I love the .357 Magnum. Of all the firearms that have come and gone in my ever changing collection over the last 5 decades, the ONE handgun caliber I always keep a weapon in is .357 Magnum. usually a K or L frame S&W with a 2.5" barrel. Right now, it's a 386Sc/S. What's next? Who knows.
Why do some people dislike .357 magnum?
- Thread starter charlesc
- Start date
I love shooting my 4.2" GP100, in fact I recently came in 3rd place at a bowling pin shoot and was using 125gr JHP 357mag rounds. However shooting 38spl from the same gun is very pleasing, light recoil and no supersonic crack so the noise is managable. That being said, I love the .357mag especially seeing how I can shoot 38spl and load up a bunch of different rounds.
Also I carry a SP101 daily and I have it loaded with 38+p for the first 2 rounds then 357mag next 3 rounds.
Now to be fair, I dont own a .44mag yet but plan on buying a SBH in .44 soon.
I think the 357 is just great. The recoil is about the same as a 44 Special or 45 LC but very flat shooting and it arrives on target very quickly. It is also very accurate.
A K frame 357 used to be a standard sidearm for Police, I believe this was a used Cop gun, turned in trade for 9mm’s back in the 80’s. It is a very powerful pistol in a compact package.
This N frame Smith really absorbs any recoil and is a tack driver.
These are 50 rounds, bullseye style (I think) at 25 yards with the thing. When I get such consistant shot placement with a handgun I have real confidence in my ability to hit things with it.
This L frame was used by a bud of mine to set a National PPC record, which he claims, was disallowed because he was a reserve officer. This has about 40 K rounds through it, the action is smooth, very accurate, and again, light recoil in magnum loadings.
About the only type of revolver I would not want in 357 is a snubbie. I have shot them and the muzzle blast is horrible, the recoil objectionable, and I don’t think the little extra power compensated for all the noise and fireballs compared to a snubbie in 38 Special.
A K frame 357 used to be a standard sidearm for Police, I believe this was a used Cop gun, turned in trade for 9mm’s back in the 80’s. It is a very powerful pistol in a compact package.
This N frame Smith really absorbs any recoil and is a tack driver.
These are 50 rounds, bullseye style (I think) at 25 yards with the thing. When I get such consistant shot placement with a handgun I have real confidence in my ability to hit things with it.
This L frame was used by a bud of mine to set a National PPC record, which he claims, was disallowed because he was a reserve officer. This has about 40 K rounds through it, the action is smooth, very accurate, and again, light recoil in magnum loadings.
About the only type of revolver I would not want in 357 is a snubbie. I have shot them and the muzzle blast is horrible, the recoil objectionable, and I don’t think the little extra power compensated for all the noise and fireballs compared to a snubbie in 38 Special.
I have in the past owned both .38s and .357s and still do. I gave up the .357 in a revolver about 25 years ago. I just like the .38 better and some of the older guns I have are only chambered in .38 Special. Out of a snub, I especially like the handling characteristics of the .38 Special.
Rifles are another story. My Rossi 92 chambered in .357 is a classic brush popper in all aspects - "Like a Boss..."
Rifles are another story. My Rossi 92 chambered in .357 is a classic brush popper in all aspects - "Like a Boss..."
My first shooting experience and first gun purchase was a 4" 686 back in 1989 and I loved shooting it and still do. To me, the kick of a 357 round is not much more than a 38 round. More flash and more boom and I shoot it just as well if not better at times than the 38 in the same gun.
I like shooting 357 at the range. But that's it, for one of my HD guns I have it loaded with some +P HP of a brand I now forget.
I like shooting 357 at the range. But that's it, for one of my HD guns I have it loaded with some +P HP of a brand I now forget.
Alpha Wolf
New member
I think it has to do with the individual. So there are various reasons for liking or not liking the 357.
