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Buffalo Bore Ammunition 19H20 Buffalo-Barnes Strictly Busine…
Buffalo Bore
$44.60 - $452.02 -
Fort Scott Munitions Tumble Upon Impact (TUI) Solid Copper S…
Fort Scott Munitions
$27.82 - $643.01 -
Fiocchi 357F Training Dynamics 357 Mag 142 gr Full Metal Jac…
Fiocchi Ammunition
$0.00 -
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Remington Ammunition RPW357M5 Performance WheelGun357 Mag 15…
Remington
$42.10 - $726.24 -
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Federal American Eagle Pistol Ammo 357 Mag 158 gr. Jacketed …
Federal
$32.40 - $565.26 -
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Buffalo Bore Ammunition 19D20 Heavy Strictly Business 357 Ma…
Buffalo Bore
$34.15 - $363.94 -
Buffalo Bore Ammunition 19C20 Heavy Strictly Business 357 Ma…
Buffalo Bore
$34.19 - $360.38 -
Hornady Critical Duty Handgun Ammo 357 Mag. 135 gr. Flexlock…
Hornady
$29.57 - $520.10 -
Buffalo Bore Ammunition 19G20 Tactical Strictly Business 357…
Buffalo Bore
$34.19 - $364.34 -
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Magtech Range/Training Semi Jacketed Hollow Point 158 Grain …
Magtech
$33.01 - $572.94 -
Federal Premium Barnes Expander BRX 140 Grain .357 Magnum 14…
Federal
$35.81 - $314.08 -
Underwood Ammo Xtreme Penetrator COPPER SOLID Monolithic 140…
Underwood Ammunition
$44.25 - $390.26 -
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Underwood Ammo Xtreme Hunter COPPER SOLID Monolithic 120 Gra…
Underwood Ammunition
$41.38 - $364.85 -
Underwood Ammo Flat Nose Gas Check Black Cherry Coated Hard …
Underwood Ammunition
$33.63 - $741.54 -
HSM Bear Load Lead Round Nose Flat Point 180 Grain .357 Magn…
HSM Ammo
$49.59 - $434.00
.357 Mag
.357 Magnum
The .357 Magnum is one of the most versatile and popular revolver cartridges ever developed. Featuring a .357" diameter bullet (9mm) in a case 1.29 inches long, this powerful round delivers exceptional performance in both revolvers and carbines. Its ability to also chamber and fire .38 Special ammunition makes it incredibly flexible for shooters of all experience levels.
History
Developed in 1934 by Elmer Keith, Phillip Sharpe, and D.B. Wesson of Smith & Wesson, the .357 Magnum was created by lengthening the .38 Special case and loading it with more powerful charges. It became the first cartridge to use the term "Magnum" and quickly gained fame through law enforcement adoption and Hollywood westerns. The cartridge played a significant role in establishing the modern magnum revolver category and remains one of the most respected handgun cartridges today.
Use Cases
- Law Enforcement: Trusted by police departments for decades due to its stopping power and reliability.
- Self-Defense: Excellent home defense and concealed carry option with proven terminal performance.
- Hunting: Effective for deer-sized game at moderate ranges, especially from carbine-length barrels.
- Target Shooting: Popular for competitive shooting and recreational range use.
- Versatility: Can shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special loads in the same firearm.
Popular Ammunition
Manufacturer | Load Type | Bullet Weight | Best For |
---|---|---|---|
Federal | HST | 158gr JHP | Self-defense, law enforcement |
Hornady | Critical Defense | 125gr FTX | Personal protection |
Speer | Gold Dot | 158gr JHP | Duty/self-defense |
Winchester | Super-X | 158gr JSP | Hunting, general purpose |
Remington | UMC | 158gr MC | Target shooting, training |
Buffalo Bore | Heavy | 180gr HC | Hunting, maximum power |
Magtech | Sport Shooting | 158gr FMJ | Practice, range training |
Modern Relevance
The .357 Magnum remains highly relevant in today's shooting world. Its proven track record in law enforcement, excellent ballistic performance, and the ability to use milder .38 Special loads for practice make it an ideal choice for new and experienced shooters alike. Available in everything from compact snub-nose revolvers to lever-action carbines, the .357 Magnum continues to be one of the most practical and effective cartridges available.
Pro Tip: .357 Magnum firearms can safely shoot both .357 Magnum and .38 Special ammunition, but .38 Special revolvers should never be loaded with .357 Magnum cartridges due to pressure differences.