Top 10 Things You Didn't Know About The .357 Magnum

Published on November 10, 2018
Duration: 4:23

The .357 Magnum, born from the .38 Special, ushered in the 'magnum era' of handgun cartridges. Developed by Elmer Keith and others, its primary purpose was to penetrate automobile cover during the gangster era. Key design features include a case 1/8 inch longer than the .38 Special for safety and a European metric designation of 9x33mm. The first revolver chambered for it was the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum, later the Model 27, with the first unit gifted to FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover.

Quick Summary

The .357 Magnum cartridge was developed by Elmer Keith, Phillip Sharpe, and D.B. Wesson. Its primary purpose was to penetrate automobile cover during the gangster era. A key safety feature is its case, 1/8 inch longer than the .38 Special, preventing accidental loading into weaker firearms.

Chapters

  1. 00:16Introduction to .357 Magnum
  2. 00:42The Creators: Elmer Keith & Co.
  3. 00:59Sniper Influence on Ballistics
  4. 01:23Purpose: Penetrating Cover
  5. 01:43NRA's Role in Development
  6. 01:58Safety Feature: Case Length
  7. 02:14European Designation: 9x33mm
  8. 02:26The First Magnum Round
  9. 02:41Original Model: Registered Magnum
  10. 02:53First Recipient: J. Edgar Hoover
  11. 03:12First Police Adoption: KCPD

Frequently Asked Questions

Who primarily created the .357 Magnum cartridge?

The .357 Magnum cartridge was primarily created by Elmer Keith, often called the father of big bore hand-gunning, with significant assistance from Phillip Sharpe and D.B. Wesson.

What was the original purpose behind developing the .357 Magnum?

The .357 Magnum was developed to penetrate automobile cover during the post-World War I gangster era, providing law enforcement with a more effective round against vehicles used by criminals.

Why is the .357 Magnum case longer than the .38 Special case?

The .357 Magnum case is 1/8 inch longer than the .38 Special case as a deliberate safety measure. This prevents high-pressure .357 Magnum rounds from being accidentally loaded into older firearms designed only for the lower-pressure .38 Special.

What was the first revolver chambered in .357 Magnum?

The very first revolver chambered for the .357 Magnum cartridge was the Smith & Wesson Registered Magnum, which was later renamed the Smith & Wesson Model 27.

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