357 sig vs 40 and 45 acp
- Thread starter 000 buck
- Start date
Badger Arms
New member
.357 Sig is LIKELY to be with us for a while. My crystal ball broke on election day, but it would probably tell me yes. It is arguably superior to the 45 for most uses with properly constructed bullets. It is a close second to the .357 magnum (beat out merely by the revolver's accuracy IMNTBHO). It has more potential for reliable feeding and more penetration that the 45. The 40 is a good round in its own right, but I think a 10mm necked down to 9mm would have been just the ticket also. Don't know why the 400 CorBon didn't catch on better.
jdthaddeus
New member
I am a Glock fanatic, and my favorite Glocks are the .45's and the .357's. The Glock 30 is the "excaliber" of Glocks, in most people's opinion. The Glock 32 is a close second, or maybe better depending on what day you ask me 
. Both are extremely accurate. I mean EXTREMELY accurate! Tack drivers! As accurate as ANY other compact combat pistol you could put them against, no matter what cost, IMO, and I have owned most all of them.
Regarding the .40, I like the round, but I like the .357 Glock better.
I like the .357 better than the .40 because it has a "fully" supported chamber, thicker brass web, a thicker barrel, is more accurate, is flatter shooting, more velocity, more energy, holds one more extra round in the pre-ban mags, and is more reliable among other things.
If the .357 goes sour, you can always buy a .40 barrel, but .357 Glock barrels are few and far between, if they exist at all without a gun attached.
.357 Sig ammo is now about 50 cents higher per box than .40 ammo, so cost is not the concern.
.357 has had a stellar record in street shootings so far, and seems to be catching on very strongly, so I do not see it going anywhere but up in popularity. But, if all else, you can always buy a .40 barrel and be able to shoot BOTH calibers.
Ps- If only the Glock 30 had rails, I would consider it to be the ONLY Glock for me. About the only reason I like my Glock 32 on any given day more than my Glock 30, is because it has rails on it that I can mount my M3 light to. I keep my M3 light attached whenever possible.
. Both are extremely accurate. I mean EXTREMELY accurate! Tack drivers! As accurate as ANY other compact combat pistol you could put them against, no matter what cost, IMO, and I have owned most all of them.Regarding the .40, I like the round, but I like the .357 Glock better.
I like the .357 better than the .40 because it has a "fully" supported chamber, thicker brass web, a thicker barrel, is more accurate, is flatter shooting, more velocity, more energy, holds one more extra round in the pre-ban mags, and is more reliable among other things.
If the .357 goes sour, you can always buy a .40 barrel, but .357 Glock barrels are few and far between, if they exist at all without a gun attached.
.357 Sig ammo is now about 50 cents higher per box than .40 ammo, so cost is not the concern.
.357 has had a stellar record in street shootings so far, and seems to be catching on very strongly, so I do not see it going anywhere but up in popularity. But, if all else, you can always buy a .40 barrel and be able to shoot BOTH calibers.
Ps- If only the Glock 30 had rails, I would consider it to be the ONLY Glock for me. About the only reason I like my Glock 32 on any given day more than my Glock 30, is because it has rails on it that I can mount my M3 light to. I keep my M3 light attached whenever possible.
That's a tough question since they're all excellent rounds.
I like the 357 SIG since it's really accurate & cheap to reload because of 9mm bullets. And it's really flexible in the speed department. With AA No.9, I can create mellow 9mm light loads with a velocity averaging around 1115 fps. Or I can zip it up to 1450 fps (4" barrel), and the recoil is still easy to manage! And AA No. 9 powder provides bullet setback security since it can help hold up the bullet without pressure spikes ( it's been tested).
I like the 357 SIG since it's really accurate & cheap to reload because of 9mm bullets. And it's really flexible in the speed department. With AA No.9, I can create mellow 9mm light loads with a velocity averaging around 1115 fps. Or I can zip it up to 1450 fps (4" barrel), and the recoil is still easy to manage! And AA No. 9 powder provides bullet setback security since it can help hold up the bullet without pressure spikes ( it's been tested).
kidcoltoutlaw
New member
accurate # 9 ?
when i use it i have unburnt powder in the chamber.when the next round goes in the chamber with the unburnt powder could it cause a pressure spike ?
when i use it i have unburnt powder in the chamber.when the next round goes in the chamber with the unburnt powder could it cause a pressure spike ?