Now in the 70s the 357 was considered a hot round and a lot of LEOs carried them, so it was cool to have one. Now most LEOs carry autos in 40 or 9. So the 357 has lost a lot of its luster and attractiveness to shooters. Back then it was on the top of my must own list.
IMHO unless you are actually protecting yourself in the back country or actually pistol hunting, there is really no actual need for a larger round in a revolver than a 357 mag. The 41/44/500 S&W/454 etc are more effective at stopping bears or hunting large game. So for those shooters who are using them for this purpose, they do make a valid argument that bigger is sometimes better.
However, most of those I know who shoot these larger magnum rounds are not hunters. It is more about wanting to show off with a big gun. Theirs is larger than yours etc. Many of these shooters must shoot the biggest round revolver around and so they have progressed from 357 to 44 now up to 454 etc. The larger the gun the worse the recoil the better.
I went out and shot all kinds of revolvers back in the day when I was looking to buy a revolver larger than 38 spl. I found that the 38/357 mag combo was the best match for me. When I looked at cost/round, fun to shoot factor and how well I could actually shoot them. Honestly my groups were not nearly as tight with the larger mags as with 357 mags. I find the 357 does not have that much of a recoil or flip in a gun like a Python or GP100. It is not uncomfortable to shoot 50 or 100 rounds out of in a session. I have been extremely happy with my 6" GP100 for over 20 years.
I also think the new generation is all about autos and has lost interest in wheel guns in general and so I think many overlook a lot of really cool guns and rounds. I know I try to expose some new gen shooters to my GP100 so they can compare it to their 9mm autos. The smiles on their faces when they shoot it says it all. But too many will never try one.
Now in the 70s the 357 was considered a hot round and a lot of LEOs carried them, so it was cool to have one. Now most LEOs carry autos in 40 or 9. So the 357 has lost a lot of its luster and attractiveness to shooters. Back then it was on the top of my must own list.
IMHO unless you are actually protecting yourself in the back country or actually pistol hunting, there is really no actual need for a larger round in a revolver than a 357 mag. The 41/44/500 S&W/454 etc are more effective at stopping bears or hunting large game. So for those shooters who are using them for this purpose, they do make a valid argument that bigger is sometimes better.
However, most of those I know who shoot these larger magnum rounds are not hunters. It is more about wanting to show off with a big gun. Theirs is larger than yours etc. Many of these shooters must shoot the biggest round revolver around and so they have progressed from 357 to 44 now up to 454 etc. The larger the gun the worse the recoil the better.
I went out and shot all kinds of revolvers back in the day when I was looking to buy a revolver larger than 38 spl. I found that the 38/357 mag combo was the best match for me. When I looked at cost/round, fun to shoot factor and how well I could actually shoot them. Honestly my groups were not nearly as tight with the larger mags as with 357 mags. I find the 357 does not have that much of a recoil or flip in a gun like a Python or GP100. It is not uncomfortable to shoot 50 or 100 rounds out of in a session. I have been extremely happy with my 6" GP100 for over 20 years.
I also think the new generation is all about autos and has lost interest in wheel guns in general and so I think many overlook a lot of really cool guns and rounds. I know I try to expose some new gen shooters to my GP100 so they can compare it to their 9mm autos. The smiles on their faces when they shoot it says it all. But too many will never try one.
I shot IHMSA with both 357mag and 44mag, in the revolver class. For knocking over rams the 44 wins out but overall the 357 with full house loads is eaiser for me to shoot well in a heavy frame revolver. 357mag is my favorite in a revolver. They are all way too loud to shoot without hearing protection. I have hunted with both and killed deer with the 44mag. I never had the chance with the 357 but I am sure it would have done as well.
