Yet another caliber war...

[Big Boomer]

357 Mag vs 45acp +p

Now this is a little more specific, the reason is mostly for me. But I am sure there are many others out there like me so here goes...

The firearms used for this Poll are a 1911 (nothing specific as it doesn't make a difference, just your typical full sized 5")

Now the other in 357 would be a Ruger SP101 specifically with the 3" barrel.

So boys and girls what would be the better caliber to pack. All other things being equal.

So this is not about faster reloads or lighter weight, slimmer packing, auto vs revolver, or what you can shoot best.

If you want the best "KaPOW" whats the better caliber in these two guns with the options of nuclear loads in each.

I did not mention for the bullet weight for specific "hidden" reasons. I know what my favorite loads are but would like to hear from those out there what they think the best are.

 

[ScratchnDent]

All other things being equal, I choose the bigger hole every time.

Not to mention, I'd much rather touch off a .45 in a dark hallway than a full house .357.

 

[MICHAEL T]

All other things being equal, I choose the bigger hole every time.

Not to mention, I'd much rather touch off a .45 in a dark hallway than a full house .357.

Big+1

 

[R12GS]

If it was a out of a 4" or 6" barrel, I'd chose the .357magnum. With things as written I went with .45acp. The last thing that will enter my mind in a hallway shooting scenario is how loud something might be.

 

[ARTiger]

Either is great. The .45 makes a bigger hole and with a good 230 grain hollowpoint is going to penetrate as well.

 

[Big Boomer]

hallway aside. this is just about caliber performance, I'd agree if it was out of a 6 or 7 inch barrel but 3" kinda throws a cog into the whole mess now don't it?

So far 3 votes for the 3" 357 but no comments? So what was your reasoning?

 

[DawgFvr]

yup it does. I'd choose the .45 ACP over the three inch barrel .357 mag. I own a 3 inch barrel GP100...love it to death. The .45 ACP five inch barrel would be better however. Now...if we are talking 4 inch/6 inch barrel .357 mag...well then, we have a horse of a different color...eh?

 

[McCall911]

I voted for the .45 ACP package. Not by default either, but because I endorse the .45 ACP wholeheartedly. (FWIW.)

I've never had a great affection for the shorter barrels in a revolver, especially more powerful ones beginning with .38 Special +P and up.

 

[Nugilum]

You didn't mention reliability. You don't need to worry about a .357 stovepipe...

 

[ChristopherG]

Okay, I can isolate the loads from the guns and whatnot--but I've still gotta ask what I'm shooting at. Assuming my target is made of meat, I want to know how far it is to the vital bits inside.

Is it a bipedal target where the vitals are all layed out vertically and relatively close to the surface? I'll take the .45's big holes.

Or is it a quadrapedal (or other) target where the vitals are tucked in under back and rib muscles that are harder to penetrate? I'd bet on a hot and heavy .357--even from a shorter barrel--to outpenetrate the ACP and punch a useful hole in essential parts.

I.e., .45 for defense from peeps, .357 for defense from critters.

 

[3 gun]

As the poll is written, SP in 357 or 1911 in 45acp, I've got to go with the 357.

The loss from one inch of barrel isn't going to make that much difference. From mild to wild the SP101 will run on everything and drop anything East of the Mississippi.

I don't know of any 1911 that can run any and all loads like a revolver. Many of the 45acp loads aren't meant for game either. Given a 625 and being able to use 45 Super I'd call it a toss up.

 

[BikerRN]

I don't know of any 1911 that can run any and all loads like a revolver. Many of the 45acp loads aren't meant for game either. Given a 625 and being able to use 45 Super I'd call it a toss up.

I agree. I chose the .357 Magnum as it's still the more versitle cartridge, even out of a 3" gun IMHO.

BikerRN

 

[Sport45]

So boys and girls what would be the better caliber to pack. All other things being equal.

It depends on what you are trying to accomplish. If you want the one that will stop an aggressor the fastest it's probably the .357. If you want to put multiple holes close together on a piece of paper I find the 1911 more controllable than a .357 snubby for fast shooting.

