.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.

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