What 357mag round is most powerful

[Bdouthet]

What 357mag round is most powerful at 50yds?

For the longest time it was the 140gr

is there a factory round that will do 550 ft-lbs or higher at 50yds, out of a 4in barrel?

 

[Hook686]

Starting with Buffalo Bore data at:

Heavy 357 Magnum Pistol & Handgun Ammunition


2. 4 inch S&W L frame Mt. Gun

a. Item 19A/20-180gr. Hard cast LFN = 1375 fps



then using balistic calculator at:

Handloads.Com Ballistic Calculator

Range Velocity Impact Drop ToF Energy Drift
0 1375 -0.5 0 0 756 0
10 1341 0 0.14 0.02 719 0.48
20 1312 0.32 0.47 0.05 688 0.61
30 1284 0.43 1 0.07 659 0.83
40 1257 0.32 1.75 0.09 632 1.14
50 1232 0 2.71 0.12 607 1.53

or 607 ft-lbs at 1232 fps at 50 yards for the 180 grain hard cast by Buffalo Bore

 

[ArchAngelCD]

first off what do you consider the measure of "Powerful"? Are you talking about velocity, energy or both?

If it's energy than all you need to do is the Math. Use THIS site to make the calculations easier. As long as you know the velocity you can find out which is "most powerful" of the ammo you are considering.

I did test s on .357 Magnum ammo through a 18.5" Carbine with bullets ranging from 125gr all the way up to 180gr and the one that delivered the most energy was the both the 140gr and 170gr bullets both @1213 ft/lbs of energy. The 125gr bullet was a close second although I think the heavier bullets will penetrate more and better.

 

[Bdouthet]

first off what do you consider the measure of "Powerful"? Are you talking about velocity, energy or both?

If it's energy than all you need to do is the Math. Use THIS site to make the calculations easier. As long as you know the velocity you can find out which is "most powerful" of the ammo you are considering.

I did test s on .357 Magnum ammo through a 18.5" Carbine with bullets ranging from 125gr all the way up to 180gr and the one that delivered the most energy was the both the 140gr and 170gr bullets both @1213 ft/lbs of energy. The 125gr bullet was a close second although I think the heavier bullets will penetrate more and better.

I need a factory round that will do 550 ft-lbs or higher at 50yds, out of a K-frame 4in barrel?

 

[ArchAngelCD]

This 158gr ammo from DoubleTap will deliver 687.5 ft/lbs at the barrel from a 4" barrel.

This Hard Cast 180gr ammo will deliver 557 ft/lbs @50 yards from a 4" barrel.

Grizzly Cartridges makes some very good .357 Magnum Hunting Ammo that is probably the best available. (and prices so)

There are others out there that are also good but the ones above I've used and can verify they are good ammo.

 

[remat457]

Have you already checked the usual suspects?
Swampfox Ammo, DoubleTap, Buffalo Bore, Garret Cartridges, etc.

 

[Bdouthet]

Thanks.....

 

[safearm]

Samson (made by IMI) was reportedly the "hottest" factory 125 grain .357 Magnum ammo when it was made. I've fired rounds thru both a Python and a Model 66, and it was noticeably louder, had a larger muzzle flash/bloom, and had greater felt recoil than "standard" 125 grain .357 magnum ammo.