357 Magnum Vs. 38 Special In Snub Nose Revolvers

Published on December 10, 2020
Duration: 9:31

This video provides an expert-level comparison of .357 Magnum and .38 Special performance in snub nose revolvers, leveraging empirical data from chronograph testing. Mrgunsngear, an established firearms subject matter expert, demonstrates that .357 Magnum offers a significant ballistic advantage over .38 Special, even from short barrels, debunking common social media myths. However, the analysis also highlights the substantial recoil experienced with .357 Magnum in lightweight firearms, which can impact shooter control.

Quick Summary

Expert analysis using chronograph data demonstrates that .357 Magnum offers a substantial ballistic advantage over .38 Special in snub nose revolvers, delivering nearly double the muzzle energy. However, the extreme recoil in lightweight firearms necessitates careful consideration of shooter control and follow-up shot capability.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Gear Overview
  2. 01:08.38 Special Chronograph Testing
  3. 04:29Data Analysis & Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

Does .357 Magnum offer a ballistic advantage over .38 Special in snub nose revolvers?

Yes, empirical chronograph testing confirms that .357 Magnum provides significantly higher muzzle velocity and nearly double the muzzle energy compared to .38 Special, even from short barrels like 1.875 inches. This debunks common social media claims to the contrary.

What are the practical recoil considerations when firing .357 Magnum from a lightweight snub nose?

Firing .357 Magnum from a lightweight (around 11 oz) snub nose revolver results in punishing recoil. This intense recoil can lead to shooter flinching, potentially compromising accuracy and slowing down follow-up shots, making .38 Special a more manageable option for some.

How does barrel length affect the performance of .357 Magnum and .38 Special?

Barrel length significantly impacts performance. A longer barrel, such as the 5-inch on a Smith & Wesson 686, allows both .357 Magnum and .38 Special to achieve higher muzzle velocities and energies compared to shorter 1.875-inch barrels found on snub nose revolvers like the S&W 340.

What specific ammunition was tested in the .357 Magnum vs. .38 Special comparison?

The comparison included Federal Premium 130gr HST Micro and Speer Gold Dot for .38 Special, and Federal Premium 130gr Hydra-Shok and 180gr Swift A-Frame for .357 Magnum, providing a range of performance data points.

Related News

All News →

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from Mrgunsngear Channel

View all →