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Q: Can I use .38 Special rounds in a .357 Magnum revolver?

.357 Magnum revolvers can safely fire .38 Special cartridges, offering reduced recoil and cost-effective practice.

Q: What is the typical muzzle velocity of .357 Magnum ammunition?

Muzzle velocity ranges from about 1,200 to 1,450 feet per second depending on load and barrel length.

Q: How does .357 Magnum compare to .38 Special in stopping power?

.357 Magnum delivers greater energy and penetration than .38 Special, enhancing effectiveness for defense and hunting.

Quick Look

The .357 Magnum cartridge was introduced in 1935 by Smith & Wesson and Winchester as a powerful revolver round. It was designed for superior stopping power and versatility in handguns. Today, it remains popular with law enforcement, hunters, and self-defense shooters for its performance and reliability.

Why It's a Top Choice

Powerful with manageable recoil in revolvers
Versatile for self-defense and hunting
Wide availability of ammunition types
Works in both .357 Magnum and .38 Special firearms
Proven accuracy and performance over decades

Key Variants

.357 Magnum JHP

Popular jacketed hollow point loads designed for controlled expansion and self-defense applications.

.357 Magnum FMJ

Full metal jacket rounds favored for practice and target shooting due to reliability and lower cost.

.357 Magnum Lead Round Nose

Traditional lead bullet style commonly used for hunting and target applications with good penetration.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	.357 Magnum	10mm Auto	.44 Magnum
MSRP (ammo)	$0.80 - $1.50 per round	$1.00 - $1.70 per round	$1.20 - $2.00 per round
Typical Capacity	6-8 rounds (revolver)	10-15 rounds (semi-auto)	5-6 rounds (revolver)
Weight (ammo)	Approximately 125-158 grains	140-180 grains	240-300 grains
Optics-Ready Firearms	Available on some revolvers	Widespread availability	Limited options
Trigger Type	Double/single action	Single/double action (varies)	Double/single action
Notable Pro	Proven stopping power and versatility	High capacity and semi-auto speed	Extreme power for hunting large game
Notable Con	Lower capacity than some semi-autos	Recoil is strong for many shooters	Heavy recoil and muzzle blast

Best Use Cases

Self-defense and concealed carry
Law enforcement duty sidearm
Hunting medium game
Range target practice
Collecting classic revolvers

FAQs

Can I use .38 Special rounds in a .357 Magnum revolver?

Yes, .357 Magnum revolvers are chambered to safely fire .38 Special cartridges, offering reduced recoil and cost-effective practice options.

What is the typical muzzle velocity of .357 Magnum ammunition?

Muzzle velocity ranges from approximately 1,200 to 1,450 feet per second depending on load and barrel length.

How does .357 Magnum compare to .38 Special in stopping power?

.357 Magnum delivers significantly greater energy and penetration than .38 Special, making it more effective for defense and hunting.

357 MAGNUM for Sale