![]() ![]() There is also more leeway in the revolver cartridge to use bullets with an open nose. With a proper formulation and good powder technology, the 125- to 145-grain loads may be very efficient. ![]() When it comes to the light 100-grain bullets, the performance of the 357 Magnum is limited by bullet pull. On the other hand, many 9mm loads exhibit very little flash, sometimes just a few sparks. Muzzle flash is usually the result of slow powder burning outside of the barrel instead of inside the barrel, which is a mark of a load that is inefficient in that barrel length. The 357 Magnum offers superior energy and velocity with heavy bullets at the expense of greater recoil. The maximum velocity with these bullets is generally regarded as about 1000 fps. As such, 147 grains is the practical limit for 9mm defensive bullets. However, the short case does not allow the use of heavier bullets at high velocity. The 9mm gets plenty of velocity worked up in its short case. This is true when bullets of 100 to 124 grains are considered. When you look at the paper figures, it would seem the shorter 9mm is far more efficient. The maximum pressure for the 9mm is 34,000 psi. Powder charges range from 4 to 7 grains of fast-burning powder. SAAMI sets maximum pressure for the 357 Magnum at 35,000 psi. Powder charges are often as heavy as 16 grains of slow-burning powder. The 357 Magnum cartridge case is 1.29 inches long. Rather, we were interested in comparing the ballistics of loads intended for personal defense. We were not concerned with penetration against animals we have done that with the 357 Magnum and found that the full-power Magnum as loaded by Cor-Bon and a few others is a credible and effective loading for this purpose. To make the comparison fair, the pistols would have to have similar barrel lengths and be geared toward personal defense. So, if we compare the handguns that are purpose-designed for defense use, does the Magnum really have that great an advantage? That was the question we wanted to answer. At the same time, the 357 Magnum is no longer a proposition only for heavy revolvers relatively light five-shot revolvers with short barrels are widely available, so some versions of the Magnum cartridge have been loaded down for personal defense. It’s true that 9mm ballistics have been improved considerably, with some loads operating at +P and +P+ pressures and topped with great bullets. However, the situation has changed to an extent, as far as the performance of each cartridge. ![]() The 9mm, however, has relied upon reasonably good ballistics and fast repeat shots to do the business. As a caliber for defense against animals or against light cover, the Magnum has no peer. With the heaviest loads, the Magnum certainly lives up to its reputation for excellent penetration. The 160-grain SWC at 1300 fps or so, used by professional lawmen from 1935 on, was deemed a good choice for police work for a reason. It should be noted that the 357 Magnum is among a very few “small-bore” revolvers that has earned a good reputation for performance even with non-expanding bullets. Some like the idea of firing a group on the target that is well centered, while others feel that a single heavy hit in the X ring is the way to go. For defensive use, most carriers choose the 9mm for its low recoil, good control, and adequate downrange ballistics. There are 357 Magnum self-loaders as well, but they are pretty heavy propositions. In contrast, the 9mm is available in a myriad of pistol choices, and some revolvers. The flash, blast, and recoil of the Magnum and its smaller reserve of ammunition at the ready are deemed justifiable trade-offs for more power. In reality, most personal-defense Magnums are five- or six-shooters. They realize the 357 Magnum handgun is limited in capacity from five to eight rounds, and the eight-shooters are pretty big guns. Shooters might honestly prefer a self-loader, but they are hedging their bets and obtaining a cartridge with a proven defense record. The 357 Magnum revolver is often chosen over the 9mm pistol for the former’s terminal ballistics. It is true some prefer the revolver and some prefer the automatic regardless of cartridge, but sometimes the handgun is chosen on the basis of its chambering. ![]()
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