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357 Magnum Ammo
About 357 Magnum Ammo
357 magnum ammunition, also called 357 ammo, is a popular handgun caliber widely known for its exceptional stopping power and accuracy.
Developed by Smith & Wesson in the early 1930s as an improvement to their 38 Special cartridges when law enforcement needed ammunition that could penetrate vehicles and the newly emerging ballistic vests.
Having proven itself through more than 85 years of use by law enforcement and shooting enthusiasts worldwide, the .357 Magnum is used in firearms for various purposes, including target shooting, self-defense, and hunting.
357 ammo is also extremely powerful, containing a long case with higher pressure allowing for improved velocity and energy when fired.
Although the ammunition is most commonly used in revolvers, it can also be used in semi-automatic pistols designed to handle a magnum caliber.
*Always consult the firearm's owner's manual before using 357 magnum ammunition in a semi-automatic pistol.
Today, 357 Magnum ammo is one of the world's most popular high-velocity handgun cartridges available in the market.
It offers shooters a flat trajectory, deep penetration, and superior knockdown power, making it a practical option for police forces, hunters, and target shooters.
Common Names for 357 Ammo
Since its initial release in the early 1930s, 357 Magnum ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- .357 Magnum Ammo
- .357 Mag Ammo
- .357 Ammo
- .357 Magnum Caliber
- .357 Mag Ammo
- 357 Ammo
- 357 Mag Remington Ammo
Regardless of your preferred nomenclature, .357 Magnum Ammo has gained massive popularity over the years and is available in the lineup of every significant American ammo manufacturer.
Common Types of 357 Ammo
The 357 Magnum cartridge comes in various types for different needs and goals. Some of the most common include:
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
FMJ ammo features a lead bullet jacketed in a harder metal to help the projectile hold its shape.
Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP)
JHP ammo features a hollow point within the lead that causes the projectile to expand on impact.
Total Metal Jacket (TMJ)
TMJ ammo limits lead exposure, as the projectile is completely encased in a harder metal (where the FMJ has some exposed lead at the bottom of the round, inside the casing).
Soft Point (SP)
SP ammo uses a softer lead, which causes a slower expansion and deeper penetration. These cartridges are often used in handgun hunting.
Popular manufacturers of 357 magnum ammunition include Federal Premium, Smith & Wesson, and Winchester. These manufacturers offer a range of options, including different bullet weights and types, allowing shooters to choose the best ammunition for their specific needs and preferences.
357 Magnum Ammo Features
HIGH VELOCITY AND ENGERY
When fired, the bullet travels at a velocity of around 1,500 feet per second, delivering a significant amount of kinetic energy to the target.
This makes the 357 magnum ammunition highly effective in stopping an attacker or a wild animal.
HOLLOW POINT DESIGN
Hollow point ammunition is also widely available for the 357 magnum, which is designed to expand upon impact, causing maximum damage to the target. This makes the 357 magnum ammunition even more effective for self-defense purposes.
COMPATIBILITY
The 357 magnum ammunition is commonly used in revolvers, which are popular for their simplicity and reliability. This makes the 357 magnum ammunition a popular choice among law enforcement officers and hunters.
ACCURACY AND PERFORMANCE
For target shooting, the 357 magnum ammunition is highly popular due to its accuracy and performance. It is often used in competitions and shooting ranges, where accuracy and consistency are crucial.
USABILITY
357 mag ammo is highly effective and highly versatile. The caliber is widely used for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.
Combined with its accuracy, performance, and availability, 357 magnum ammunition is popular among gun enthusiasts.
RANGE OF OPTIONS
Various manufacturers of 357 magnum ammunition offer a range of options, including different bullet weights and types, allowing shooters to choose the best ammunition for their specific needs and preferences.
Popular 357 Magnum Guns
RUGER 357 HANDGUNS
Ruger LCR Ruger LCRX Ruger SP101
Ruger GP100 Ruger GP 100 Ruger Blackhawk
Ruger Vaquero Ruger Security-Six
SMITH & WESSON 357 HANDGUNS
S&W M&P 340 S&W 340PD S&W 360PD
S&W 686 S&W 686 Plus S&W 60
S&W 27 S&W 66-2 S&W 627
TAURUS 357HANDGUNS
Taurus Model 627 Taurus Model 627 STD Taurus 608
Taurus Model 605 Taurus Model 66 Taurus Raging Hunter
Taurus Model 65 Taurus 692
COLT 357 HANDGUNS
Colt King Cobra Colt King Cobra Carry Colt King Cobra Target
Colt Python Colt Python 1964 Colt Python 1979
Colt MK III Trooper Colt Lawman MK III Colt Single Action Army
357 Magnum Ammo FAQ
QUESTION: What is 357 magnum ammunition?
ANSWER: 357 magnum ammunition is a type of magnum ammunition that was developed by Smith & Wesson in the early 1930s. It is known for its exceptional stopping power and accuracy, which makes it a popular choice among gun enthusiasts.
QUESTION: What is the difference between 357 magnum and 38 Special ammunition?
ANSWER: The main difference between 357 magnum and 38 Special ammunition is the size of the cartridge.
The 357 magnum cartridge is longer and has a higher pressure, which allows for greater velocity and energy when fired. This makes the 357 magnum more powerful than the 38 Special.
QUESTION: What are the uses for 357 magnum ammunition?
ANSWER: 357 magnum ammunition is commonly used for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.
Its exceptional stopping power, combined with its accuracy and performance, make it a popular choice among gun enthusiasts.
QUESTION: What types of firearms can use 357 magnum ammunition?
ANSWER: 357 magnum ammunition is commonly used in revolvers, but it can also be used in some semi-automatic pistols that are designed to handle magnum ammunition.
However, it is important to consult the firearm's owner's manual before attempting to use 357 magnum ammunition in a semi-automatic pistol.
QUESTION: What is 357 magnum hollow point ammunition?
ANSWER: 357 magnum hollow point ammunition is a type of ammunition that is designed to expand upon impact, causing maximum damage to the target.
This makes hollow point ammunition highly effective for self-defense purposes.
QUESTION: Can I use .357 magnum ammo for target shooting?
ANSWER: Yes, .357 magnum ammois highly popular for target shooting due to its accuracy and performance. It is often used in competitions and shooting ranges where accuracy and consistency are crucial.
QUESTION: What manufacturers produce .357 magnum ammo?
ANSWER: There are various manufacturers of .357 magnum ammo, including Federal Premium, Smith & Wesson, Hornady, and Winchester, who are well-known for producing high-quality magnum ammunition.
QUESTION: Is 357 magnum ammunition legal?
ANSWER: The legality of 357 magnum ammunition varies depending on the jurisdiction. It is important to check local laws and regulations before purchasing or using 357 magnum ammunition.
QUESTION: Is 357 magnum ammunition expensive?
ANSWER: The cost of 357 magnum ammunition can vary depending on the manufacturer, bullet weight, and type of ammunition.
In general, 357 magnum ammunition tends to be more expensive than other types of ammunition due to its power and performance.