357 Sig - why am I so tempted?

[Wedge]

I am very tempted to get a G31. I don't even know why. Something about a bottleneck cartridge, ultra-cheap once fired brass, 9mm projectiles so getting jacketed around 7cents a piece is doable AND the projectiles are usable for 9mm Luger (assuming 124 or 125gr, large bearing surface, short ogive).

I don't think I would want to get rid of the G17 though, too common a caliber, too much fun to shoot and my wife likes it.

So...I need someone to talk me out of wanting a G31, or I need to figure out how to save up some $$$

 

[wditto]

well, if it's for self-defense, it is an ideal cartridge....if not, just tape up your 19 with masking tape, write ".357" on it, and save lots of money AND your ears....

 

[earlthegoat2]

I would never deprive myself of a 9mm for anything else so your options are to either: get the G31 and keep the 17, get the G31 and sell the 17 and get a different 9mm pistol, and dont get the G31.

 

[Jimfern]

357 SIG a no go for me.

I ran through the same logic, but reloading for it with non carbide dies seemed more trouble than it was worth. I was able to resize some dummy rounds with a Carbide 40 S&W die and then follow up with the 357 SIG sizer die on the neck. All I had to do was get a 357 SIG barrel for my G35.

I reload for rifle with steel dies, but I don't load anywhere near the volume compared to pistol rounds. I got rid of my 357 SIG dies and bullets but still have the brass which is listed for sale in the trading post. I am going to seek out a 38 Super in 1911 at some point.

Good luck with your search.

 

[IdahoLT1]

thats why i wouldnt want a bottle necked pistol cartridge. It would take twice as long to reload the 9mm as it would the 357sig. Its pretty pain staking to lube every cartridge's shoulder on my .308 and i only load ~100 in a 2-3 hour period. couldnt imagine doing that with 200-300 rounds of 357sig.

 

[Wedge]

Oh the G17 isn't going ANYWHERE! It's either get the G31 or not.

So reloading for the 357 sig is a major PITA? I have only just begun to explore rifle reloading and don't even have any case lube yet to start.

 

[Dan-O]

From one .357 sig fan to another....go for it. You won't regret it.

 

[AK103K]

Reloading for the 357SIG is no big deal. If you use the .40 carbide sizer, its one extra step. No lube necessary. If you run a progressive press, all you need is an extra station for the .40 die.

Use AA #9 and it fills the case, so set back is a non issue, not that I've had any troubles with loads that didnt fill the case completely. Bullet setback is another myth you'll hear from those who dont know but just have to tell you.

You usually just cant use any old 9mm bullet, as the 357SIG bullets shapes are different. I usually just use the 125 grain 357SIG specific bullets available. I have used 147 grain Gold Dots with out issue. YMMV.


I dont have any Glocks in the caliber, but I do have 5 SIG's chambered for it, along with some spare .40 barrels. The swap works as advertised, although I rarely use the .40 barrels.

The 357SIG is a potent, easy to shoot round, especially in guns like the P226 and P229. Even the P239 is a sweetheart. Dont know how it is in a polymer frame though. My brother has a 23 which is a lot snappier to shoot than any of my SIG's with the .40 barrel installed, so it may be an issue in platforms and you may want to look into that.

You'll also hear there is a lot of flash and blast. I dont know what they were shooting, but I havent seen it, factory or reloads. It does have a bark to it, but nothing I ever found offensive or excessive. I've shot indoors with them quite a bit too.

 

[CDW4ME]

If you are tempted

Don't look at the balistics of the 357 Sig out of a short barrel (I included a couple of comparisons)

Kahr P9 (9mm) Remington 115+P @ 1,163 = 345# KE
Glock 27 (40) Gold Dot 155 gr. @ 1,134 = 442# KE
Glock 33 (357 Sig) Gold Dot 125 gr. @ 1,315 = 480# KE
Ruger Speed Six 357 MAG (3'' barrel) FED. 125 GR. (Full power) @1,248

 

[CZF]

The Glock 33 numbers give me about 200 fps more than what I get
with my shot barrel RAMI in 9mm.