Blue Duck357
New member
Just because no one's cited it as thier first choice I'll chime in as I chose the .40.
Ammo's not as cheap as the 9mm but better than the 45 (I get Blazer for $8.10 box after shipping at natchez). You can also get 13 round magazines for the Glock at aimsurplus for $70, they apparently don't work well with the 357 Sig as you need a FML hi-cap mag for them, which are more expensive.
The .40 ammo is way more common than the .357 Sig or even the 45 ACP in my area (several times my local Wally World has been completely out of 45, but had plenty of 40, go figure). If your ordereing ammo online though who cares? You can find all the .357 sig you wan't at a price not much higher than the .40.
It's a compromise catridge, better capacity and prices than the .45, but likely a bit less raw power and accuracy by most accounts. If the gun shop I went to had had either a 30 or 32 in stock that day I might have went the other way, so I don't think you can really go wrong.
Ammo's not as cheap as the 9mm but better than the 45 (I get Blazer for $8.10 box after shipping at natchez). You can also get 13 round magazines for the Glock at aimsurplus for $70, they apparently don't work well with the 357 Sig as you need a FML hi-cap mag for them, which are more expensive.
The .40 ammo is way more common than the .357 Sig or even the 45 ACP in my area (several times my local Wally World has been completely out of 45, but had plenty of 40, go figure). If your ordereing ammo online though who cares? You can find all the .357 sig you wan't at a price not much higher than the .40.
It's a compromise catridge, better capacity and prices than the .45, but likely a bit less raw power and accuracy by most accounts. If the gun shop I went to had had either a 30 or 32 in stock that day I might have went the other way, so I don't think you can really go wrong.
Last edited:
.357SIG has been adopted by enough agencies that it won't be going away any time soon. Bear in mind that the supposedly "dead" 10mm is currently chambered in as many different guns now as .41 Mag or .44 Spl. Once a cartridge makes a big enough "splash", it rarely ever goes completely away.
Blue Duck357
New member
The 357 Sig was really my first choice when I was thinking about a Glock. What put me off it just enough to take the 40 was seeing some chrono data on it over at GlockTalk as compared to the 9mm+P+ loads.
My thought was that in the real world it was not going as fast as I wanted. It likely would not make any difference in a real situation but I just wanted 1400 to 1450 FPS with a 125 grain bullet from a G32 to feel I was getting a "real" advantage over the much cheaper 9mm and I was seeing numbers closer to the 1300-1350 FPS range. When I saw the best 9mm loads going the same speed with only a 10 grain lighter bullet or only 50 fps slower with some of the LEO 127 grain loads I just didn't think it was worth the extra hassal and cost. Though I admit I'd still like one, just to be "different". Seems like the 40 Glock is about as common as grass.
I've heard so much good about the accuracy of the Glocks in 357 Sig and the 30 in 45 acp I don't doubt they are better than the 23 in 40. However I'm still ehhh.. working.. on my Glock accuracy and frankly dont consider myself a very good shot with it yet. But just for fun I was shooting a human size target at 70 yards last weekend and put 12 of 14 shots in the vitals (even if it was'nt a pretty group), how much more accuracy do you need?
JMHO, and I still don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices.
My thought was that in the real world it was not going as fast as I wanted. It likely would not make any difference in a real situation but I just wanted 1400 to 1450 FPS with a 125 grain bullet from a G32 to feel I was getting a "real" advantage over the much cheaper 9mm and I was seeing numbers closer to the 1300-1350 FPS range. When I saw the best 9mm loads going the same speed with only a 10 grain lighter bullet or only 50 fps slower with some of the LEO 127 grain loads I just didn't think it was worth the extra hassal and cost. Though I admit I'd still like one, just to be "different". Seems like the 40 Glock is about as common as grass.
