartridge. Things have changed, and now my .45ACP revolvers are my favorites. I have a GP-100 set up with good aftermarket sights and a nice grip that I plan to keep because of its versatility and because I also have a lever gun in .357 Mag. The GP-100 shoots 158 gr bullets nicely, and that's what I use in the carbine, so it's convenient.

I like the .45ACP round in both 1911s and revolvers, and I feel it is very adequate for defensive use. It's also pleasant for extended sessions at the range. I view the magnum now as more of an outdoor cartridge for field use, and it's good to have the power on hand if ever needed.

I also have a couple of revolvers in .44 Special, which I think can go either way -- either as a good defense round or for field use with proper ammo.

I think the other factor for me is that I view the L-frame size guns as ideal for the .357 Mag, but I just really like S&W N-frames. The way they handle, the balance, that big ol' cylinder... I just like 'em.

 

[Ric]

It's hard to see any situation outside of hunting that cannot be handled with a 357 or a 45. Two classics that cover all the ballistics needed to defend or provide food.

No matter what else I have (I do have 9MM, .40, 357Sig, 44Mag, 38Spl) I always find myself carrying or shooting the 45's or 357's.

 

[Brian Williams]

Yep.
S&W 13 and 1911A1

 

[cookekdjr]

The .357 is one of the most versatile chamberings you can find in a weapon.
Get it and love it.
-David