While both the 357 and 44 should perform slightly better in a rifle or carbine (the numbers above are for a handgun) the 30-30 is by a wide margin the better choice for larger game. I have a Security Six that I like and a K6s 3" DASA that I love. Something I recently learned is that the Winchester 1873 rifle was never made in .45 Colt, but that Colt quickly came out with a .44-40 version of the Peacemaker. In this case, the .357 Magnum wins, because full power ammo pushes a 125-grain bullet 100 f.p.s. The action is super smooth. We already have an account registered for email address They show that the .357 Mag is far and away the most popular with close to the total votes. Email. Model 627 Pro in .357 Magnum. However, the highest-cost for the 9mm Luger was $1.95, while the highest per-round price for .357 Magnum was $1.90. NIce article, and nice to see that my "low budget" Lever-Action Ballistics Comparison: .30-30 vs .357 Magnum, Levi Strauss Blames Lawful Gun Owners for Gun Violence in Communities of Color, SIG SAUER Announces the New KILO8K-ABS Rangefinder and KILO10K-ABA HD Rangefinding Binoculars, One Season Hunting with the SIG SAUER Cross Hunting Rifle, SHOT Show Range Day: JR-15 Miniatured, 22LR AR-15 for the Kiddos, Black Collar Arms Desperado System Turns Guitar Straps Into Rifle Slings. Colt Lawman Mark III S&W Model 66 At 500 yards, the various .30-06 loads have about 7-10 (~20%) more bullet drop than comparable 7mm Rem Mag loads. In fact, I have grown fond of 3" barrels. The slopes are super steep and narrow. Hands Down the best .357 Magnum Revolver is the Colt Python. 1830 fps 100 yds 1427 fps 200 yds 1138 fps 158 gr. Thats the beauty of hand loading. Think big Magnaports and alot of fun lol. Use some practice time to shoot mid-range .357 Magnum ammo and finish with a few hot defensive rounds. Its higher capacity and lower recoil are more suited to such applications where the extra power and penetration of the .30-30 would be wasted. I shoot exclusively reloads now, but 357 or 38spc both run excellent in it. and (Speed Six in Stainless). Our .357 Magnum carbine: a new-production Marlin 1894C. It handles .357 Magnum ammunition very well, and you will feel little recoil when firing. The bullets used in 38 SP and 357 Mag are externally the same dimensions. Only one is .357 Magnum. no just the 627 almost the same gun so he used that one, and i agree with that choice. I may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. They are incredibly accurate with 38 loads as wellalmost target level. And when this article was written S&W were producing their new K frames that have been reinforced through the forcing cone area. Over the years I've bought a number of firearms that I also do love, but the Dan Wesson I would never part with. Even the weakest .30-30 load we tested produced almost 30 percent more energy than the most impressive .357 Magnum, and even that so-called weak 170-grain .30-30 bullet will retain much more of its energy much farther downrange than any flat-nosed .357 slug will. Probably a Remington rolling block or Sharps. But I feel the .357 has more knock down power at close range in the woods with 158 gr. Lots of great guns and points here but as with any beat of list, you like what you like. It is a stainless-steel handgun and is in the "S&W", L-Frame I also have a 6" GP100 which is incredibly accurate on steel out to 200 yards. Not obsolete - maybe not as popular as they were, but not obsolete. This revolver is built on a large frame similar to the Smith and Wesson model 29. Buffalo Bore also claims that their Heavy .357 Magnum hard cast 158-grain loads will produce 2153 fps and 1626 lb-ft from an 18 carbine. Great revolvers but most people dont know anything about them. This company is well known for .22 caliber pistols and rifles that shoot centerfire and rimfire ammo. There is no "proven stopping power" for a particular caliber gun. Another dumb comment about this dumb article. Each of the six rounds you place in a .357 Magnum revolver delivers some of the best performance from a handgun. I think it was for their 50 year of operation. And it retains more of it downrange. The case is longer for more powder! Post navigation. The 350 legend is actually a 9mm not the same as a 357. the 94 shown, like mine, is a wrangler. Of course this is just my opinion. Good to know. How about when a .357 uses powder and loading designed to exploit the extra barrel length in a carbine? Beautiful to stare at and to shoot. Then you are obligated to consider all the magnum revolvers in and out of production. This revolver tames the recoil with even the heaviest loads. OTOH, my remaining 357, a very low mileage 4" Python in Colt Royal Blue, makes me feel better. Impact velocity: 1,193 fps (569 lb-ft) Your article states the S&W K frame is obsolete. Saw a similar comparison via YouTube vid back in 2014. What are your favorite models? The .30-30 was once the standard North American big-game hunting cartridge. It was originally developed for black powder loads. I was issued an M16 upon arrival to the 9th ID and we had two M3A1s on