I've heard so much good about the accuracy of the Glocks in 357 Sig and the 30 in 45 acp I don't doubt they are better than the 23 in 40. However I'm still ehhh.. working.. on my Glock accuracy and frankly dont consider myself a very good shot with it yet. But just for fun I was shooting a human size target at 70 yards last weekend and put 12 of 14 shots in the vitals (even if it was'nt a pretty group), how much more accuracy do you need?
JMHO, and I still don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices.
Rent or borrow both calibers to see which best fits your needs.
I like the .357 Sig better (although I have 3 guns chambered in .40), it shoots better for me and is just more fun to shoot. you'll also get more notice at the range when it goes "BOOM".
It doesn't really matter which one you first get because you can always go buy an extra barrel. Prices for extra barrels (.40 or .357) now go for between $89 (brownells) to over $200 so you have your choice in quality. You can also try eBay & the gun auction sites.
I like the .357 Sig better (although I have 3 guns chambered in .40), it shoots better for me and is just more fun to shoot. you'll also get more notice at the range when it goes "BOOM".
It doesn't really matter which one you first get because you can always go buy an extra barrel. Prices for extra barrels (.40 or .357) now go for between $89 (brownells) to over $200 so you have your choice in quality. You can also try eBay & the gun auction sites.
Greeting's All;
While both the .357 Sig and the .40 S&W show a lot better ballistic's, I'm in favor of the big, old slow moving .45ACP!!!
Shooting at paper is one thing; shooting at a BG is another
matter, entirely. Any QUALITY .45ACP stoked with
Federal's 230 grain Hydra-Shok's makes for a great man-
stopper!!!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
While both the .357 Sig and the .40 S&W show a lot better ballistic's, I'm in favor of the big, old slow moving .45ACP!!!
Shooting at paper is one thing; shooting at a BG is another
matter, entirely. Any QUALITY .45ACP stoked with
Federal's 230 grain Hydra-Shok's makes for a great man-
stopper!!!
Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member
10mm dying out?
I have heard these rumors for years. I have a Glock 20c and it is my favorite gun. It definitely has more power than both the .357sig and .40SW and my C-model recoils less than either of them!
It also gives me faster follow up shots! It is very accurate and feeds well in my Glock, NEVER one jam! I can even hunt with it here in upstate NY.
As some have said you can convert many guns between .40 and .357sig in seconds with a barrel swap. I can also do this with my 20c in 10mm. I can shoot all 3 calibers.
Part of the reason the 10mm took such a beating is that Glock is the only manufacturer that makes a real good one. It's only drawback is it's Large Grip. Not for small hands, but 15 rounds of 10mm is worth it for me.
The gun rags were putting it down and the FBI was down loading it. It hurt a great cartridge a lot. No cartridge is going to get great press if the gun manufacturers make the round in crap guns that fail to function. It is not the cartridges fault.
The 10mm has the largest variety in bullet weights available, and can truly do most anything you need it too... Hand loaders can do wonders for this cartridge and I am considering that option in the future.
The 10mm is gaining in popularity with people who give it a chance. It is an extremely versatile cartridge and closer to a "do it all cartridge" than any other. IMHO! It's too bad only Glock makes a real 10mm. Some like the Delta Elites also but Glock seems to be the only real choice in 10mm...
If you want more notice at the range get a G20c. Everyone wants to know what I am shooting, and when they try it they love it. They all seem to think it is a dead cartridge as well. I just can't figure the gun rags out... I wonder how many were written by .45 lovers who were tainted in their opinions?
I guess people believe everything they read in those gun rags! It is truly a shame. If I believed their crap I would have passed up the best gun I own. It is my favorite and will be with me for a long time...
I like the .357sig myself but all these "10mm derivatives" are very good cartridges, with good futures. Even the 10mm will not likely go away. It truly needs another look by any real gun lover. It is hard to imagine this round not being the "ultimate under appreciated overachiever" that it is! A "Sleeper if you will".
The good thing about the .357sig is that it is a good performer, like the 10mm, and works in smaller frames with smaller grips. The 10mm is a bit harder to conceal and larger hands are better here. The .40 will be easier to get ammo for and you can buy a barrel for either a .357 or .40 if you want both. It takes seconds to swap them in a Glock and some others do it in only slightly more time.
