The Best .357 Magnum Ammo for Home Defense

The iconic .357 Magnum ammo stands out as a top home defense round. Choosing a gun and ammo for home defense is much different than choosing one for self-defense. Most experts say that using a shotgun for home defense is the way to go. Easy to shoot with less chance of liability or collateral damage. This is true. However, 00 buckshot isn’t always a deterrent to an intruder in your home. Additionally, not everyone can operate a shotgun as easily as a handgun. Lastly, homeowners can conceal a handgun easier than a long gun, making it easier to get to in the moment.

A .357 Magnum revolver makes an excellent choice for home defense. The .357 Magnum ammo provides reliable accuracy with adequate stopping power. Homeowners sleep better knowing the family is protected by one of the most classic types of ammunition on the market. Experts laud .357 Magnum ammo for its versatility. Shooters choose the round because it is inexpensive, readily available, and usable for plinking, hunting, range training, target shooting, and home defense. More powerful ammunition exists but the .357 is easy to control and easier to shoot.

Some object to using a .357 as a home defense weapon because of the excess weight. The argument proves valid if the gun is for concealed carry. However, a home defense weapon stays in the home, hopefully in a lockbox, until needed.

Handgun vs. Rifle

.357 Magnum ammo brings versatility to the table in that it can be used in a handgun or a carbine. The impressive round fires at about 1,400 FPS from a revolver and 1,800 FPS from a rifle. The developers created the round to be strong enough to confront criminals, including those wearing ballistics vests. While a neighborhood intruder is unlikely to wear a bulletproof vest, the stopping power is still important. Such power presents a possible downside in that it can go through drywall or a door, causing collateral damage.

Using a .357 Magnum Revolver

Pop culture makes carrying a large caliber gun fashionable. A Colt .45 will scare an intruder but do little else if the gun is too much to handle. a  .357 Magnum revolver backs up the threat to protect the home and the people inside. Benefits to using a .357 Magnum revolver include:

Easy handling. Revolvers, especially those with longer barrels, are easy to aim and shoot. The heavy weight benefits the shooter with superior accuracy. They also allow the user to fire quickly.

Revolvers operate without fuss. Revolvers belong in the “what you see is what you get” category. The shooter forgoes adjusting bells and whistles. Point and shoot. Home defense situations call for fast action.

Revolvers remain popular which means they are affordable and easy to find.

Lastly, .357 revolvers fire .38 Special rounds. The rounds match in every way but their length. Shooting less powerful ammo helps novices handle the recoil. It also allows for a lighter trigger pull on guns with a short barrel length, like a snubnose.

Advantages of .357 Mag Ammo

Shooters credit .357 ammo with power and ease of use. Some advantages to the ammo include:

  • Various factory loads. Most manufacturers produce a wide variety of bullet weights and types for .357 Mag. From 110 grains to 180 grains.
  • Reload with ease. Handloaders save money and experiment with reloading .357 cartridges to create bigger and better rounds.
  • Easy to find. Most stores, outlets and online sites carry .357 ammo. This makes it simple to comparison shop and buy in bulk.

Specs

Smith & Wesson ordered changes to Elmer Keith’s original bullet design. The bullet was reshaped to Philip Sharpe’s specifications. Today, the .357 S&W Magnum rimmed centerfire cartridge with a .357 inch (9.1mm) diameter bullet. The case measures 1.29 inches in length. The total length of the round is 1.59 inches. SAAMI states the maximum pressure is 35,000 PSI; average muzzle velocity is 1,090 feet per second (FPS).

Bullet Types

An experienced shooter knows bullet types and their uses. Manufacturers create new bullet types to accommodate popular calibers like.357 Magnum. Common styles include Full Metal Jacket, Jacketed Soft Point, and Jacketed Hollow Point. The list below shows the three common types of bullets and their uses.

Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)

FMJ bullets cost less than hollow points or soft points. This makes them ideal for high volume shooting including range or target practice. The bullet houses a soft center metal like lead, surrounded by a harder metal, usually copper. FMJs work best for short-range shooting, plinking, target practice, range training, and competition shooting.

Hollow Points (HP)

Hollow points relate mostly to self-defense and home protection. HPs cost more than FMJs, however, the round performs better in face-to-face confrontations. The ballistics of HPs are comparable to the FMJ. The HP design allows the bullet to expand, creating a larger wound channel than the FMJ. The expansion stops attackers quickly and therefore, the shooter is protected.

