Mighty .357

[Esquire]

I shot .357 for the first time last weekend. All I can say is WOW! Compared to .38 and 9mm I'm used to, this thing had a monster recoil! I will confess I wore thick leather gloves to mitigate the ferocious recoil of 2" snub nose. I shot both 158 grain and 125 grain ammo. For me, 125 grain kicked harder. Is that right? Did I mention LOUD? It thunders. Overall, I think it is one powerful caliber. For SD purpose, though, I think I prefer 9mm because it's so much more controllable. Recoil of 2" .357 was a bit too much for me. My hand is still sore.

[locosway]

Less grain, more velocity = snappy recoil

More grain, less velocity = rolling recoil

The .357mag is nice, and can be loaded down with .38 rounds. It's very versatile, and fun.

[rudigan]

I shot .357 for the first time last weekend. All I can say is WOW! Compared to .38 and 9mm I'm used to, this thing had a monster recoil! I will confess I wore thick leather gloves to mitigate the ferocious recoil of 2" snub nose. I shot both 158 grain and 125 grain ammo. For me, 125 grain kicked harder. Is that right? Did I mention LOUD? It thunders. Overall, I think it is one powerful caliber. For SD purpose, though, I think I prefer 9mm because it's so much more controllable. Recoil of 2" .357 was a bit too much for me. My hand is still sore.

Which model snub, was it an airweight?

[Vacaville]

.357 through any snub nose, lightweight or steel, is a handful. Gloves were probably a good idea. The recoil is very manageable through a full-size revolver though. You should try that too. It's a great round.

[den888]

.357 is a handful, especially the .357 125 grain loads

[Andy Taylor]

To the non-reloader, a .357 Magnum revolver is the most versatile handgun one can have. Down load to light .38 target wadcutters, up to some of the super hot hunting loads from places like Buffalo Bore, Double Tap, etc. And everything in between. In 4" to 6" barrels it really shines.

[LovingTheYear1911]

Dont try this, but imagine shooting all sorts of guns without ear protection and one of those guns being a .357

It was the loudest and hurt my ears so bad. You live and learn.

[gun505]

+1,gp100 stainless 4".

[rogervzv]

+1,gp100 stainless 4".

+1 GP100 stainless 6"

[RedFord150]

+1,gp100 stainless 4".

Agreed.
Another huge difference is wood grips vs. rubber grips. I had forgotten how wood feels in .357 until I recently fired my Son's Colt Trooper. The 'Web' on my right hand (between thumb and index) told me how much better rubber grips are.
Don't give up on .357 until you fire a Full Size with 4" or longer barrel. You will notice the difference.

[1nsanity]

I find pleasure in shooting .357 loads (usually 145 gr) through some of my J frames and Sp101 snubbies, strong hand only, for some odd reason…

[Legasat]

Awesome round no doubt!

[Fishslayer]

Lots of people, myself included, keep the .357 on the nightstand loaded with .38+P. Brisk contolled fire with the Big Dog loads takes a bit of practice.

Nothin' like touchin' off a healthy charge of 2400 under a 158 grain pill tho...

Faster powder under the 125gr is definitely a bit snappier.

Headin' for the range right now as a matter of fact.

[rudigan]

I've got a 340PD and a Puma #92 lever action. .357 is great!

Shooting full house .357 out of a snub always gets looks at the range. Incredible report and spectacular fireball.

Airweight .357 with the stock Bantam grips though, feels like someone took a piece of steel pipe and whacked you on top of your hand between the thumb and index finger.

[dls]

My first gun purchase 20+yrs ago was a 4" SS GP-100. I'll never sell it.
I had it on the seat of my U-Haul when I decided to drive from the East coast to West on April 29th 1992(king riots) I had no idea why a large crowd started throwing 40s at me late that night at an intersection in Birmingham Alabama. I thought I was going to have to shoot, I floored it and ran the light. I hope no one was ran over.

Everyone should have at least one reliable wheel gun in .357