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.357 Magnum or .40 Caliber

12K views 58 replies 19 participants last post by  TigerLeo 
#1 ·
I fellow that I work with, is interested in buying a .357 or .40 caliber. My thoughts on this that the .357 is more versatile than the .40 in that you can use .38 ammo for practice. Now I am not exactly sure what his purpose is in buying a revolver, other than carrying it when he heads into the woods. Also, I am not an expert on ballistics between these two calibers. I would appreciate your input on this.
 
#2 ·
Need some more info on what he intends to use it for. Also, is he specifically looking for a revolver?

40cal - 40sw ??

Bear country - 357 is the smallest I'd carry, 45Colt, 44mag, 454cas or larger is preferred.
 
#3 ·
Unless they are full size,people that own .40cal.don't shoot them that much.Compacts are some what unpleasant to shoot.357's are fun to shoot in my opinion but that's just me.And you are right .357's are a good all around firearm.
I know there are people that shoot .40cal guns in compact and all other varieties a lot and love shooting them but family and friends that own them shoot 2 or 3 mags and there done,that's what I observed.Always,every time no matter who has one.
My son has one in full size and it's OK to shoot but most of the compacts sting your fingers and wouldn't be good to a new or first time shooters.Just my 2 cents.

My CZ-75B in 9mm and S&W pistols in .38-special I could shoot for hours because I have.Try that with a compact .40cal.
 
#5 ·
Not impossible, db.

Smith made at least two different DAs. They were 10mm, but since they used moon clips, 40 Smith also worked.

Ruger made at least one, and possibly two SAs. Don't remember whether it was the Blackhawk or the Vaquero, or both, but they made dual-cylinder convertibles in 38/40 and 40 Smith.

Or he could go real old-school and just get a 38/40. Ignoring the name of the cartridge, it takes a .401 bullet, so is 40 caliber.
 
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#6 ·
What does this individual want from a handgun, brute force or fire power? With the .357 Mag you're generally limited to between 5 and 8 rounds immediately on tap, with the .40 it's usually between 12 and 15. With bullets of similar weight (158vs155), both have approximately 500 f/p energy at the muzzle. It all boils down to what this person wants and expects form their purchase. IMHO for hunting small game and up to deer size the .357 is a great choice, for personal defense I'd pick the .40.
 
#7 ·
While Alpo is correct (he usually is) about there are revolvers chambered in .40, generally .357s are revolvers and .40s are semi-autos. I'm reading this post to be more of a question about either the recommendation of a semi-auto or a revolver.

I'd need a whole lot more information before I could suggest either. Is the purpose self defense? Is the purpose conceal carry? Is it a camping/hiking sidearm in bear or cougar country? Does this person reload, or are they limited to strictly purchased ammo?

You did mention carrying it into the woods. On that (alone) I'd tend to suggest a .357 (assuming bears or cougars) over a .40 S&W simply because of the .357 being more powerful. I'd want something bigger than a .357 in bear country - but that is just me. More like a .41 or .44 Remington Magnum
 
#9 ·
As a carry in the woods type gun I would choose the .357. I feel the variety of ammo available in both 38spl and 357 would satisfy any need. The power and accuracy of the .357 in a longer barrel length than a carry auto is a plus for the revolver, I do not know the .40 cal revolver options.
I would definitely favor the .357
 
#11 ·
357 is more powerful, you can get hunting loads that push 1000 ft/lb of muzzle energy, which is twice that of a .40 S&W. And you can have lighter loads that are more in line with anything from a .38spl to that monster hunting load. When getting a revolver I don't see the need for a .40.
 
#20 ·
A Black Hawk, or a Red Hawk, will handle these rounds with ease.
 
#22 ·
Was not aware of the intended use, I would go with the .44 mag. Much of the same reasoning as with the .357 is valid as it can handle the lighter 44 spl rounds and up to the full power magnum loads.
I have 300 gr. cast bullet rounds for my T/C Contender that are rather stout, there are so many options in this caliber that it can be used for almost any purpose; bullet options are excellent.
 
#26 ·
Always bring enough gun. I made a huge mistake a couple of years ago by letting a Blackhawk in .45 Colt get away from me. I already owned a Blackhawk in .44 Rem Mag and didn't need both. I was wrong.
A good functioning semi-auto doesn't worry me for use in the woods. Key words here are "good functioning."
 
#30 ·
I haven't seen a grizz in my area for quite a while. Most of my carry in the woods is protection from slitherly critters. Both two legged and crawling. Shot shell in either .40 or .357 suit my needs normally. Can't legally carry a firearm in MO while bowhunting.
 
#38 ·
Silas, do you have a FA wheel gun? I have looked at FA a couple times, none of my local shops have had one for me to handle, and I just don't want to buy out of a catalogue particularly at the price point FA is asking. If you own one, would you care to share your opinion of the gun?
 
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#34 ·
I found a few non-official posts that 40sw worked on black bear. The recommendations were as heavy and fast as you can get. One was a 200gr fmj that went 1000fps (gun not mentioned so who knows). I've read from a gun magazine that 10mm is a good bear round. If that is universal ok, then it wouldn't be that far off to suppose a 40sw would be a good round. One post said the 40sw went thru the skull and killed the bear. I'd make sure I had bear spray going off in the left hand w/ my dominate right hand holding the 40sw at the ready. You want the bear spray to be at the 30 foot mark when they get there so you don't have much time to fire off the rounds. So may be shoot first, then get the spray going for the 30 foot timing mark. If they are still closing, then flash out your EDC carry picture of the Hildabeast. That will always work. Even Hades has been trying to convert her to Christianity just so they don't have to deal w/ her for eternity! That is how bad they hate Jesus!!!
 
#39 ·
Down here in the Mark Twain Forest we have a few black bears. We also have cougars and hogs. I carry a semi auto w/ 11 rounds. And another mag. Don't matter if its bow season or not I'm packing. Cougars and bears can climb and I'm not chancing it.
 
#46 ·
I would, but generally they'll shy away from you.
 
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