My rant is full of opinions and I hope you forgive this long 10mm interjection!! I just hate it when people think it is dead when it is growing in popularity. Slowly but surely!! I think it would grow faster if this dead cartridge attitude was not so prevalent and more people were better informed on this round.
I have heard these rumors for years. I have a Glock 20c and it is my favorite gun. It definitely has more power than both the .357sig and .40SW and my C-model recoils less than either of them!
It also gives me faster follow up shots! It is very accurate and feeds well in my Glock, NEVER one jam! I can even hunt with it here in upstate NY.
As some have said you can convert many guns between .40 and .357sig in seconds with a barrel swap. I can also do this with my 20c in 10mm. I can shoot all 3 calibers.
Part of the reason the 10mm took such a beating is that Glock is the only manufacturer that makes a real good one. It's only drawback is it's Large Grip. Not for small hands, but 15 rounds of 10mm is worth it for me.
The gun rags were putting it down and the FBI was down loading it. It hurt a great cartridge a lot. No cartridge is going to get great press if the gun manufacturers make the round in crap guns that fail to function. It is not the cartridges fault.
The 10mm has the largest variety in bullet weights available, and can truly do most anything you need it too... Hand loaders can do wonders for this cartridge and I am considering that option in the future.
The 10mm is gaining in popularity with people who give it a chance. It is an extremely versatile cartridge and closer to a "do it all cartridge" than any other. IMHO! It's too bad only Glock makes a real 10mm. Some like the Delta Elites also but Glock seems to be the only real choice in 10mm...
If you want more notice at the range get a G20c. Everyone wants to know what I am shooting, and when they try it they love it. They all seem to think it is a dead cartridge as well. I just can't figure the gun rags out... I wonder how many were written by .45 lovers who were tainted in their opinions?
I guess people believe everything they read in those gun rags! It is truly a shame. If I believed their crap I would have passed up the best gun I own. It is my favorite and will be with me for a long time...
I like the .357sig myself but all these "10mm derivatives" are very good cartridges, with good futures. Even the 10mm will not likely go away. It truly needs another look by any real gun lover. It is hard to imagine this round not being the "ultimate under appreciated overachiever" that it is! A "Sleeper if you will".
The good thing about the .357sig is that it is a good performer, like the 10mm, and works in smaller frames with smaller grips. The 10mm is a bit harder to conceal and larger hands are better here. The .40 will be easier to get ammo for and you can buy a barrel for either a .357 or .40 if you want both. It takes seconds to swap them in a Glock and some others do it in only slightly more time.
My rant is full of opinions and I hope you forgive this long 10mm interjection!! I just hate it when people think it is dead when it is growing in popularity. Slowly but surely!! I think it would grow faster if this dead cartridge attitude was not so prevalent and more people were better informed on this round.
P
PreserveFreedom
Guest
I think that the barrel swapping ability with most 40S&W pistols will keep the 357 Sig alive. 45ACP will always be around because it is a time proven cartridge. 40S&W seems to have gotten popular because of law enforcement. 357 Sig is just another good option, although not quite as common.
Blue Duck357
The 357 sig has a 230 fps speed advantage over the 9mm +p+. Thats comparing +p+ LEO only 124 grain hydra shocks at 1200 from my Beretta 92 to Federals 125 grain 357 sig at 1430 in my GLock 31. That 230 fps edge is a 171 foot pound advantage. Thats nearly half of the 9mm 396 foot pounds. Thats a 50% raise. Who here would not take a 50% pay increase. Corbons +p 115 grain load is goin 1320 in my Beretta while corbons 115 grain 357 sig load is going 1540 in my Glock 31. Again thats a huge step. Thats the same difference as the 38 special is to the 357 mag. Speed is power.
