357 mag ammo with 3” Barrel

imaoldcowhand · Dec 5, 2019

What is your choice of 357 mag ammo to use in a revolver with a 3” barrel.

I have my sights set on Hornaday Critical Duty 357 mag 135 gr

I wouldn’t shoot them on a regular basis, just for defensive purposes.

Or, should I just stick with 38 +P in a 3” barrel?

danb · Dec 5, 2019

I consider this set of tests on 357/38 spl the bible of ammo tests:

https://www.luckygunner.com/labs/revolver-ballistics-test/

I would pick something that performs well in a 2" barrel but does not over penetrate from a 4".

note that even from a 4" barrel, bullet technology being as advanced as it is, many 38 spl loads perform well as 357. Speed is not all that.

all that said, I use Hornady Critical Duty. :thumbsup:

TheOriginalMexicanBob · Dec 5, 2019

The Lucky Gunner tests aren't perfect but they're likely the best we have to go by...they are a fair test side-by-side of various loads. They really don't take into account recoil relative to one another or muzzle flash...some loads have more flash suppressant than others.

I'm thinking you should stick with a good .38 Special +P...the shorter the barrel the more velocity loss so a .357 would lose much of its advantage....plus you don't need the added flash from a .357 and blast. A good compromise might be the .38 Special +P+ "Treasury Load" as it used to be the standard load for the Secret Service prior to transitioning to .357Sig. My 2 1/2" Python loves it. A Python with its faster than standard rate of twist should show a preference for heavier bullets but my Python snubby shows a distinct preference for the Treasury Load.

John from MD · Dec 5, 2019

I would conduct my own low light test to see what blinds you and what doesn't.

jimbobborg · Dec 6, 2019

Critical Duty is for full sized handguns. Critical Defense is for shorter barreled handguns. I currently don't own any shorter barreled .357s, but if I did, I'd use Critical Defense.

danb · Dec 6, 2019

Honestly I have not really looked at these results in a while. The Federal 130gr HST micro in 38spl performs really well, even out of a 2" barrel. really good expansion and 14" depth. Better than even many of the 357 rounds. I may have to change my mind.

Bob A · Dec 6, 2019

Buffalo Bore makes 38spl ammunition for short-barreled revolvers, low flash, both regular pressure and +P. Hard cast wadcutter or "flying ashtray."

357 mag ammo with 3” Barrel

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