If you want the best "KaPOW" whats the better caliber in these two guns with the options of nuclear loads in each.

Hands down, the .357 snubby will give you more KaPOW (assuming that means a loud bang).

 

[19-3Ben]

I picked .357mag in the 3". Actually it's what I carry every day. the 3" Ruger Sp101.

I load it with DoubleTap's 158gr. GD load that comes flying out at around 1300-1350 FPS from my 3"tube.
Now you tell me that's not awesome performance.

Honestly, the bad guy won't be able to tell the difference between the .357mag, and the .45acp. He'll be just as dead either way. they are both GREAT rounds.

 

[Big Boomer]

(assuming that means a loud bang).

I specifically left this vague and did not say energy, or penetration, or muzzle flash so that each post would bring new insight and not just copying reload data from tables.

Now the 45 Super is interesting...My 1911's are actually set up for those. But they are not the standard ammunition that gets carried. (I simply don't have enough of it)

Consider this is to be used for the 2 legged vermin

As far as distance, your typical 10-25 feet should suffice. But hey, I am with most of you regarding the 3" at longer ranges, I'll take my 1911 over my sp101 at at 50 yards any day.

 

[glockman19]

Another .357 mag fan here.

 

[Geezer59]

I just won't shoot a snubbie .357 Mag indoors without hearing protection, if there are any other options available - besides, I like 1911's better anyway.

 

[duallydave]

I would say that this depends on the environment. For woods carry I would prefer the 357 - my GP100 was bought specifically for this purpose. For home defense I would prefer the 45 between the two choices, I don't want to lose any more of my hearing.

That said, my 9mm is my home and car gun, as I think that I could get more follow up shots, I can get more rounds in one magazine, and it is not as loud in a closed area. For CCW, I have an SP101 with 357s.

 

[MCgunner]

In the lighter bullets, the .357 suffers in 2" guns, but heavier bullets work better and in 3" guns, you can push a 140 grain HOT load to 600 ft lbs. The .45 will break 500 ft lbs with a good, hot +P load in a 1911. Really, it's a toss up, but the .357 magnum is one EFFECTIVE gun and leaves a NASTY exit wound in a hog. I have confidence in the cartridge more than the .45, but then, I've shot it a lot more and killed things other than paper with it. The .45 is no slouch, that's for sure. Either will do the job, just whatever flavor of platform you prefer. I shoot autos and revolvers and will carry either depending on mood. I have a .45 and 4 .357 magnums not including my carbine.

 

[grimjaw]

Given that choice, I'd have to say .45ACP, but if we're talking 5" barrel or longer with the .357, I'd go that route.

jm

 

[gp911]

Ha!

I had this debate with myself last year when I switched from my SP101 to a Glock 21SF!

I voted .45ACP +P and I prefer 230 grain bullets myself, although 200 will do in a pinch.

As grimjaw noted, if the .357 barrel was longer I'd lean that direction but in the shorter barrel the velocity loss is still a possible problem.

I still miss that SP101 though... Quite the little hand-cannon, and it was pretty accurate with 158gr bullets.

I can put 4-5 .45 rounds out in the time it took to fire 2 from the Ruger though.


gp911

 

[MCgunner]

I get 1306 fps/662 ft lbs from a 180 grain .357 load in a 2.25" SP101. The heavier the bullet in this caliber, the less the loss of energy. 125 grainers really suffer, though, and I don't carry 180s for self defense. They'll penetrate three SUVs and a Rhinoceros. My 140 load, a Speer JHP, is a good compromise. It's putting up 1330 fps/550 ft lbs roughly from the SP101 and more importantly is very accurate.

 

[mavracer]

Inside 45 outside 357 or better yet left hand 45 right hand 357

 

[Brian Williams]

One of my favorite carry guns is a 3" S&W 13.

 

[.38 Special]

It doesn't matter. At all. Either bullet in the right place will do what it's supposed to. Pick the gun you shoot better, or enjoy more, or that was "heads" on the coinflip.