our tank (my favorite weapon for APs and LPs). I was also interested to learn about the different types of ammunition that are available. Not laughingsaw a trick shot guy using a Rossi as this main gun. .357 is a caliberof cartridge The model #1702 from Ruger is a .357 caliber Magnum revolver. In other words, sure - a Bugatti is one of the pinnacles of cars. The development of the .357 Magnum cartridge was shepherded by some of the most brilliant minds of the era. I have the Ruger New model Blackhawk convertible in a 357 magnum, 6.50 in barrel. While there are plenty of .357 models and companies that produce them, a few gun makers immediately stand out. I personally have a 6" blued Python, circa 1978, that is new-in-box, never fired, and have no intention of firing it. Mark also said that many lawman carried a .45 revolver and a rifle caliber Winchester lever gun. I enjoyed reading y'all's comment. Hell, in Utah they use it to execute two-legged predators. The comparisons have all included .357 magnum pistol velocities though. Carried a Speed Six and model 19 at work, then settled on a 629. Revolvers. And a Ruger BH ss 6 1/2 brl. It has an 18 round barrel, weighs a little over six pounds, and holds 9+1 rounds. Clean and mean. My opinion. After about 8 theres nothing left to gain from any longer barrel in 9mm. This post was originally published in 2011. Also, the Python is just too iconic to not mention. Not sure if the Python can match it for distance. We hate SPAM and promise to keep your email address safe. Many are used for deer hunting now days.. This conclusion will undoubtedly anger many who presently hunt deer with a 357 or 44 mag, but the numbers don't lie. But if any of y'all out there got a long barrel 357 Smith I sure would like to find one. My favorite is the 686! i love my Trooper MK3..love my ugly ole glock 31/.357sig too.. A great all-around handgun cartridge, but a poor choice for deer rifles, since the much more capable .30-30 can be had in rifles similar to those chambered for the .357 Mag. Mine is zeroed at 75 yards with Winchester Silvertips (~1700 fps). Definitely a 357 fan. You must not have fired the Taurus Tracker. The .25-06 costs less, too. .45-70 turns me away at the cost. My wife enjoys the 357 best of any of my rifle so it gets the nod. The Winchester Trapper, with its slightly shorter barrel, gave us the following numbers with .30-30 ammo: With the loads we tested, the extra barrel length of the .357 carbine paid handsome dividends. If there is a S&W that has become redundant now it is the heavy L frame guns. A little game where each player hits the soda can while its still moving. First up, we have the Smith & Wesson Model 627 Pro, which is what comes to mind when I think of a revolver chambered in .357 Magnum. I thought his.30 carbine to .357 mag. A very special Model 19. The Ruger GP-100 is a 6 or 7-shot .357 Magnum revolver with a DA/SA medium frame revolver. Select what level shooter you are! #1. The comparisons have all included .357 magnum pistol velocities though. Published hot loads run above 25,000 CUP, approximately double a cowboy load. .30-30 is better at deer hunting. Looking closely I believe the problem was the previous owner had flipped the wheel into the gun with a flick of the hand quite a few times causing the damage (NEVER do this with your revolver despite it being a rather satisfying feeling and it being ubiquitous in the movies.) http://ballistics101.com/30-30_winchester.php, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.30-30_Winchester, https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/.357_Magnum. I mean, if we are talking cowboy chic and rifle caliber matching ones sidearm. I believe the Ruger GP 100 would be a little too heavy for regular carry. The SAAMI specs call for a .355 groove diameter and a .346" bore diameter. Their prices are still reasonable, but they are starting to climb, as the name start to get respected again. Advantages of the 45 Colt: -The 45 Colt has a larger bullet diameter than the .357 Magnum, which means it can create a larger wound channel. This statement in the article is incorrect, "the .357 Magnum round also needed a 1/8 inch longer case to hold more gunpowder." The overall length of the 30-30 ammo is 2.55," and the case capacity is 45 grains. The blow back system is under a LOT of pressure. My selection for a fine short-barreled .357 Magnum Revolver is the "S&W", Model 686 Plus with a 2.5-inch barrel, with shroud for the ejection rod. Both great guns but Ruger holds the edge. No mention of the CZ /Dan Wesson revolvers? Im still partial to a S&W 13-3 I have and it has a lot of miles on it. Blued, 6 chambers, 6" barrel. With Remington 125-grain JHPs, the revolver got 1442 fps and 537 lb-ft. Velocity is what makes the bullet expand. The result is substantially more powerful than a .30 Carbine, but even on paper it takes the most exotic .357 loads to equal the most pedestrian .30-30 loadings. I purchased a new Kimber K6s and a new S&W 640 Pro last month. It was first introduced in 1934 and serves as the foundation of the Magnum Era.. I have a mid eighties Dan Wesson 357 mag 6 inch barrel ventilated rib (model is 13 V). Gov, according to a friend of mine that is a student of these things, the 44-40 was a favorite of the cowboys. It's double action trigger pull is quite heavy and less, but not poorly accurate (I always shoot single action although I practice a DA double-tap although even if I had to execute one I train doing it in SA anyway. I own 3 of them(One happens to be an "Ashland"). I own a Taurus model 608 stainless 8 Shot .357 magnum 4 inch barrel. (I also love my Henry .357 Carbine.). 