Soft Points (SP)

Hunters choose soft points over most other ammunition. SPs expand more than an FMJ, which creates ideal stopping power. SPs compare to HPs, except for the expansion. An SP allows the shooter to have more control. SP ballistics outshine other bullets, especially when they are made with a boat-tail design. Jacketed Soft Points (JSP) are another option.

Bullet Weights

Bullet weights control the power of the projectile as it leaves the gun barrel. The number of grains determines the weight.

Heavyweight Bullet Characteristics

Heavy bullet weights lower the velocity of the ammo. A heavy bullet works well in short-range situations including home defense. It is less affected by weather or minor changes in wind. The downsides include heavier recoil and the likelihood of over penetration.

Lightweight Bullet Characteristics

Lightweight bullets travel fast. The lighter the bullet, the faster it travels. The lightweight means the bullet will retain a better trajectory, and therefore, accuracy at long distances. The bullet’s high velocity brings with it the chance for over penetration. An advantage is less recoil.

Best .357 Magnum Ammo for Home Defense

Experts showcase top choices for .357 for home defense. Each brings the power, accuracy and velocity needed in any home defense situation. The downsides for the .357 include a bright muzzle flash, stiff recoil, and loud report. These items distract newbies from maintaining accuracy on multiple shots. However, using a bullet with fewer grains will lessen these issues. Ammo types and weights should be based on the shooter’s knowledge and skill level. Practice is imperative.

Top choices for home defense ammo include:

Federal Ammunition 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 539 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Buffalo Bore Tactical Short Barrel 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,400 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 606 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal American Eagle Cartridge 158 Grain JSP

  • 1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 530 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Fiocchi 142 Grain FMJ-TC

  • 1,420 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 636 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 Grain JHP

  • 990 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 135 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 294 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady Critical Defense 125 Grain FTX

  • 1,500 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 125 Grain
  • FlexTip Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 824 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

CCI Blazer 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,150 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 464 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Tula Ammo 158 Grain FMJ

  • 1,280 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Steel Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 464 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Barnes 140 Grain VOR-TX JHP

  • 1,265 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Copper Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 498 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Premium Power-Shok 158 Grain JHP

  • 1,240 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 539 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Ruger ARX 86 Grain

  • 1,650 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 86 Grain
  • Injection Molded Copper Polymer ARX Projectile
  • Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 552 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Hornady American Gunner 125 Grain JHP XTP

  • 1,500 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 125 Grain
  • Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 624 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

PMC Bronze 158 Grain JSP

  • 1,471 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 759 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Sellier & Bellot 158 Grain FMJ-FN

  • 889 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 158 Grain
  • Full Metal Jacket Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 278 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Federal Premium Barnes Expander 140 Grain JHP

  • 1,400 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 140 Grain
  • Jacketed Soft Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 609 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Remington Ammunition: 110 Grain SJHP 

  • 1,295 FPS Muzzle Velocity
  • 110 Grain
  • Semi Jacketed Hollow Point Bullet
  • Nickel-plated Brass Casing
  • Boxer Primer
  • 410 ft-lbs. Muzzle Energy

Conclusion

Experts never agree on the ultimate home defense ammunition. However, .357 Magnum ammo appears at the top of the list due to its stopping power, accuracy, availability, and reliability. The ammo carries the power necessary to dominate in any situation in a revolver or lever-action carbine. Where larger calibers bear the burden of possible over penetration, the .357 ammo is less likely to go through the target to cause collateral damage. The .357 Mag ammo gives the homeowner peace of mind, knowing that the protection is there if needed.

357 Sig: Old Ammunition Has Value

Compact .357 SIG with ammunition

SIG SAUER and Federal Premium Ammunitions introduced  .357 SIG ammunition in 1994. The cartridge has a rimless, bottlenecked case. The companies wanted to have the same power as the .357 Magnum, but designed it for use in a semi-automatic pistol. The ammo was launched four years after the .40 S&W, a round created for the FBI.  The .40 S&W has the stopping power of a .45 ACP and ease of use of the 9mm parabellum. Although the .357 SIG performed better than the .40 S&W, it never became as popular with law enforcement or the public.

