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  #1  
Old 03-21-2010, 03:52 PM
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Default M&P 357sig/40 vs 45

Im looking at getting an M&P45, but was also thinking the M&P357sig due to being able to swap out to the 40. Can anyone throw out some comparisons? Id like some real life experience info between the 2/3 calibers.

What do ya think?
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Old 03-21-2010, 04:09 PM
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I have the M&P45 and think it's a great gun. The M&P is perfect in 45 caliber.
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Old 03-21-2010, 06:42 PM
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i have a m&p .40 and i love it, its very accurate i have not put any 357 through it yet but i plan on it some day. i have run about 1000 round in it no problems, and im mostly running walmart Winchester target load in it.
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Old 03-21-2010, 06:45 PM
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I have both. The .45 is a bit bigger, and seems heavier even when it only holds 10rds vs. 15rds in the .40. I have a S&W .357SIG barrel but haven't tried it yet. I think all around the .40 is the best bet.
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Old 03-21-2010, 08:32 PM
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I have yet to shoot a M&P .45, but I do have a .40 FS and have conversion barrels for .357 and 9mm both. One firearm that cans shoot three calibers. Nothing there to not like.

Very nice combination and I have had no problems with mine.
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Old 03-21-2010, 08:41 PM
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I think Speedguner hit it on the head - the M&P 45 seems a little big to me for a ten round pistol.

The 40W&W is a much "handier' gun, and holds a few more rounds. I don't have a 357 M&P, so I can't comment directly, but it is the same size and has the same capacity of the 40 so it should be a handy gun for you.
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Old 03-21-2010, 08:47 PM
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Haven't fired the M&P yet. But the .357 is my all time favorite service round after running rounds down range. Although .40 caliber ammo is substantially easier to come by than .357 is. All in all, its a good excuse to by a new gun. Regardless of caliber lol
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Old 03-21-2010, 08:49 PM
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I have all calibers of the M&P. I carry a M&P357 full size. I think it offers the best balance of power, size, and capacity. YMMV.
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Old 03-21-2010, 09:16 PM
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As noted, the .45 is a larger frame.
If you reload, the .357 SIG bottleneck is a PITA.
If you pick up range trash brass for reloading, some of the .40 brass may be "Glocked."

If you're going to buy me factory ammo, I'll take the .357.
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Old 03-23-2010, 06:06 PM
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The round count for me doesnt matter because in MA you cant have anything more then 10 unfortunately .

If you get the 357sig can you put the 40 barrel in like you can vice versa? Im a huge 357 fan and I really want one...

Tell me some more about the 357sig! I want to get all the knowledge of this caliber possible.......

Thanks to all so far and to the ones in the future!
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Old 03-23-2010, 07:09 PM
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I know in most of the gun stores around me 357 sig ammo is close to non-existent, and when found is more expensive than 40. What I would do is get the .40 and then somewhere down the road buy a 357 barrel. I did this with my Sig226, my barrel was $160 and was suggested to be done that way because if I bought a 357 it would be really hard to find a .40 barrel (more demand) Then its like having 2 guns
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Old 03-23-2010, 07:43 PM
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You don't mention primary use so it's hard to vote one better than the other. That said, if I could only have one, it would be the 45. Yes it's SLIGHTLY bigger but has a longer barrel & sight radius. Weight is still near 10 oz lighter than a 1911. Recoil is more of a comfortable push vs harsher snap. Mag capacity is hype. Learn to shoot and you'll never need the 10 rounds, never mind 15.
Besides, the 45 acp has been THE standard for semi auto pistols for near 100 years.
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Old 03-23-2010, 08:27 PM
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Wee Hooker: It will be for winter carry.

I just did a search on Google and read a few articles... Looks to have similarities to the 357 magnum which is good. Ammunition seems to be readily available via the internet, never really looked in the local shops.

