ammo for 357 Mag
Thread Starter
|
Lead Driver
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 5,241
Likes: 3
From: Other side of the sunrise
ammo for 357 Mag
Hey guys, I have a 357 magnum and am going to purchase some 38 special ammo for it. The question is, with 130 grain brass tip or 158 grain round nose lead available, which would be best compatible, or does it matter?
I'm kinda new to the 357 so any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
I'm kinda new to the 357 so any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,914
Likes: 1
I would suggest for home defense to use a jacketed bullet in 357 magn. The Wolf brand ammo seems to shoot very good in all of my 357s as well as friends pistols. It is not expensive and frankly, I can't reload 357 magn for the cost of Wolf ammo. If you think you are afraid of the recoil, the 357 magn is not much of a gun. We use them for plinkers. Don't be afraid of the name- magnum. In the case of the 357, it is great adverrtizing hype but not much on terminal performance.
Postmaster
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 4,968
Likes: 3
From: So Cal
You might want to look into the fragmenting bullets for self defense. The reason I mention this is that in home defense use, you also have to take into consideration the risk of over penetration and punching thru walls and hitting an innocent person.
I personally like the Glaser Safety Slug series but am not sure they are still made. I think Corbon makes some fragmenting bullets and there are probably others.
Ah I see they must still be out there, here is a website...
http://mysite.elixirlabs.com/index.p...2665&page=1980
If you want to stick with a jacketed bullet a good hollow point at high velocity will probably mushroom appropriately, but will have a risk of penetrating.
There are some interesting designs out there. Books have been writen on expanding bullets and how to use them.
The reason I like fragmenting bullets like Glasers, is that when they hit a hard target like a wall, they disintegrate and do not over penetrate. When they hit flesh, they penetrate a bit and then kind of explode. Nasty stuff and you have to be willing to use lethal force. But then if you are using a gun, lethal force is a given or you probably are better off not using one.
Good Luck and get training or at least practice,
Jim Henderson
I personally like the Glaser Safety Slug series but am not sure they are still made. I think Corbon makes some fragmenting bullets and there are probably others.
Ah I see they must still be out there, here is a website...
http://mysite.elixirlabs.com/index.p...2665&page=1980
If you want to stick with a jacketed bullet a good hollow point at high velocity will probably mushroom appropriately, but will have a risk of penetrating.
There are some interesting designs out there. Books have been writen on expanding bullets and how to use them.
The reason I like fragmenting bullets like Glasers, is that when they hit a hard target like a wall, they disintegrate and do not over penetrate. When they hit flesh, they penetrate a bit and then kind of explode. Nasty stuff and you have to be willing to use lethal force. But then if you are using a gun, lethal force is a given or you probably are better off not using one.
Good Luck and get training or at least practice,
Jim Henderson
Trending Topics
i ain't rite
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 65,606
Likes: 5,629
From: Marlboro Mental Hospital.
just some food for thought.
if this weapon is to be used for home defense, use Glaser safety slugs in 38 special.
the reason for this statement is a direct result from a few instances that happened here in new jersey a few years ago. the home owner used a 357 loaded with magnum rounds, and the defense attorney (a real lower than snake droppings scuzzbucket) proved that the home owner used deadly force because he used a "magnum".
another time, he used the same reasoning when "deadly force" was used because a 44 was used with magnum ammo.
if the ammo used is Glaser safety slugs in a smaller special caliber, it does not sound as deadly.
if this weapon is to be used for home defense, use Glaser safety slugs in 38 special.
the reason for this statement is a direct result from a few instances that happened here in new jersey a few years ago. the home owner used a 357 loaded with magnum rounds, and the defense attorney (a real lower than snake droppings scuzzbucket) proved that the home owner used deadly force because he used a "magnum".
another time, he used the same reasoning when "deadly force" was used because a 44 was used with magnum ammo.
if the ammo used is Glaser safety slugs in a smaller special caliber, it does not sound as deadly.
