The unpopular 357.

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GF

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So now that I've got your attention to ask, is the 357 magnum on the down-hill slide?
I've been filling some holes in my ammo boxes, I like nice round numbers ( like 1000 :)) so I've ordered 158gr & 125gr stuff that I needed to get back to flush.
Most companies that sell ammo have many brands & bullet weights available in 9mm, 40 Short & Weak and 45acp. Not so much in the 357 magnum category.

This forum is home base for the 357 magnum, we are the ones who still shoot 'em and.... still CARRY (?) 'em.
So what's up, is it over there on the shelf with the 22 magnum?

GF
 
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I think you will find that the autopistols vs. revolver issue is the more significant variable.
 
:confused::confused: How did you determine it is on the down slide?

Why to people consider the 40 SW "short and weak" it's probably one of the best calibers ever.
( I am aware of how the term originated)
Apparently most LE agencies have not heard the news.
 
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Almost my fav

I have a nice little collection of Smiths. My favorites are in 44spl and 45LC. However, more of my revolvers are 357 than any other caliber. I might let you borrow one for a couple days, but they aren't for sale. I load heavier bullets now more than any. 158gr and up. The 357's are for me a perfect balance of power, accuracy, and my ability to shoot.

OK, I lied. After posting the above I counted and I have seven 38spl. But I still really like the 357 for most of my boony time.
 
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It's not going anywhere soon. S&W sells 600-800K worth of revolvers every year, 38/357 being the largest percentage of those sales.

Semi's are the largest sellers now and will continue to be, but the 357 has it's place, particularly with the rise in popularity of cowboy shooing. It's one of .45 LC, .44 spl, .357's best friends.
 
I'm with you guys on the "not going anywhere" from me too.
Just it seems like the selection of ammo from factory sources are less than they used to be and less than other calibers.

That snuck up on me.

I think the "autopistols vs. revolver issue is the more significant variable" comment is the key. Revolvers are not primary handguns anymore so they make what sells first.

Sorry to ruffle feathers on the 40 cal comment. The government DID order a half a billion rounds, according to another thread here.
I just never figured out what the question it answered was when 357 Sig & 10mm came along and never hit it off.
Forty is OK when it has a five after it.:D

But I digress.

I guess, given enough time the "first magnum" might be looked at like the .41 magnum.

GF
 
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Well, just for the heck of it I inventoried my revolvers. The number of .357 magnum exceed the number of all other calibers COMBINED. In fact it's almost double. If I take the .38 specials out of the equation it's MORE than double.

If you find a caliber and/or model you like you end up getting more and more of that caliber or model.

I guess I like me some model 27's and 28's.... :)
 
The three Bears:D

The 9 was not enough, the 10MM was too much and the 40 SW eventually developed in to just right.;)

The 10mm for regular use is pretty harsh. The 357 Sig is just a real speedy 9mm. I can load a 40SW with a smaller bullet and crank it up. Probably why there is no +P 40 SW as it already is a PLUS.
 
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If there is a cartridge that is perfect for a revolver, one with proven accuracy and performance to excel at target-shooting and personal defense, in my humble opinion I believe that cartridge is the .357 Magnum. Loaded-down or with .38 Specials, it is great for plinking cans and punching paper. Its maximum loads with proper bullets will stop most things that eat and breathe, all in a very controllable platform. If I were forced to choose only one handgun to live out my days with, it would be the well-balanced and versatile .357 Magnum revolver, preferably one with S&W inscribed upon it.
 
Ruger, Taurus & S&W are selling the heck outta .357 Magnum revolvers.

When a nice revolver shows up in my local consignment case it never lasts long.

When .357 brass shows up on the WTS boards it gets snapped up instantly.

Look at Calguns. A pretty young average age over there and plenty of the kids are getting at least one wheelie to go with their Glocks.

Don't know where you're getting your information.:confused:
 
my theory ... since wide spread CCW, the influx of new shooters has been huge and has had an impact on things .. not all of it positive.
Ive notices 357 offerings to be a little skimpy along side its older cousin the 38. many seem to dislike full house 357 loads and tend to carry their 357's loaded with specials.
Ive even seen alot of this practice discussed thread after thread in our own CCW section.
 
I used to think the same thing about the .45 Colt. I made the remark once to a guy that the Judge really sparked sales in that ammo so I hope they ramp up production. I thought he was going to take my head off. I just saw groups like SASS and similar as being the only real sales driving force behind keeping the .45 Colt alive and being made. Enter the Judge and know we went through a short empty shelves period to now there is all kinds of .45 Colt ammo on the market. That was my only point but I guess he didn't like hearing that.
 
I too did an inventory and found no less than 4 .357s residing in my safe!
My first a model 28, 2 model 66-2s and a Ruger SP-101, one if the 66s and the Ruger just went on the ready line!
I prefer revolvers and the "low round count" doesn't bother me in the least, ya gotta hit em first and the .357 makes a lasting impression! Dale
 
I think you will find that the autopistols vs. revolver issue is the more significant variable.

Sir, there's your answer. That said, I'd think the .357 must be the first or second most popular centerfire revolver cartridge, either right ahead of or right behind the .38 special.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
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