Just looking for some pros and cons of the round...
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Old 03-24-2010, 08:36 AM
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If my trips to Walmart in the last year are indicative of availability, 357sig is more available than 45acp.
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Old 03-24-2010, 11:40 AM
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Default 40/357

BrianE-I do not see anyone answered your question, but from what I have seen, the 357 Sig amd the 9mm conversion barrels only drop into the 40, and not vice versa.
Unfortunately I did not realize that the 40 would allow you to do that when I bought my M&P9 a year ago, or I would have probably gotten the 40 and the extra barrel(s).
And around here, the .357 is pretty hard to come by in the WalMarts, and is more expensive than either 40/45.
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Old 03-24-2010, 12:30 PM
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GJH77: Thank you very much for that answer.

From my research and the help here, it looks to me that the 40 would be a no brainer, due to the facts I could always purchase the barrel in the other calibers. Currently I have an M&P9 FS and love it. Its functioned 110% and thats the reason Id get another.

The reason for me liking the 357sig is I love the 357 magnum, but wanted that same power (comparible to) in a semi-auto.

Does anyone have any information on the 357sig round specificlly?

Thanks all!
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Old 03-24-2010, 12:41 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianE View Post
Does anyone have any information on the 357sig round specificlly?
Thanks all!
It's LOUD!

Seriously, I have an M&P357 and a P229. They are loud. But it's a fun round to shoot, and not terrible to handload. If you do decide to load for it, get a gage and check your die adjustments. It does seem to be a bit more sensitive to the dimensions of loaded ammo than, say, a .45 auto. I had to grind a few thousandths off the bottom of my FL size die to get my ammunition to get along with the gage. (You can compare factory loads and your handloads using the gage - BEFORE you make up your mind to shorten a die.)

I have always been pleased with the accuracy of both of the guns mentioned. They are not target guns, but shoot very well - for me, consistently around 2 to 2.5 inches at 25 yards. No reliability issues. Recoil is quick, but not violent.

Really, if you have an M&P9 already, you won't gain much over 9mm +P+, if you don't mind using that in your gun. You probably only pick up about another 10% or so with the 357. It's hardly worth it, unless you just need a new toy.
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Old 03-24-2010, 08:59 PM
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Brian, if your in Springfield, why don't you just go over to S&W and test fire an M&P in 357sig? I've test fired there several times. The folks there are very friendly and knowledgeable.
p.s. Too bad the M&P 45c isn't MA compliant yet :-(
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Old 03-24-2010, 09:22 PM
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Wee Hooker: Very true on test firing and the compliancy of the 45 in mid size and compact.

I want the mid size in the 45... I dont understand what the wait is all about..

I did pick up a year membership to the range too...... I think I may go next week and test one out..
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Old 03-27-2010, 08:05 PM
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Quote:
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Wee Hooker: Very true on test firing and the compliancy of the 45 in mid size and compact.

I want the mid size in the 45... I dont understand what the wait is all about..

I did pick up a year membership to the range too...... I think I may go next week and test one out..

Keep us posted. I'd be interested in what you think after a test fire session. I've got 3 M&Ps. There is something different and sweet about each one.
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Old 04-02-2010, 02:34 PM
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I own both and the 357 sig is hands down my favorite however unless you reload make sure that you can find and afford the ammo! Here in Oregon 357sig is almost impossible to find but I lucked out and bought two cases of Speer Lawman 125tmj off Gunbroker for $17 a box. It usually goes for over $30 a box. I do reload but needed the cases and also prefer to break in new guns with factory ammo.
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Old 04-05-2010, 01:08 AM
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.357 SIG is my favorite caliber in both M&P and in the XD. It is a LOUD!! caliber.
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Old 07-23-2013, 12:58 AM
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I began to consider CCW after 3 guys tried to carjack me and my wife. I got away unharmed, but considered myself lucky. So, in that situation, I think having a 15 round 40 or 357 sig far outweighs any advantage a 45 would offer since they typically only chamber half as many rounds.

Also, the 357 Sig and 357 Magnum are supersonic (that is why they are louder than other rounds). So, right behind the projectile comes a shockwave that provides an added measure of knockdown force. All other pistol rounds are subsonic.