Last edited by tjc transport; Jun 13, 2006 at 06:44 PM.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 6 Best Deals Available on New Fords & Lincolns Right Now
Brett Foote
This Hennessey Takes the Expedition Tremor's Off-Roading Capability to the Next Level
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals
Joe Kucinski
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Elder User
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 692
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Originally Posted by tjc transport
just some food for thought.
if this weapon is to be used for home defense, use Glaser safety slugs in 38 special.
the reason for this statement is a direct result from a few instances that happened here in new jersey a few years ago. the home owner used a 357 loaded with magnum rounds, and the defense attorney (a real lower than snake droppings scuzzbucket) proved that the home owner used deadly force because he used a "magnum".
another time, he used the same reasoning when "deadly force" was used because a 44 was used with magnum ammo.
if the ammo used is Glaser safety slugs in a smaller special caliber, it does not sound as deadly.
if this weapon is to be used for home defense, use Glaser safety slugs in 38 special.
the reason for this statement is a direct result from a few instances that happened here in new jersey a few years ago. the home owner used a 357 loaded with magnum rounds, and the defense attorney (a real lower than snake droppings scuzzbucket) proved that the home owner used deadly force because he used a "magnum".
another time, he used the same reasoning when "deadly force" was used because a 44 was used with magnum ammo.
if the ammo used is Glaser safety slugs in a smaller special caliber, it does not sound as deadly.
As to the topic, I agree with using fragmenting bullets to prevent injury to the innocent.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 213
Likes: 0
.357 is a great handgun! It has proven itself for many applications. For plinking, it is hard to beat lead .38's cost wise, but why not run hollow point 158 grainers for the fun factor (fill up some milk jugs with water). Reloading is the only way to go for magnum pistols, way less expensive.
As for personal defense, I use Federal Hydra Shock ammo in all my p.d. guns except for my 12ga., 00 buck for that one. In a house situation, pick your shooting lanes and make a plan. If you have a fire drill plan, why not a home invasion plan. Frangable ammo is good in a lot of applications, real expensive but good.
I did a study with some law inforcement here using ammo a lot like the Hydra Shock. We placed drywall at 3.5" apart to simulate interior walls:
.32 auto penatrated 9 sheets before stopping
.40s&w peatrated 16 sheets before stopping
.45 acp penatrated 18 sheets before stopping
Bottom line, it is a personall decision based on your specific house design/layout. Maybe a shotgun is a better choice....
Sorry for getting off the point (I am a firearm and persolal protection instructor, i just get excited) just take your pistol out and have some fun!
As for personal defense, I use Federal Hydra Shock ammo in all my p.d. guns except for my 12ga., 00 buck for that one. In a house situation, pick your shooting lanes and make a plan. If you have a fire drill plan, why not a home invasion plan. Frangable ammo is good in a lot of applications, real expensive but good.
I did a study with some law inforcement here using ammo a lot like the Hydra Shock. We placed drywall at 3.5" apart to simulate interior walls:
.32 auto penatrated 9 sheets before stopping
.40s&w peatrated 16 sheets before stopping
.45 acp penatrated 18 sheets before stopping
Bottom line, it is a personall decision based on your specific house design/layout. Maybe a shotgun is a better choice....
Sorry for getting off the point (I am a firearm and persolal protection instructor, i just get excited) just take your pistol out and have some fun!
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Milltown, NJ USA
olford,
I see you are from the Sierra Mtns so just owning a gun won't worry you too much. Unlike here in N.J. where mentioning the word gets you a full Body Cavity Search (without the KY).
Asa mentioned earlier, consider a softer slug if you are going to use the weapon indoors where there might be "collateral damage". The harder materials combined with a higher powered charge will definately go through most of today's housing materials.
Being a retired P.O. from N.J. I try to circumvent all the deadly force issues we have here by carrying my pepper spray (I have the higher % capsium).
My instructions to both my 27 y.o. daughter and my 22 y.o. niece goes as follows: "spray 'em for 2 sec., deliver ONE (TWO if deserving) full force kick(s) to the groin, then RUN LIKE HELL never looking back!
I see you are from the Sierra Mtns so just owning a gun won't worry you too much. Unlike here in N.J. where mentioning the word gets you a full Body Cavity Search (without the KY).
Asa mentioned earlier, consider a softer slug if you are going to use the weapon indoors where there might be "collateral damage". The harder materials combined with a higher powered charge will definately go through most of today's housing materials.
Being a retired P.O. from N.J. I try to circumvent all the deadly force issues we have here by carrying my pepper spray (I have the higher % capsium).
My instructions to both my 27 y.o. daughter and my 22 y.o. niece goes as follows: "spray 'em for 2 sec., deliver ONE (TWO if deserving) full force kick(s) to the groin, then RUN LIKE HELL never looking back!
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 4,758
Likes: 7
From: colorado
Originally Posted by Leader
For defence... Go with the full magnum loads, and HIT your target. That way you don't have to worry about "collateral damage"