hitnthexring . . . let's get the facts right
Having shot for many years, I easily understand the superficial, cosmetic disparities in the appearance of the .357 magnum cartridge when compared to the .357 Sig’s. However, in this case -- even for standard factory loads -- the differences are more than “skin deep”.
Check the Federal and Remington web sites (I select these only because they are acknowledged, major ammunition producers). In both cases, their .357 Sig JHPs are 125 grain, with muzzle velocities approximating 1350 FPS, and muzzle energies approaching 510 pounds. By comparison, Federal .357 magnum Cast Core hunting round produces 625 pounds muzzle energy, while Remington’s .357 magnum Core-Lock provides 610 pounds muzzle energy.
All of these are “standard” factory loads, not “hot” rounds. Yet, these .357 magnum loads offer 20 PERCENT MORE POWER than the .357 Sig. Accordingly, I cannot agree that the two rounds are essentially equal. I reiterate my original statement: “by design, the high-end .357 Sig approximates the low-end .357 magnum”.