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Old 07-23-2013, 01:12 AM
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I am a 357 fan also. As noted in another post, both 357's are supersonic and that is why they are so much louder than other pistol rounds. Milliseconds after the bullet hits a target the shockwave arrives. Since body fluids cannot compress, the shockwave produces tissue and organ damage making a hit from either of these two rounds one shot stoppers. A quick Google search on the topic will reveal numerous articles regarding this info.
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Old 07-23-2013, 09:34 AM
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Quote:
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All other pistol rounds are subsonic.
Interesting observation there. Last I checked the speed of sound in air was somewhere around 1120 FPS, depending on your density altitude. There are quite a few pistol rounds that exceed that, notably all of the magnum revolver rounds, the 9x19, the .38 Super, etc., etc. Being super-sonic doesn't seem to add much to the stopping power of, for example, 9mm ball, and not being super-sonic doesn't seem to bother the .45 too much. The improved indications of stopping power of the various small-caliber pistol rounds seem more to be due entirely to recent advances in bullet design.

The SIG is a nifty little round (if someone else is paying for the ammo) but it really doesn't seem to do anything a .38 Super/9x23 (competition gun) or 9x19 (duty gun) won't do just as well or better, if all things are considered. Cost to shoot is the main gripe. Naturally, one thing government agencies never seem to consider much is cost. The ducks are always flying! (for them )
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Old 07-23-2013, 09:41 AM
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Hust a note: AMMOGUIDE.COM has a great site for comparing ballistics, load data and can give a visual comparasion of the different rounds.

I have found the information helpful, eventhough I do not reload as of yet.

Good Luck
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Old 07-23-2013, 01:53 PM
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Well, you guys dragged up an old one. It's notable because I don't think the .357 is available from S&W anymore. You'd have to buy a .40 and then get a .357 barrel from an aftermarket company.

Oh yeah, the shockwave from something as small as a bullet doesn't do any significant damage.
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Old 07-23-2013, 05:06 PM
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Definitely an oldy as I ended up with the 45
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Old 07-23-2013, 11:58 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sneaky View Post
I began to consider CCW after 3 guys tried to carjack me and my wife. I got away unharmed, but considered myself lucky. So, in that situation, I think having a 15 round 40 or 357 sig far outweighs any advantage a 45 would offer since they typically only chamber half as many rounds.

Also, the 357 Sig and 357 Magnum are supersonic (that is why they are louder than other rounds). So, right behind the projectile comes a shockwave that provides an added measure of knockdown force. All other pistol rounds are subsonic.
You kind of snuck in a 3 years + old thread and replied like it was yesterday.... That's Sneaky!!!

If you think sonic shockwave is adding knockdown power, you better Google that a couple more times.

It ain't happenin'

Welcome aboard!

.
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Old 07-24-2013, 09:15 PM
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I just became a member & for what it's worth--I'm a 357 sig fan. I have a Glock 23 with 9mm, 40, & 357sig barrels. I have shot my Son's 357sig M&P & have a new one coming for myself.
Reloading the 357sig is no problem for me, but I do take special precaution with the headspace. Instead of grinding the sizing die, I ground a few thousandths off the shell holder! Works great.
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Old 07-25-2013, 07:06 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BrianE View Post
The round count for me doesnt matter because in MA you cant have anything more then 10 unfortunately .

If you get the 357sig can you put the 40 barrel in like you can vice versa? Im a huge 357 fan and I really want one...

Tell me some more about the 357sig! I want to get all the knowledge of this caliber possible.......

Thanks to all so far and to the ones in the future!
Like you, I'm in Massachusetts too so I just bought a 45c. Eight +1 or you can use the 10 round mag with an xgrip. Smaller than the full size 45 and smaller than the full size 9/40/357 M&P.
The 357 is a great round, flies flat and fast, but hard to find, very expensive and very loud.
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Old 07-25-2013, 08:57 AM
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I bought a full size M&P in 357Sig a few years ago and immediately obtained a 40 S&W Bbl for it. I have shot it plenty with both rounds and all are 100% reliable and accurate! I am fully happy with this pistol.

