Grain Question

[HealthyGunz]

Why is my .357 magnum defensive JHP ammo only 125grain when my 9mm JHP is 147grain but the .357 is still stronger? I couldnt find any defensive JHP .357 with more than 125grain. Why is this? Thanks.

[cntrolsguy]

The grain refers to the weight of the bullet but the .357 cartridge carries more gun powder.

[hyperion.excal]

heavier grain = bigger bullet but less powder

lighter grain = lighter bullet but more powder

357 magnum projectile is lighter but the casing is filled up with alot of gunpowder

[MA2]

Yes, what they said about grain.

I think what you like to look at is:
Velocity in fps
and
Energy in ft. lbs

Look on midway, most will show their advertised fps and ft. lbs.
If they don't, more than likely, its loaded to the most minimum SAAMI specs.

[gono]

Almost all major manuf make 150 and 158gr 357 mag. The amount of energy is a function of bullet mass and velocity, just cause a bullet is heavier doesnt mean it has more kinetic energy. Basic physics gives (1/2)mv^2.

[guitargeak99]

The .357 mag JHP round in 125gr or 158gr is a very wicked round

[Fishslayer]

Why is my .357 magnum defensive JHP ammo only 125grain when my 9mm JHP is 147grain but the .357 is still stronger? I couldnt find any defensive JHP .357 with more than 125grain. Why is this? Thanks.

Not looking in the right places. 125gr .357 is popular but 158gr is available. There's more to the equation than raw energy numbers. The 125gr at higher velocity will yield bigger energy numbers but the 158gr will penetrate farther.

Personally, I wouldn't want to be hit with either.

[cntrolsguy]

Personally, I wouldn't want to be hit with either.

What he said!!!!!

[NapaCountyShooter]

Generally, heavier bullets penetrate more. With the speed that the .357 generates, a heavier bullet will tend to run into overpenetration in a self defense situation. The lighter 125 gr. bullet will tend to transfer more energy into a human size target.

[five.five-six]

The 125gr at higher velocity will yield bigger energy numbers but the 158gr will penetrate farther.

the 125 yields more energy because you can put more propellant behind a 125 than you can behind a 158 which accelerates slower and produces more case pressure than a faster accelerating 125 with the same charge

[watsonville]

Frangible for me or jhp also 135gr

[theduece]

heavier grain = bigger bullet but less powder

lighter grain = lighter bullet but more powder

357 magnum projectile is lighter but the casing is filled up with alot of gunpowder

This isn't exactly true. A grain is a measurement of weight. 7000 grains to a lb. The grain you see advertised on the packaging refers to the weight of the projectile. The powder charge is also measured in grains, it however is not typically listed on the packaging.

You could have a heavy bullet in say +p 147 grn 9mm versus a very light .357magnum 125grain "cowboy load". If that were the case I beleive the 9mm would have more powder, velocity, energy.

This example is not typical but can happen. There is more to bullets than the grain listed on the packaging.