kbm6893
SWCA Member
230 grain .45 ACP vs. 158 grain .357. Which one has more stopping power? Both seem to be about the same price.
Which is more powerful? .45 or .357
- Thread starter kbm6893
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40cal
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+1 to that
IMO barrel length and distance to your target will come into play also. Over penetration may be an issue with the .357, all in all you can call it a draw.
I got to ask.
What bullet would you suggest for a .45acp in select social situations? For some reason, I have concerns about which is the best so called "one shot stopper."
Without reloading bullets, which brand do you feel is best?
What bullet would you suggest for a .45acp in select social situations? For some reason, I have concerns about which is the best so called "one shot stopper."
Without reloading bullets, which brand do you feel is best?
cgt4570
SWCA Member
Would you rather be ran over by a motorcycle going 180 mph or a semi truck going 65 mph? The end result is probably going to be the same. Just different physics principles at play.
flop-shank
US Veteran
The best loads in each caliber, from full length barrels, should work about as well. In short barrels, I think the higher velocity of the .357 is a real plus since the .45 operates at much lower velocities. As barrels get shorter, the .45 may not be as reliable of an expender when heavy clothing is involved. Modern ammo is much better than that of the past so poor expansion doesn't seem to be as big of a problem as it used to be. Also lighter bullets, such as 200 and 185 grainers, can give snub .45s the velocity boost that they need .
The .45 generally will produce bigger expanded diameters, whereas the .357 generally will have more energy and some loads throw off serious secondary fragments.
As a service cartridge, many prefer the more powerful 125 gr. .357 offerings. I certainly do. Hot 125s should be good for over 700 fpe. from a 6" gun.
The .45 generally will produce bigger expanded diameters, whereas the .357 generally will have more energy and some loads throw off serious secondary fragments.
As a service cartridge, many prefer the more powerful 125 gr. .357 offerings. I certainly do. Hot 125s should be good for over 700 fpe. from a 6" gun.
When a piece of low-life scum is trying to kill me or mine...I would hardly call that a "social situation." ~
And if I did pull the trigger on him, the bullet would be a 200-gr. Gold Dot.
Steve C
Member
Depends upon the ammo being used and type of bullet. In the .357 mag the 125gr JHP has a better record than any other ammunition.
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LuddhaBuddha
Member
I carry either 230gr Federal HST or 230gr Winchester Ranger T-series, but would be fine with using gold dots or XTPs in either 230gr or 200gr.
reerc
Member
Oh goodie, a caliber war! (never saw one of these before ...)
Well, isn't it obvious?
Not trying to start a war. It's an obvious question. If I asked which was more powerful, a .380 or a 9MM, would there be a debate? I don't think so. The .45 has a heavier bullet (230 grains vs. 158), but the magnum is a magnum, and I have fired the 45 ACP out of a revolver, and the .357 sure had more kick.
Just answer the question if you have an opinion, and keep the comments to yourself.
Just answer the question if you have an opinion, and keep the comments to yourself.
Go back and read the first reply...it's mine.
Since no one else has mentioned the obvious. The real answer is the one you can contol, and effectively put on target. Always depending on what that target is. Both work well for BGs, other targets might change the choice. I don't like .45 for hogs or bears, in those circumstance I'd want something else. Usually, in that kind of country I've got a .44 mag.
And magnum is really just a label.
I'm not up on enough science to tell you the energy transmitted to the target etc., if that's what you're looking for.
I've shot a boatload more .45acp than I have .357 so I personally trust it more. But I'm not shooting thru barricades or windshields etc.
And magnum is really just a label.
I'm not up on enough science to tell you the energy transmitted to the target etc., if that's what you're looking for.
I've shot a boatload more .45acp than I have .357 so I personally trust it more. But I'm not shooting thru barricades or windshields etc.
JBoss
Member
The information posted on the following site may shed some light on the discussion about effectiveness of different calibers.
Terminal ballistics as viewed in a morgue
Terminal ballistics as viewed in a morgue
c.marsh
Member
BEST OF BOTH WORLDS
FEDERAL--200gr expanding fmj 45acp..........
FEDERAL--200gr expanding fmj 45acp..........
mistermills357
US Veteran
I am going with the .357 Mag., in both 125 and 158 grain HP. I would choose it first. I fired into an old washer once, to see what would happen; I stood to the side and fired. The bullet ripped out of there and tore a gash with each shot. Each was about as long and wide as the top half of my thumb.
I have used it to stop a dog: and it strikes like lightening.
Even so, I have been back and forth on this, because those are my favorite calibers.
I have seen a .45 FMJ stopped by a coffee can, I shot it and the bullet struck the rim of the can.
In praise of the .45, let me add that the can flipped into the air at least knee high. It acted like it did not know which way to turn first. In more praise, I have fired 185grain Remington +P's in my .45 and I love that round: It is one of my favorite loads.
I have used it to stop a dog: and it strikes like lightening.
Even so, I have been back and forth on this, because those are my favorite calibers.
I have seen a .45 FMJ stopped by a coffee can, I shot it and the bullet struck the rim of the can.
In praise of the .45, let me add that the can flipped into the air at least knee high. It acted like it did not know which way to turn first. In more praise, I have fired 185grain Remington +P's in my .45 and I love that round: It is one of my favorite loads.
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