Like you, I prefer the 357 Sig for carry. Still, it is useful to have the option of calibers as sometimes we carry/shoot what we have. The magazines are the same for both and so are the recoil springs, so it is just a matter of swapping out the tubes and making sure that the ammo in the mag is THE SAME as the markings on the barrel.
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Old 08-18-2013, 03:44 PM
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The 357 Sig cartridge was developed by Sig in order to have a caliber that would (1) Be lighter in recoil than the 10mm, (2) Have somewhat comparable ballistics to the 357 Magnum revolver load, (3) Operate in an auto.
It is different from most auto ammo in that it is a bottle neck case (like most high powered rifle ammo). Consequently, special care must be used in reloading.
It is not really a .40 cal case that is necked down to take a 9mm bullet, but almost. The 357 sig case neck is just a little longer. There was some confusion when it first came out about it being head spaced on the rim or the shoulder. I have an earlier reloading manual that states it head spaces on the rim. However, I have since learned that it actually head spaces on the shoulder, & I do all my reloading by measuring from base to shoulder.
Ammo is quite expensive unless you reload.
The 357 Sig seems to be popular with Law Enforcement but has been slow catching on with the general shooting public.

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Old 08-18-2013, 05:00 PM
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I currently own an M&P 40FS with the .357 Sig barrel. I bought the extra barrel because I was gifted about 5,000 rounds of Speer Gold Dot .357 Sig.

I am a retired federal agent, and current firearms instructor. The U.S. Secret Service and the Air marshals are probably the biggest users of .357 Sig ammunition. It is a great law enforcement round for sure.

That being said, when you look at actual law enforcement shooting results, there is a very slim difference between the major LE calibers in use today. Approximately 4 to 6 percent difference in one shot stops.

Basically it's ALL bullet placement! If you don't get a hit in a vital area, you might not get the subject to stop the attack. No caliber will make up for a poorly placed shot.
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Old 08-18-2013, 05:05 PM
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Originally Posted by kmyers View Post
I have yet to shoot a M&P .45, but I do have a .40 FS and have conversion barrels for .357 and 9mm both. One firearm that cans shoot three calibers. Nothing there to not like.

Very nice combination and I have had no problems with mine.
x2 I have a 9mm for my 40 FS. Shoot lots of rounds through both and love it. Haven't got a 357sig barrel yet, not sure I would gain much as the 40 & 9 seem to fit the my current needs.
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Old 08-18-2013, 05:29 PM
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M&P 357sig/40 vs 45 M&P 357sig/40 vs 45 M&P 357sig/40 vs 45 M&P 357sig/40 vs 45 M&P 357sig/40 vs 45  
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Default 357 SIG/40S&W vs 45ACP

I have a FS M&P 357SIG that I matched with a 40S&W barrel. I have a M&P9c that I have matched with a 40S&W barrel. I also have a FS M&P45. I have carried a 45acp professionally and CHL (Colt 1911 or Officer's ACP) for 30 years. I think that the 45 is an outstanding bullet diameter. The 40 is not far behind. The 357- SIG or magnum is a great shocker with 124/125gr bullets. I carried a magnum before I switched to the 45acp. I would feel well armed with any of the three, so I won't try to sway you on any one of them.
Barrel conversions are straightforward between the M&P 40/357 full size pistols. Simply swap out the barrels and use the same magazines.
Going from 9mm to 40 requires some barrel fitting (At least on my M&Pc). I had to shave the chamber sides at the rear of the chamber to facilitate barrel/slide fit. I also had to slightly tweak the extractor and polish a sharp corner on the breach face to get reliable feeding. Also need the dedicated 9mm mags.
-If you go with the 357SIG, get ready to reload. Here's some tips: Starline has great brass and no shipping charges. Do NOT try to use Berry's or Ranier plated bullets. Ramshot Silhouette powder will give max velocities with no pressure signs. Plus, Silhouette powder will help reduce your muzzle blast and almost eliminate muzzle flash.

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1911, 357 magnum, 45acp, cartridge, model 19, sig arms, springfield, winchester

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