I shoot 6" older model GP100 with orifinal grips
7 1/2" Older Redhawk with Pachmayer grips
7 1/2" Freedom Arms .454 Casull
The GP100 is so versatile, and is the beginners choice when I'm teaching somebody to shoot (with light .38s) or I can shoot full power magnums which are not as loud, and do not recoil as much as .44 mag. Personally, I think its mild. It is a higher pitch sound. As a handloder, it is cheaper to shoot than .22 rimfire. I got it as a plinking toy, but its made its way back into the nightstand. I can rapid fire with mags and stay on target as well as my Smith 439 9mm.
The .44 kicks more, and makes more noise. I got it for deer hunting, and it works well. Even with full power magnums, I find it pleasant and fun to shoot.
The .454 is downright painful to shoot with full power stuff. I have to make a conscious effort to squeeze the trigger and not flinch. I can shoot 45LC in it, or .44 mag type loads. I got it for bear hunting, and use it mostly for deer hunting now. Factory grips were Pachmyers. It has a lot of muzzle flip. I think a lot of it has to do with the single action style frame and plowhandle grips. The Pachmyers to square it up some. I've never shot a Blackhawk in .44 to compare to the Redhawk but I suspect the single action style to have more barrel flip.
I think the big problem with .357s today is people trying to shoot them in very short barreled revolvers for personal defense. Its an excellent manstopper round, and was used by the border patrol for many years where a longer range weapon might com in handy, but they weren't using concealable snubbies. I hunt with the big dogs, but my GP100 gets shot more than anything. My wife loves it, and hates the 9mm.
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7 1/2" Older Redhawk with Pachmayer grips
7 1/2" Freedom Arms .454 Casull
The GP100 is so versatile, and is the beginners choice when I'm teaching somebody to shoot (with light .38s) or I can shoot full power magnums which are not as loud, and do not recoil as much as .44 mag. Personally, I think its mild. It is a higher pitch sound. As a handloder, it is cheaper to shoot than .22 rimfire. I got it as a plinking toy, but its made its way back into the nightstand. I can rapid fire with mags and stay on target as well as my Smith 439 9mm.
The .44 kicks more, and makes more noise. I got it for deer hunting, and it works well. Even with full power magnums, I find it pleasant and fun to shoot.
The .454 is downright painful to shoot with full power stuff. I have to make a conscious effort to squeeze the trigger and not flinch. I can shoot 45LC in it, or .44 mag type loads. I got it for bear hunting, and use it mostly for deer hunting now. Factory grips were Pachmyers. It has a lot of muzzle flip. I think a lot of it has to do with the single action style frame and plowhandle grips. The Pachmyers to square it up some. I've never shot a Blackhawk in .44 to compare to the Redhawk but I suspect the single action style to have more barrel flip.
I think the big problem with .357s today is people trying to shoot them in very short barreled revolvers for personal defense. Its an excellent manstopper round, and was used by the border patrol for many years where a longer range weapon might com in handy, but they weren't using concealable snubbies. I hunt with the big dogs, but my GP100 gets shot more than anything. My wife loves it, and hates the 9mm.
.Not trying to be picky here, but,
Let's see 500 .22LR for $20. That is $4 per 100.
.357 Per 100
primers $4.00
bullets $7.00
Already almost double the .22 price
.... not counting cases and powder to go with it. No, .22 is still cheaper unless you buying .22 at scalping prices, or your .357 lead is 'free'.... Just say'n .Brian pearce's son got a Black Bear with a Tier 2 .45 Colt load in a medium frame flattop.
Yep.... Don't need all that wrist bust'n power evidently to hunt bear 
. For a deer, it must be plain over over over kill.You're looking at it all wrong.
Handloaders/reloader's don't strive to make the cheapest crap they possibly can, they strive to make the most accurate load they can at the most economical cost.
Comparing bulk crap .22lr to .357 handloads is apples to automobiles.
What you should be looking at is the cost of better ammunition - CCI @ about $7.50 per 100 at a bare minimum - but- usually more like one of the better match grade .22 offerings in the $.21 to $.25 per round range.
This is a common mistake made by people that don't handload.