PAT
The 357 sig has a 230 fps speed advantage over the 9mm +p+. Thats comparing +p+ LEO only 124 grain hydra shocks at 1200 from my Beretta 92 to Federals 125 grain 357 sig at 1430 in my GLock 31. That 230 fps edge is a 171 foot pound advantage. Thats nearly half of the 9mm 396 foot pounds. Thats a 50% raise. Who here would not take a 50% pay increase. Corbons +p 115 grain load is goin 1320 in my Beretta while corbons 115 grain 357 sig load is going 1540 in my Glock 31. Again thats a huge step. Thats the same difference as the 38 special is to the 357 mag. Speed is power.
PAT
Last figures I got in my chrony were higher than you stated 355. So 9mm ammo is doing 1200 in 124 +P+, Federal down loaded their rounds a few years ago in LE only. I shoot the Winchester 127 +P+ and the last time I checked this round was going 1265 to 1300 with a 127 garin bullet, that's 450 lbs of energy. Now I am not stating that it's just as fast as the 357 sig round but when I clocked the 357 Sig Speer 125 grain bullets I was only getting 1350. Both guns were same Glocks 17 & 31. The 9mm is no slouch when loaded properly like the Germans intended the round to be loaded. So most have to decide is 75FPS with a slightly LIGHTER bullet worth the trouble and the expense, including less rounds in you gun with higher costing ammunition more recoil etc. I have nothing against the 357 sig I do like the round and it's very accuarte but if you can do the same with the 9mm why change?
Whats-A-Glock?
New member
never mind
355 there is a lot of variations in the 357Sig ammo some seem hotter than others. Just because you never saw a 124 9mm do better than 1250 doesn't mean it's not there. I clocked one lot of Winchester 127+P+ from a 1999 lot at 1300 from my Glock17. This doesn't mean that another Glock 17 wouldn't clock this round at 1260 and another at 1275. It means that out of MY Glock 17 it was going 1300. Every gun is different which you are aware. So where does this leave us. The problem is that 127 +P+ ammo is a restircted LEO round the 357 sig is not, that's a plus in it'self. I really don't think that someone shot with either round is going to tell which is which, they both are going to make a nasty hole and both are going to hurt like hell.
Out of my Glock 31 I have clocked my Corbon 125gr 357 SIG in the 1500 range, well over 600 foot pounds of energy. One hot lot of 9mm ammo does not close the gap. If you want to push 9mm to unsafe pressures to try to get within 100 fps of a 357 SIG go right ahead, but I will stick with the 357 SIG with its 200 fps or so advantage and increased accuracy and reliability, with a loss of only one round in the magazine.
The 9mm is a great round, but trying to push it to meet a 357 SIG is like trying to get a .38 Special to meet up with .357 Magnum velocities or trying to get a .40 auto to match a 10mm.
And for whatever reason, no one can dispute that the increased velocity seems to have a dramatic effect on the receiving end.
The 9mm is a great round, but trying to push it to meet a 357 SIG is like trying to get a .38 Special to meet up with .357 Magnum velocities or trying to get a .40 auto to match a 10mm.
And for whatever reason, no one can dispute that the increased velocity seems to have a dramatic effect on the receiving end.
For me, I've standardized most of my firearms around currently available military cartridges: 9mm, .45 ACP, .223, .308, and 12 gauge.
Realistically, shot placement is about 10 times more important than any other factor you care to name when it comes to stopping a threat. All three of these calibers are more than adequate when it comes to power. I choose the .45 ACP because I know I can still get milsurp ammo, and because there are so many 1911's in existence that the likelihood of ammo manufacturers discontinuing or slowing down production (thus driving up prices like with the 10mm) is basically zero.
Just my $0.02.
And I'd like to add that it makes me very happy that there is such a wide variety of possibilities so that each of us can find that which suits us!
Realistically, shot placement is about 10 times more important than any other factor you care to name when it comes to stopping a threat. All three of these calibers are more than adequate when it comes to power. I choose the .45 ACP because I know I can still get milsurp ammo, and because there are so many 1911's in existence that the likelihood of ammo manufacturers discontinuing or slowing down production (thus driving up prices like with the 10mm) is basically zero.
Just my $0.02.
And I'd like to add that it makes me very happy that there is such a wide variety of possibilities so that each of us can find that which suits us!