IF i was to pick up a RAMI in .40. I now have the .357 barrel.

This would give me Magnum Punch in a package that I can only barely achieve reliable 9mm +P ballistics.

Most RAMIs don't do well with the hyper velocity +P+ loads. but I'm told that the .357 SIG works perfectly in the RAMI .40s, with
enhanced functioning and lower recoil than .40 S&W.

My other option is to sell the .357 barrel and give up my .357 CZIG dream.

 

[Dan-O]

I prefer these instead: all taken from Double Tap's website

Caliber : 9mm+P

Bullet : Bonded Defense JHP

Ballistics : 115gr @ 1415fps / 511ft. lbs. from a G17.
Glock 19 velocity - 1395fps.

Caliber :.40 S&W 155gr Bonded Defense JHP

The 155gr Bonded Defense JHP @ 1275fps from a Glock 23!

1200fps 495 ft/lbs from a 3.5"bbl.

1310fps 590 ft/lbs from a 4.5"bbl.


Caliber : .40 S&W

Bullet : Bonded Defense JHP

Ballistics : 155gr. @ 1275fps / 560 ft/lbs- Glock 23 (4.0"bbl)


.357 Sig

Bullet : 125gr. Bonded Defense JHP

Ballistics : 1450fps / 584 ft. lbs. 4"bbl 

3.5" barrel - 1415fps 
4.5" barrel - 1525fps

Caliber :

.

 

[AgentAdam]

Try Buffalo Bore
pushing over 1,425fps/M.E. 564 ft. lbs. from real world 4" guns like Sigs, not test barrels.

 

[Morgo]

.357 Sig, whats not to like

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Nice sport. Just like mine.

 

[Runningman]

So...I need someone to talk me out of wanting a G31

LOL not going to happen with me.

Local gun shop had a new G31 with factory NS in stock last Summer. I ended up buying it, been very happy with it. So far 400 rounds with zero malfunctions.

One thing that was a pleasant surprise with my G31 is it has a fully supported chamber. Don't know if the older G31 were this way or not but my newer one definitely is.

 

[10-Ring]

Fun to shoot, nice big bang & super accurate -- downside is the ammo cost
Really tho, life's too short -- go for it!

 

[21bubba]

Come to the darkside. You'll never go back.

 

[Hostile Amish]

If you want an exotic, powerful caliber...

Go with the 10mm Auto.

 

[RatDrall]

The Glock 31 is awesome.

I miss mine.

 

[EOD Guy in VA]

The .357SIG round is probably the best defensive round on the market today. Unless they've changed recently, the Secret Service uses it in SIG P229's. I used to carry it exclusively. However, I got tired of always hunting for ammunition and paying the premium cost for it. I now carry .40S&W.

 

[Borch]

I've been tempted to pick one up lately just because it's the only caliber of ammo still left on the shelves at the local Walmarts and Gander. I can't easily find ammo for my nines or my .40, and when I do find it prices are through the roof. But it seems like evry timeI go to Walmart there's always 5 or 6 boxes of .357 Sig on the shelf. That alone might make a Glock 31 worth it right now. At least until the nutjobs quit hoarding all the ammo.

 

[model of 1905]

I carry a 357 sig every day. I have other calibers but carry the 357 sig.

 

[XPLSV]

I carry a G32 as my primary. Had some issues when first trying to reload this cartridge, but got some nice pointers from the guys on the forum and I've never looked back. The feed reliability with the bottleneck cartridge is tops. If you like flat shooting calibers, this is great for a pistol. It is a little loud

 

[harmon rabb]

.357sig rocks.

 

[Seven For Sure]

If it's not for carry, look at a 35 and a drop in 357 barrel. You'll get almost 100 fps more with the longer barrel, the whole point of the cartridge. Shoot something steel and tell me the velocity does'nt matter. I could really tell the difference between 357 and 40 when I was shooting a propane tank. The sound and way it moved was much more impressive with the 357, though the bullet was about 25% lighter with a smaller diameter.