Just a cpl thoughts on the 357 Sig...A quick review of Sierra's Infinity program shows that a .40 with 135 gr bullets has virtually the same muzzle velocity as the 357 Sig with 125's. I'll say that in my .40's (a Browning HP, a 229 & 226 Sig, and a Colt Cup Elite), Nosler's 135 gr JHP is a top contender for accuracy, feeds 100% of the time & sports a 1350 fps chrono'd muzzle velocity from the 5" Colt. For those reasons alone, I'm not interested in the .357 Sig.
As a reloader I've spent considerable time with a 1920 commercial Luger in .30 Luger. That round, like the .357 Sig has a very short neck and a tendency for bullet setback while feeding. So much so that I bought and use a C-H, canelure tool which helps to some extent, getting a decent crimp on the bullet. I do crimp for the .30 Luger and wonder if the .357 Sig head spaces on the case shoulder or the mouth. It'd make a difference. In that regard, those of you who reload .357 Sig...do you have problems with bullet setback.
Lastly, regarding feeding vs. bullet profile: I've never had problems with any cartridge feeding LSWC's (notorious for feeding problems) of the approximate shape of the old H&G #68 (200 gr. LSWC .45 target bullet). The list includes 125 gr 9mm's, 155 gr .40's, 185 & 200 gr. .45's. It's my experience that with a magazine who's feed lips are not damaged, and with the correct overall cartridge length, feeding becomes a non-issue. Modern JHP's, say designs that have been available for the past 10-15 years or so, should not be a problem in a functioning gun. One of the .357 Sig's selling points was easy feeding with issue ammunition...a stretch I'd say.
But if you like off-beat calibers (and I do), don't mind the expense of the factory ammunition and/or accept the possible challenge of reloading for it, the .357 Sig round might be interesting. It's not on my grail list, however.
YMMV, Rod
As a reloader I've spent considerable time with a 1920 commercial Luger in .30 Luger. That round, like the .357 Sig has a very short neck and a tendency for bullet setback while feeding. So much so that I bought and use a C-H, canelure tool which helps to some extent, getting a decent crimp on the bullet. I do crimp for the .30 Luger and wonder if the .357 Sig head spaces on the case shoulder or the mouth. It'd make a difference. In that regard, those of you who reload .357 Sig...do you have problems with bullet setback.
Lastly, regarding feeding vs. bullet profile: I've never had problems with any cartridge feeding LSWC's (notorious for feeding problems) of the approximate shape of the old H&G #68 (200 gr. LSWC .45 target bullet). The list includes 125 gr 9mm's, 155 gr .40's, 185 & 200 gr. .45's. It's my experience that with a magazine who's feed lips are not damaged, and with the correct overall cartridge length, feeding becomes a non-issue. Modern JHP's, say designs that have been available for the past 10-15 years or so, should not be a problem in a functioning gun. One of the .357 Sig's selling points was easy feeding with issue ammunition...a stretch I'd say.
But if you like off-beat calibers (and I do), don't mind the expense of the factory ammunition and/or accept the possible challenge of reloading for it, the .357 Sig round might be interesting. It's not on my grail list, however.
YMMV, Rod
Last edited: