.40 S&W vs .357 Sig

[WhiteyMacD]

My response is only a fanboy response.... .40s&w.

 

[grwd]

shot placement, brother. I wouldnt waste my time with a 357 conversion barrel.

 

[mhphoto]

I plan on getting the 357 Sig barrel for my USPc (.40).

Here's the ProArms podcast where they review the 357 Sig round as a whole (including many great points by Mas Ayoob).

http://proarmspodcast.com/2010/07/11/055-were-getting-the-band-back-together-to-discuss-the-357sig-cartridge/

Their overwhelming consensus is that it's a great round with many purposes and an effective man-stopper with proper shot placement. The only thing I noticed (it's an hour and twenty minutes long, so a lot of it I was listening passively) that was negative is for someone who reloads.

 

[LBnM]

It's just another choice and everyone has there own preferences. I like the 357 SIG, 9mm and .45 ACP. .40 is certainly an effective round and I had no qualms carrying one when I was told to. But, I personally find the .40 boring so I don't own one. The .45 ACP or 357 SIG are what will go with me when I leave the house (most of the time). I just prefer shooting them. The 9mm hi-cap is a house/range gun for me. That's my choice.

 

[tm8634]

In my personal non-professional opinion, I think the main difference would be availability and cost.

me too...i would do the 40 before i would the 357 for that reason...

 

[doctorjj]

I have both and really like shooting both. I don't really see much difference. I've heard people talk about the 357 SIG being a stouter recoil, or snappier, or having more muzzle blast. I don't know if I could tell the difference if you blindfolded me. I like them both.

 

[zseese]

They are my two favorite rounds so I will tell you what I know, in my G22 the recoil felt identical to me (had both barrels) for both calibers. the .357 is louder and may be just barely snappier, but not enough to make a difference. I was able to shoot nearly identical groups with both calibers (out of one gun, both barrels being factory) so that should speak to shot placement.

Now the only difference I can tell you is when you look at the holes you put on target, a 9mm will have a very jagged hole, the .40 will be slightly less jagged around the edges, while the .357 has virtually no tears in the edges every time. I'm not an expert but I believe that shows a cleaner penetration potential (I know its just paper, but that's what it says to me)

Long and short, buy the barrel and put a couple boxes through it, if you don't like it (if you like .40 then you will like the .357 imo) then sell it...

 

[bigbang]

What are the advantages of one over the other?

I have only shot .40 S&W but have been thinking about getting a .357 Sig barrel for my M&P. Just wondering if it would good/better or worse for self defense.

Thanks.

The real only way you will know is by trying both. I have both and can't tell much difference. Good luck.

 

[farmer17]

I love the .40 S&W round for defense since it has a fairly big bore but still has good velocity and holds a lot of rounds. For typical defensive situations it is my favorite, but if I worked for the Highway Patrol I might prefer the .357 Sig because of its slightly higher velocity and superior hard barrier(like the cab of a truck) penetration.

 

[Nraman]

Years ago the 357Mag 125gr JHP was considered by many to be the best self defense round.
The 357sig was created to duplicate the 357Mag ballistics out of a 4" barrel. Everybody has an opinion in these matters because there are too many variables to know for sure.