.38spl +P vs .357mag......interesting...

[IrishPirate]

Found this on a different forum and it has probably been discussed here but the search button seems to be on winter break right now...

.38spl +P vs. .357mag

if you look at the charts, the expansion and penetration are pretty darn close to the same, even though the .357 is going about 50% faster.

What do you think about the two for defensive carry? If the .38spl +P has similar performance but less recoil, would that make it a better round for HD/SD??? less recoil means quicker follow ups...(plus, you can afford to shoot someone twice with .38spl +P )

thoughts???

[lazyworm]

(energy) = 1/2 x (mass) x (velocity squared)

50% faster = more than 2x the energy

I think those data rely on shot placement and luck as much as actual performance/ability.

[IrishPirate]

(energy) = 1/2 x (mass) x (velocity squared)

50% faster = more than 2x the energy

I think those data rely on shot placement and luck as much as actual performance/ability.

that was my thought too which is why i always assumed .357 would be best. but ignoring the rest of the chart, the expansion and penetration data is pretty interesting and seems to say that they are on par. Of course, 2x the energy SHOULD create a bigger wound channel, so perhaps the data doesn't matter since 125g bullet can only expand so much...

[Cowboy T]

You've also got to consider a few other factors, like overpenetration into the next room, recovery from the last shot in case of multiple assailants, and the shooter's ability to actually practice with that round with that gun regularly.

For example, in a gun like the S&W Airweight or Ruger LCR, there's NO FREAKIN' WAY I'd be shooting .357M rounds in it. I don't care if they *are* chambered for .357M; they're still getting fed .38 +P's. On the other hand, in the Security-Six, I regularly do shoot .357M. In that much heavier gun, it's actually quite fun, and recovery from the last shot doesn't take that long.

My cameralady is another example. Hers is a service-sized .357M Taurus, a good gun and fun to shoot. She emphatically does *NOT* like .357M recoil, and she won't shoot if that's all that's available. But her .38 Spl handloads? She'll practice with them all day, and she's dead-on accurate with .38's of all types, generally. That, to me, is what matters most--if you can put the shots where you need them to be.

"A hit with a .22 is better than a miss with a .45."

EDIT: Just to say I am *NOT* knocking the .357 Magnum round at all. It's a doggone fine round, no question.

[IrishPirate]

but what if you have to shoot into an engine block and stop a car??? how you gonna do that with a .38???

i agree...use what works for you. I just found it interesting that the .38+p was nearly on par, expansion and penetration wise, with the .357M, but now that i think about it, it kinda makes sense. the same size/weight bullet can only expand so much.....

I'll be sure to try them both out when i finally get my S&W 686+ .357M

[paul0660]

but what if you have to shoot into an engine block and stop a car???

I know you want to be ready for your next parking lot encounter but:


.357 is fine out of a steel 4" or longer. Out of something smaller and lighter, it is unusable. Without being 100% ready with a proper range grip, the second shot out of a snub is iffy.

I don't notice a difference between +p and regular .38 out of my two inchers. None are comfortable, but even one handed I can make follow up shots as fast as I can pull the DA trigger.

I didn't read the stuff you posted because they are obviously skewed, lies, or inaccurate.

[deadhawg]

Found this on a different forum and it has probably been discussed here but the search button seems to be on winter break right now...

if you look at the charts, the expansion and penetration are pretty darn close to the same, even though the .357 is going about 50% faster.

What do you think about the two for defensive carry? If the .38spl +P has similar performance but less recoil, would that make it a better round for HD/SD??? less recoil means quicker follow ups...(plus, you can afford to shoot someone twice with .38spl +P )

thoughts???

I can shoot 38+P from my 2" Ruger SP101 .357 all day, accurately, but full power .357's not so much. I just ordered a few boxes of Speer 135 gr bullets and I will experiment with reloading these into some .357 cases near minimum recomended .357 power, which is still considerably faster than max 38+P. Just an experiment, but I hope to find a load I can shoot accurately, especially follow up shots.

Of course, it's mostly just out of curiosity, as I believe that a well placed 38+P should be enough to stop a threat, but reloading is one of my favorite hobbies anyway, so why not? I hope to be able to find a load that will provide the velocity from a 2" barrel that will equal 38+P velocity from a 4" barrel, without the recoil and muzzle blast that full power .357's produce.

Am I crazy? "some sez I am, some sez I ain't"

[bandook]

Found this on a different forum and it has probably been discussed here but the search button seems to be on winter break right now...

.38spl +P vs. .357mag

if you look at the charts, the expansion and penetration are pretty darn close to the same, even though the .357 is going about 50% faster.

What do you think about the two for defensive carry? If the .38spl +P has similar performance but less recoil, would that make it a better round for HD/SD??? less recoil means quicker follow ups...(plus, you can afford to shoot someone twice with .38spl +P )

thoughts???

Maybe you're on to something here... 38special is just fine.

[bandook]

but what if you have to shoot into an engine block and stop a car??? how you gonna do that with a .38???

Ever seen an engine block? Your soft/hollow points (the ones you're going to be loading for SD) aren't going to make a dent on that engine block.

[sigsr]

What about the one shot stop %... that's quite a bit of a difference.

[Whiterabbit]

My thought is that a standard or weak 357 (not absolute max) versus using that same powder to max out a 38 case to the same 357 pressure results in the same performance.

Surprise, surprise. Just like looking at maxed out Ruger only 45LC and 454 casull loads.

-------------

I attribute 1 shot stops to training and preparedness of the shooter. I'd expect your average person confident enough to carry 357 to train more than a caliber recommended for just about everyone for basic carry.

[Fishslayer]

I don't anticipate needing to penetrate car doors or barricades in my living room. +P PDX1s live in the bedside M66.

[IrishPirate]

I don't anticipate needing to penetrate car doors or barricades in my living room. +P PDX1s live in the bedside M66.

let's hope Rios and Salem don't pay you a visit then....

[rromeo]

I don't anticipate needing to penetrate car doors or barricades in my living room. +P PDX1s live in the bedside M66.

Gold Dots in my 66.