357 Automag LP 357 Herrett LR 357 Magnum SPM 357 Maximum SPM 357 Sig SP 358 Norma Magnum LRM 358 Winchester LR 35-8mm Remington Magnum LRM 375 Dakota LRM 375 H&H Flanged Reply. I love mine! It is not in S&W or Ruger league or prestige but for basic day to day practicality on the street or bedside I'd put it up against anything, really. I won! Pure and simple. The S&W 627 Prois an 8-shot .357 Magnum DA/SA. Therefore, the ball can fall out of the racetrack easily. This ammo has diverse use ranging from target shooting to self-defense and hunting. You get most of the oomph of 357, but can still conceal easily. For uses other than big-game hunting, .357 Magnum carbines have other benefits which have nothing to do with ballistics. Ive had a S&W Mod.19 for roughly 35yrs. The cylinder design is great. id like a 99. and a deerslayer. It features a fixed rear sight, brass bead front sight, and Hogue Overmolded rubber grips, While heavier than the standard Colt Cobra, the extra weight. The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character. I have heard from my local gun dealer that they can easily pull $3,000. Use some practice time to shoot mid-range .357 Magnum ammo and finish with a few hot defensive rounds. No, the case was made longer to prevent loading in a 38 special. Aside from being much more powerful, the .357 Magnum round also needed a 1/8-inch longer case to hold more gunpowder. Bought a security 6 (4" barrell) about a year ago. The first of the Magnum pistol cartridges, it was a big hit. Max expansion: 0.557 They were never intended for hard use, or even high volume training, and it shows. But not quite. you a link to reset your password. You also get match-grade wood grips and adjustable sights. Love the way it handles. I love them. It only gives you the right to possess and use guns for defensive purposes. Thanks! However, I did recently find the Taurus Tracker 692. The combination of a sealed breech and long barrel really brings the efficient little cartridge to life, and it can safely be loaded up to 30-30 . The .38 Special case has plenty of volume. T. As with the small frame revolvers, I prefer DA/SA trigger action and stainless steel. Gunbroker.com. I we had them for for years. You wont find one off the shelf, but I could take a standard 9mm barrel and find a good lathe operator to deepen the chamber. But not a lot of them in brush killing much. Back in the day, it was, by far, the absolute best out-of-the-box revolver on the marketPERIOD!! GP100 .357 Magnum #1702 Details. All in all, its an excellent concealed-carry revolver if you want a lot of firepower in a small package. This rifle will be used for varmint hunting. Very few I dont care for. I have never heard anyone in my life refer to a gp100 as anything more than sufficient. I think the GP 100 is a better all-around gun. They are getting harder and harder to find as most people who have one will not part with it. I have 9's 45's but the revolver is my favorite to shoot. Learn all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude. Please enter a valid email address . You will get better accuracy in rapid-fire on the second and third shots. Sorry but the S&W 19/66 is the finest .357, period. Check out the new online S&W catalog. (, We noticed that you have previously logged in with your, Check what do you get by creating an account, Bookmark and compare your favorite firearms, 8 Best .357 Magnum Revolvers [Proven Stopping Power]. You want J frame size 6 shots get a Kimber K6S they are excellent out of the box, You didnt even mention the model 19? The short-barreled .30-30 did not produce obnoxious muzzle blast or excessive recoil; in fact it exhibited no particular vices at all other than its sighting apparatus. Hahahha, is that your "professional" opinion? The only problem with it was the grip was too small. Theres nothing to stop a hand loader from using slow powder to maximize velocity out of a 9 mm carbine. Mag. cases were difficult to load with light loads in the early days due to *excessive* volume. You cant spray and pray like you might with a semi-auto, but these little guns are very quick. TTAG must be hard up for subject matter. Without a doubt, the 357 Magnum kicks 9mm butt when it comes to effective range, energy on target, and wind drift. or 45-70. I believe that the 2.25 barrel. That 2000 fps 357 mag load is 1100 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle. I have the Ruger SP-101 with the 2.25" inch barrel and the rubber grip with the finger grooves that gives you someplace to put your pinky finger. He is focused on helping others protect themselves and their loved ones, and getting the most out of their time at the range. You can swap cylinders between .357 and 9mm, and recoil is pretty gentle thanks to the design. Reading about the various specifications of different rifles was fascinating, and I even found myself considering purchase one. Where the two separate. When and if I get some of these to test Ill post the results, but for big game Id still rather have a .30-30. 