Also known as 357 Smith & Wesson Magnum, 357 Magnum is a smokeless powder cartridge with a 9.07mm bullet diameter. Smith & Wesson and Winchester introduced it in 1934 as a successor of 38 Special Ammo. This handgun cartridge is an ideal example of extremely effective terminal ballistics.
357 Magnum Ammo Specifications:
Cartridge case: .38 Special
Case type: Straight Rimmed (R),
Bullet diameter: 9.07 mm (.357 inch)
Neck diameter: 9.6 mm (379 inch)
Base diameter: 9.6 mm (379 inch)
Rim diameter: 11.2 mm (.440 inch)
Rim thickness: 1.5 mm (.060 inch)
Case length: 33 mm (1.29 inch)
Overall length: 40mm (1.59 in)
Case capacity: 26.2 gr H2O (1.70 cm3)
Primer type: small pistol magnum
Maximum pressure: 35,000 psi (240 MPa)
Maximum CUP: 45,000 CUP
357 Magnum ammo is available in weights ranging from 110 to 200 grains. The case of the cartridge is 1.155 inches long that allows more space for the propellant to hold three grains of powder. Due to the higher powder charge, this cartridge can fire a 125-grain bullet at a velocity of about 1450 feet per second which is more powerful than its competitors. It is an ideal choice for plinking, self-defense, target shooting, and hunting. This handgun cartridge delivers excellent stopping power without creating much recoil to support the easy handling of a handgun. The excellent ballistic performance makes it an ideal choice for shooting practice and serious competitions. It is manufactured by several brands including Federal Ammunition, Federal American Eagle Cartridge, Fiocchi Cartridges, Hornady, Winchester, CCI Blazer Rounds, and Remington.
The .357 Magnum was developed in the early 1930’s and introduced in 1934 by the team of Elmer Keith, Phillip B. Sharpe, and Douglas B. Wesson. The lengthened case was intended as a safety feature to keep .357 Mag ammunition from being loaded in .38 Special revolvers designed for half the maximum chamber pressure of the .357 Mag.
.357 Magnum History
.357 Magnum Usage
.357 Magnum Usage
Initially developed for law enforcement, the 357 Magnum has found popularity among hunters, ranchers, and personal defense even against dangerous game with proper bullet selection. Most commonly found firearms chambered in 357 Magnum include single or double action revolvers and lever action rifles or carbines, with some bolt action rifles and semi automatic pistols or rifles also available.
.357 Magnum Trivia
The 357 Magnum was created as direct competition to Colt’s 38 Super Auto cartridge as being handgun-capable of penetrating vehicle doors and the early ballistic vests used by gangsters and bootleggers of the time. Firearms chambered for 357 magnum can also shoot 38 Special, although some rifles and carbines won’t reliably feed the shorter 38 Special ammunition unless the overall length is adjusted. Check your owner’s manual.
.357 Magnum Trivia
.357 Magnum Design
.357 Magnum Design
The 357 Magnum is a rimmed straight walled cartridge with an overall length of 1.59” and a case capacity of 26.2 grains (H2O). It uses small magnum pistol primers and fires a .357” diameter bullet with maximum pressure of 35,000 PSI.
.357 Magnum Types
Ammunition options are available for target practice, hunting, personal defense and hard cast for maximum penetration on dangerous game. The rounded or flat nose make it a safe option for tubular magazines.
