357 Magnum Ammo

357 Mag Ammo – More Information

.357 Magnum as a caliber was designed in the mid-1930’s by a group of ballistic experts that included famed hunter and experimenter Elmer Keith. This group of firearms experts was looking for a round that could take down targets that wore early versions of bullet proof vests in the bootlegger and “gangster era” of United States history. To penetrate through these early versions of bullet proof vests, testing indicated that 357 bullets must travel more than 1,000 feet per second --- something that the round was more than capable of achieving.

Today, 357 mag ammo travels anywhere between 1,200 feet per second and 1,600 feet per second with bullet weights ranging about 125 grain to 200 grain. Of course, the lighter the bullet the faster the muzzle velocity.

357 Magnum rounds are generally cheapest as “ball ammo”, that is full metal jacket (FMJ) or ammo that is loaded with a bullet that does not expand once it hits a target. For self-defense or even hunting, you’ll want to take a look at 357 magnum ammunition with a jacketed hollow point (JHP) projectile. These rounds are engineered with a bullet that opens up, expanding upon impact with a soft target. In many states, it is legal to hunt game as large as whitetail deer with a .357 magnum handgun.

Today, you'll find handguns chambered in .357 magnum as both pistols and revolvers. Although, many of the pistols can be quite a handful when it comes to recoil. Additionallly, there are even a few carbines on the market chambered for use with .357 mag, a nod to the round's brute power.