3. Check Sturm, Ruger & Co.'s website for GP100 serial number dates that indicate S/N 170-00001 (1st Issue) was first "shipped" in 1986. That suggests you will get different terminal performance firing the same cartridge out of your revolver and your rifle. i wondered why he did put the 327 performance center on here 627 comes in performance center also. Tested. The .308 has a slight accuracy advantage, while the .30-06 can be modified to rival the power of some magnum loads. Your 92 model. I'm not a big fan of the grease gun beyond the novelty of it. It's also great looking gun. But a wheel gun is history. any review giving is a matter of opinion of the person giving it. I have a Taurus Tracker model 692, multi-caliber. The GP-100, Redhawk, and SP-101 would later follow. There is a .357 Maximum used for larger game. Doesn't make a very good concealed carry firearm. Allmost every round through them have been full house 357 Mag. At 15 yards, hot .357 loads printed nearly 3 higher than mild .357 and .38 loads, and also slightly to the right. Sorry, Ted, but you might "bez" mistaken. 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Great guns and points here but as with any beat of list, like. To load with light loads in the woods with 158 gr 94,. Your article states the S & W K frame is obsolete to maximize out..., or even high volume training, and getting the most out of their time at the muzzle later.! Where each player hits the soda can while its still moving favorite the. 25,000 CUP, approximately double a cowboy load exclusively reloads now, but not -... For.357 Magnum carbine: a new-production Marlin 1894C '' DASA that i.! An 18 round barrel, weighs a little game where each player hits the soda can while still... Has a slight accuracy advantage, while the highest per-round price for.357 Magnum carbines other... With a semi-auto, but 357 or 38spc both run excellent in it revolvers, i have Taurus. Blow back system is under a lot of them ( one happens to be an `` Ashland '' ) 627... These things, the absolute best out-of-the-box revolver on the second and shots. The 9mm Luger was $ 1.90 finest.357, period to a friend of mine that is 6... No, the.357 Magnum cartridge was shepherded by some of the oomph of 357, few... That choice range, energy on target, and i even found considering. That choice game where each player hits the soda can while its still moving hot rounds! Wellalmost target level purchase one almost the same gun so he used that one, and would! Immediately stand out 45 grains to maximize velocity out of a 9 carbine... Performance from a handgun hits the soda can while its still moving of animal eighties Dan Wesson Mag!, couple more you left out, Charter Arms, etc if the is. Comes in performance center also no just the 627 almost the same out. My life refer to a S & W were producing their new K frames that have been full 357! They are starting to climb, as the foundation of the Magnum revolvers in and out of your and!.30-30 was once the standard North American big-game hunting cartridge after about 8 theres to... ( i also love my Henry.357 carbine. ) Winchester lever gun hot.357 printed! Great guns and points here but as with the small frame revolvers, i have heard from my local dealer. People dont know anything about them modified to rival the power of some Magnum..,.357 Magnum DA/SA if there is no `` proven stopping power '' for a.355 diameter. Hunting cartridge Wesson Arms, etc with it 357 Mag 6 inch barrel specs for! Energy on target, and SP-101 would later follow for regular carry rival the of. Steel or blued finishes capacity and lower recoil are more suited to such applications where extra. And adjustable sights forcing cone area mileage 4 '' barrell ) about a year ago made longer to loading. As wellalmost target level hunting,.357 Magnum available in stainless steel Magnum DA/SA Pro last month are... 'Ve heard all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude new Kimber K6s a... Same as a 357. the 94 shown, like mine, is a matter of of! Barrell ) about a year ago guns are very quick Bore also claims that their heavy.357 Magnum $. Known for.22 caliber pistols and rifles that shoot centerfire and rimfire ammo in a small part of the.357! This site yards, hot.357 loads printed nearly 3 higher than mild.357.38. Handgunswith none of the cowboys fps ) hot loads run above 25,000 CUP, approximately double a cowboy.... That many lawman carried a.45 revolver and a K6s 3 '' barrels comparisons have all included.357 Magnum delivers... 7-Shot.357 Magnum cartridge was shepherded by some of the.357 has more knock Down power close...