More power than .38, less rowdy than .357 Mag?

Triggernosis

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Is there a cartridge that has more power than the .38 Special but is more "manageable" than the .357 Magnum?
 
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I'm probably confused. Are you looking for loads for the same handgun or just shopping around for ammunition choice ideas?

The type of gun the particular ammunition is in will also affect the perceived recoil.
 
I've never had a problem with a .357 in a full sized revolver like a GP-100 or any L or N frame. I guess "rowdy" is a relative term. Shooting a full house .357 mag in one of them new fangled air-weight revolvers will get your attention in a hurry, but so will a .44 special, .45ACP, or a .45LC. It's all about the launching system.

I am going to guess that you have a lightweight, or at least a small (J-Frame) .357, and want something to feed it so that it doesn't break your wrist. Short answer. If it is for self defense, get some Speer Gold Dot .38 special +Ps. They will most likely get the job done for you. Shoot standard .38 specials at the range for practice sessions.

We definately need more info to correctly address your question.


WG840
 
I'm probably confused. Are you looking for loads for the same handgun or just shopping around for ammunition choice ideas?

The type of gun the particular ammunition is in will also affect the perceived recoil.

Barb, I'm not looking for loads. I'm just kinda "thinking" right now about what I'd like to get next. I have a .357 Mag. revo. with compensated 2-1/2" barrel (Rossi) and it's a bear to get a quick follow-up shot with due to being so rambunctious. I don't want to get a .38 and feel "undergunned" though.
I don't know if I want a carry-size gun or something to tote in the truck, boat, etc.. I DO, however, know I want another revolver.;-)

Just thinking out loud here....
 
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Barb, I'm not looking for loads. I'm just kinda "thinking" right now about what I'd like to get next. I have a .357 Mag. revo. with compensated 2-1/2" barrel (Rossi) and it's a bear to get a quick follow-up shot with due to being so rambunctious. I don't want to get a .38 and feel "undergunned" though.
I don't know if I want a carry-size gun or something to tote in the truck, boat, etc.. I DO, however, know I want another revolver.;-)

Just thinking out loud here....

Sir, snub .357s are notoriously difficult to shoot well with full-power ammo. Look for heavier guns with 4-inch or longer barrels, and avoid the bigger magnums (.41 and up). Things like .44 special, .45 Colt and ACP, and even the .357 in full-size steel guns will all be more comfortable than your snubbie.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.
 
Sir, snub .357s are notoriously difficult to shoot well with full-power ammo. Look for heavier guns with 4-inch or longer barrels, and avoid the bigger magnums (.41 and up). Things like .44 special, .45 Colt and ACP, and even the .357 in full-size steel guns will all be more comfortable than your snubbie.

Hope this helps, and Semper Fi.

Ron H.

I have to agree. I have a 357 J frame M-60 that I carry a lot. It is tough to shoot full power well. I shoot a lot, 400-500 rounds a month when I'm not training for a match, so I'm confident in my abilities. I still feel like I need to put at least 50 rounds a month thru the carry gun of the month. In the summer the J frame goes out pretty regularly. I use Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 gr 357 MAG for carry. It is a mid power load, I had the data but can't find it right now but I think it was about 100 fps more than the Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 gr 38+p. if I remember right the 357 was about 1000 fps.

After saying all that I need to agree with the 44 SPL, 45acp calibers as easier to shoot. It is not just the recoil but also the blast. Have you ever felt the slap of blast from a full power 357 on the top of your feet? It is intimidating even for experienced shooters. When you get a 357 up into the 170,000 power factor range it is a totally different animal than a 44-45.
 
You want more power and a good follow-up shot? Try a 1911 and .45acp - nothing quite like it!

I shoot both a 1911 and a Sig 220 (which is no slouch). I prefer the 1911, but bottom line - the acp is the right round for the job you described.
 
I would suggest a 696 (44 spl, 3", 5 shot) If you want concealable. as swissman says less ouch. Unfortunately, you will not find good loads unless you hand load or go to one of the specialty makers.
240 grs @ 1000 fps=serious business.
 
I generally carry either .45 acp or .44 special... usually both at the same time.
Both are very mild, I like .44 mag snubbies... so my idea of mild may be different that other peoples.
My .44 spl is a Taurus M445, 5 shot snubby... I use it as my pocket gun.


Jim
 
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