.357 SIG Design

The designers took a .357 bullet and pared it down to .355-inch to make it easier to handle. The .357 SIG was the first commercial bottleneck ammunition sold since the 1960s. The cartridge base diameter is .424-inch, the case is .864-inch in length. The full length of the cartridge is 1.140-inches.  It uses a bullet with 125-grains, the same as a .357 Mag. It has a velocity of 1,350 feet per second (fps), and muzzle energy of more than 500 foot pounds (ft·lbs). The round is also referred to as the .357 SIG, .357 Sig, and 9x22mm.

.357 SIG vs. .357 Magnum

Although the .357 SIG never became popular, it remains a favorite of some law enforcement agencies, as well as target shooters and those who are in range training or carry for self-defense. Unlike other small rounds, the .357 SIG has the ability to cause hydrostatic shock, immediately disabling or fatally wounding its target upon impact. While the .357 Magnum remains more popular, the .357 SIG still packs a punch. The smaller casing makes it optimal for self-defense.

Popular Firearms

Because of its lack of popularity, the .357 SIG has a limited number of firearms chambered for the ammunition. They include the full size SIG SAUER P226 (combat pistol), the compact 229, the 320 (designed for concealed carry), as well as a traditional 1911. Glock models include the full-size G31, compact G32, and G33, designed for concealed carry. S&W has discontinued their .357 SIG pistol from their M&P line.

Uses for the .357 SIG

Law enforcement agencies prefer the 9mm, but many still use the .357 SIG as a standard issue ammunition for the SIG SAUER and Glock pistols. The Texas Highway Patrol took it on in 1995, followed shortly by The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The DPS used the .357 SIG as standard issue from 1998-2013. Other notable agencies include the Bureau of Industry and Security, Federal Air Marshal Service, The United States Secret Service, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and the Texas Rangers. It is also used by several state police troops and highway patrol units, including Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Many experts refer to the .357 SIG as being obsolete but the fact that it is still used by so many law enforcement agencies shows that it has its place in the market.

 

 

 

Who Uses a .357 SIG?

.357 Sig ammo

In the mid-1990s, Swiss-German arms manufacturer SIG Sauer teamed up with Federal Cartridge (now Federal Premium Ammunitions) to develop a new cartridge to rival the .357 Magnum. The team designed the .357 SIG after the .357 Mag to duplicate the performance of the .357 Mag while offering shooters a higher cartridge capacity to be used in semi-automatic pistols. The target audience was law enforcement, which never fully embraced the new round.

Development of the .357 SIG

The .357 SIG ammo was introduced in 1994, only four years after the S&W released their .40 cal. The .40 S&W had been commissioned by the FBI after the 1986 Miami shootout in which two agents were killed and five were wounded. The FBI had requested a new load that would have the power of a .45 with lower recoil and faster reloading time. Although the .40 S&W wasn’t a perfect replacement, it was readily adopted by law enforcement agencies throughout the U.S.

At that time, neither law enforcement agencies nor the public was ready to embrace another round for a semi-automatic weapon. Therefore, the .357 SIG never caught on despite its superior performance record.

Ballistics

SIG designed the original of .357 SIG ammo was .357”, but then reduced the overall size to .355”, making it easier to reload. SIG created the first bottleneck commercial handgun cartridge manufactured since the early 1960s. Like the .357 Mag, it uses a bullet with 125 grains. It boasts an average velocity of 1,450 FPS and muzzle energy that exceeds 500 ft. lbs. The shoulder is alpha/2=18 degrees. The common rifling twist rate is 406 mm (1 in 16 in), 6 grooves, Ø lands=8.71 mm, Ø grooves=9.02 mm, land width=2.69 mm. The primer type is small pistol.

Who Uses a .357 SIG?

The performance and smaller dimensions of the .357 SIG should make it a more popular cartridge among law enforcement, but it has never caught on. Many officers have chosen to adapt to a 9 mm Parabellum for their standard sidearm. It is a preferred round for many target shooters and those interested in home defense and self-defense. Unlike some smaller rounds, the .357 SIG is capable of causing hydrostatic shock, disabling, or even fatally wounding its targets upon impact.

Many large law enforcement agencies supply their officers with .357 SIG ammunition. Officers use the ammo in SIG Sauer models and Glock pistols. The Texas Highway Patrol adopted the round in 1995. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) followed suit. They had previously given their troopers a choice between the SIG Sauer P220 in .45 ACP or the SIG Sauer P226 in 9mm. From 1998-2013, The DPS issued the SIG Sauer P226 chambered in .357 SIG as a standard sidearm for its commissioned officers.