Most common 357 velocities through the years

[aterry33]

Of course there are a lot of variables involved, like barrel length, but we can assume 4" service revolver.

Seems like 158 grain nowadays average 1250 and 125 average 1400-1450.

How has this evolved since the inception of the 357 magnum?

 

[Alk8944]

There really hasn't been any "evolution in velocity" per se. The .357 Magnum was originally developed using Lead bullets in an 8 3/4" (Not 8 3/8"!) barrel. At that time the standard advertised velocity was 1520 FPS +/-, which generated 800 FPE. I have always wondered if this was really rounded off because 800 sounds like so much more than 795, and the 1520 wasn't "Backed into".

Now most ammunition is loaded with jacketed bullets that have a much higher coefficient of friction than Lead alloy bullets. All things being equal you will lose ca. 100 FPS just changing to a jacketed bullet. Then shorten the barrel and give up another ca. 25-50 FPS per inch and you get what? Well, 1520 FPS, minus 100 FPS for the jacketed bullet, minus (round 8 3/4" to 9") 25-50 FPS/inch = 125 to 250 FPS for a 4" barrel. What do we have? 1520-225 to 350 FPS = 1295 to 1175 FPS. What do the factories claim for their 158 JHP/JSP loads in a 4" barreled revolver, 1250 FPS, right about in the middle of the calculated velocity range!

If you have a good chronograph you can easily test this yourself. These figures above are the result of shooting literally thousands of rounds of .357 Magnum from numerous S&W revolvers ranging from 4" to 8 3/8" barrels, not simply parroting what has been published in the various gun-rags over the years.

 

[Swed]

I have some old Norma in wood grain boxes, 357 magnum 158gr swc jacketed. It states 442m/s 1450 fps on the box. I have chronoed it and it is not far off from a 6" colt trooper mk3. They are hot and give a nice flash. Other factory 357 magnum feels like practice ammo in comparision. (Here in Sweden we usually only se 158grs magnum for sale, guns are not allowed for personal defence use)

 

[REM 3200]

There really hasn't been any "evolution in velocity" per se. The .357 Magnum was originally developed using Lead bullets in an 8 3/4" (Not 8 3/8"!) barrel. At that time the standard advertised velocity was 1520 FPS +/-, which generated 800 FPE. I have always wondered if this was really rounded off because 800 sounds like so much more than 795, and the 1520 wasn't "Backed into".

Good post.
That also was most likely in a non-vented test barrel in those days. Todays specs are at least from a vented barrel and in some cases(Buffalo Bore) from an actual revolver.

 

[Texas Star]

Elmer Keith noted in the 1950's that some lots of .357 and .44 Mag. ammo were so hot that he had to pound the extractor rods to get empty cases out of the guns.

Current velocities are from four-inch vented barrels, not longer test barrels. I think they usually cite 1200 fps for 158's.

You can get that or more from three-inch barrels with 140-145 grain bullets.

 

[Stainless44]

There really hasn't been any "evolution in velocity" per se. The .357 Magnum was originally developed using Lead bullets in an 8 3/4" (Not 8 3/8"!) barrel. At that time the standard advertised velocity was 1520 FPS +/-, which generated 800 FPE. I have always wondered if this was really rounded off because 800 sounds like so much more than 795, and the 1520 wasn't "Backed into".

Now most ammunition is loaded with jacketed bullets that have a much higher coefficient of friction than Lead alloy bullets. All things being equal you will lose ca. 100 FPS just changing to a jacketed bullet. Then shorten the barrel and give up another ca. 25-50 FPS per inch and you get what? Well, 1520 FPS, minus 100 FPS for the jacketed bullet, minus (round 8 1/4 to 9") 25-50 FPS/inch = 125 to 250 FPS for a 4" barrel. What do we have? 1520-225 to 350 FPS = 1295 to 1175 FPS. What do the factories claim for their 158 JHP/JSP loads in a 4" barreled revolver, 1250 FPS, right about in the middle of the calculated velocity range!

Dude...seriously good post. I just got clobbered with data and had to read it a few times to catch it all...great job breaking it down.

 

[Alk8944]

Should have added, "If you want original .357 Magnum performance then load Lead bullets and shoot them from an 8 3/8" revolver. Jacketed bullets and shorter barrels won't do it." And it has nothing to do with lawyers and "Dumbing down" the cartridge for recent light-weight small frame models!

Regardless, .357 from any barrel length will out perform any .38 Special load, +P or not, from the same length barrel. This includes 2" snubbies, contrary to what some believe

 

[REM 3200]

Regardless, .357 from any barrel length will out perform any .38 Special load, +P or not, from the same length barrel. This includes 2" snubbies, contrary to what some believe

^^^ This should be a sticky.

 

[HCH]

Lubalox?

Does anyone know if the black, lubricated Winchester bullets really increase velocity??

 

[Stainless44]

Does anyone know if the black, lubricated Winchester bullets really increase velocity??

I thought those were for killing vampires...or was it weirwolves?