About 357 Magnum Ammo
First introduced in 1935, 357 Magnum ammo (also called 357 ammo) was a collaboration between Smith & Wesson and the famous firearms developers Elmer Keith and Phillip Sharpe.
Keith and Sharpe began their journey by experimenting with the .38 Special cartridge, lengthening the case to accommodate more gunpowder and ultimately increasing the bullet's velocity.
The primary goal of 357 mag ammo was to create a round that outperformed existing handgun ammunition, providing increased velocity and stopping power.
One of the most significant innovations of .357 Magnum ammo was its ability to penetrate automobile bodies and the early ballistic vests available at the time.
These innovations made 357 an instant favorite among law enforcement and were adopted by many police departments across the United States.
357 ammo also gained popularity among civilian shooters. Its versatility, power, and accuracy made it a preferred choice for hunting and self-defense.
Over the years, .357 Magnum cemented its reputation as a reliable, versatile, and powerful cartridge that played a significant role in developing other firearm cartridges, influencing the design and creation of subsequent magnum rounds.
Its legacy continues to be felt across the firearms industry, a testament to the ingenuity of its creators and the enduring appeal of this powerful cartridge.
Today, .357 Magnum ammo is one of the world's most popular high-velocity handgun cartridges that offer 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.
Popular .357 Ammo Manufactures
Fiocchi
Fiocchi offers a range of .357 Magnum ammunition options, known for their consistency and accuracy.
Federal Premium
Federal Premium is well-known for their wide variety of ammunition options, offering .357 Magnum rounds tailored for self-defense, hunting, and target shooting.
Winchester
Winchester produces a range of .357 Magnum ammo, including their popular Super-X line known for its consistency and reliability.
Remington
Remington’s .357 Magnum ammunition, including their UMC and HTP lines, is popular among shooters for its accuracy and performance.
Liberty Ammunition
Specializes in high-performance, lead-free ammunition, including powerful options in .357 Magnum.
Hornady
Hornady offers several .357 Magnum options, such as their Critical Defense for personal protection and their XTP for hunting and target shooting.
Speer
Speer’s Gold Dot .357 Magnum is a top choice for law enforcement and self-defense due to its exceptional performance and reliability.
Magtech
Magtech produces a variety of .357 Magnum ammunition, offering shooters consistent performance at a competitive price point.
Buffalo Bore
Specializing in high-performance ammunition, Buffalo Bore’s .357 Magnum loads are designed for maximum power and effectiveness.
Sellier & Bellot
This Czech manufacturer is known for its quality and affordability, making their .357 Magnum rounds popular among shooters worldwide.
PMC (Precision Made Cartridges)
PMC’s Bronze .357 Magnum ammunition is well-regarded for its affordability and reliable performance.
Sig Sauer
Sig Sauer’s Elite Performance .357 Magnum ammo is engineered for precision and reliability, making it a preferred choice among shooters.
Fort Scott Munitions
Known for their precision-engineered ammunition, Fort Scott Munitions offers .357 Magnum rounds designed for accuracy and effectiveness.
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 Guns that shoot 357 Mag Ammo
Revolvers
Smith & Wesson Model 686
A staple in the revolver world, known for its durability, accuracy, and reliability.
Ruger GP100
Renowned for its robust construction and dependability, making it a top choice for shooters.
Colt Python
A classic, high-quality revolver prized for its smooth action and precision.
Taurus Model 66
Offers an affordable option without compromising on performance, popular for personal defense and sport shooting.
Rossi Model R971
Another affordable option, known for its reliability and solid performance.
EAA Windicator
European American Armory’s offering in the .357 Magnum revolver category, providing a budget-friendly yet reliable option.
Taylors and Company Firearms
Known for producing high-quality replica firearms, including .357 Magnum revolvers inspired by classic designs.
Rifles
Henry Big Boy
A favorite for its lever-action design, craftsmanship, and smooth operation.
Marlin 1894
Popular for its quick handling and accuracy, with a classic lever-action design.
Winchester Model 1892
A timeless design, now available in 357 Magnum for various shooting applications.
Carbines
Ruger PC Carbine
A modern, adaptable carbine that can be converted to fire 357 Mag rounds.
M1 Carbine (Custom Conversions)
A unique option for shooters interested in customizing their firearm.
Derringers
Bond Arms Derringers
Compact and powerful, with options available in 357 Magnum for concealed carry or backup purposes.
357 Magnum Ammo FAQs
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 ammo is 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.