This is NOT, I repeat, NOT intended to be a .357 mag vs 45 acp thread.
What I am wondering is what is the cause of the .357 magnum's mythic status of uber-stopping power? .45 has a bigger diameter, and with 230 grains has quite a bit more weight than the 125-158 .357 range, but I do know that that .357 has an extra 400-500 fps going for it.
Is the .357 magnum's power over-rated? Is it on par with the 45? Are both grossly over-rated (I mean c'mon, we are talking pistols here)? Is .357 magnum just fine against all mean, eat your face off animals south of Canada (Alaskan Grizzlies don't count)?
My Glock 21 can have 13 rounds of .45 ACP.... But there really is something to the balance and aesthetics of a good .357 revolver.
I find myself mostly carrying a S&W 442 in these hot summer months, and I'm thinking about putting a .357 big brother in the nightstand. I may just load it with the same 125 gr +P 38s that I put in my 442, but comparing 38 +p to 357 mag makes it look like a pea-shooter (half the energy and velocity with the same weight).
So for those 357 fanatics out there, pour your brains out for me and let me pick them .
I was thinking about getting a S&W 625 in 45 ACP to keep logistics simple, but with the ammo shortage it seems that having an alternate caliber could be beneficial. All they had on the shelves at academy today for defensive ammo was Speer Gold Dot in 38 +P.... which thankfully I was able to make use of due to the SW 442.
So, in comparison to other calibers what are the strengths of 357 mag compared to other calibers, especially against big meat-eating animals. Against a 300-400 lbs hog, are 45 ACP and .357 mag equally suited or does the .357 have an advantage.... and I know what you are thinking - just get a .44 MAG. Well I just might sir! But it seems a little over-kill for home protection, and I crave versatility.
What I am wondering is what is the cause of the .357 magnum's mythic status of uber-stopping power? .45 has a bigger diameter, and with 230 grains has quite a bit more weight than the 125-158 .357 range, but I do know that that .357 has an extra 400-500 fps going for it.
Is the .357 magnum's power over-rated? Is it on par with the 45? Are both grossly over-rated (I mean c'mon, we are talking pistols here)? Is .357 magnum just fine against all mean, eat your face off animals south of Canada (Alaskan Grizzlies don't count)?
My Glock 21 can have 13 rounds of .45 ACP.... But there really is something to the balance and aesthetics of a good .357 revolver.
I find myself mostly carrying a S&W 442 in these hot summer months, and I'm thinking about putting a .357 big brother in the nightstand. I may just load it with the same 125 gr +P 38s that I put in my 442, but comparing 38 +p to 357 mag makes it look like a pea-shooter (half the energy and velocity with the same weight).
So for those 357 fanatics out there, pour your brains out for me and let me pick them .
I was thinking about getting a S&W 625 in 45 ACP to keep logistics simple, but with the ammo shortage it seems that having an alternate caliber could be beneficial. All they had on the shelves at academy today for defensive ammo was Speer Gold Dot in 38 +P.... which thankfully I was able to make use of due to the SW 442.
So, in comparison to other calibers what are the strengths of 357 mag compared to other calibers, especially against big meat-eating animals. Against a 300-400 lbs hog, are 45 ACP and .357 mag equally suited or does the .357 have an advantage.... and I know what you are thinking - just get a .44 MAG. Well I just might sir! But it seems a little over-kill for home protection, and I crave versatility.