357 Magnum Vs. 38 Special In Snub Nose Revolvers

Published on December 10, 2020
Duration: 9:31

This video provides a data-driven comparison of .357 Magnum and .38 Special performance in snub nose revolvers, directly challenging the notion that .357 offers no advantage. Expert analysis from Mrgunsngear, using chronograph data, demonstrates a significant energy increase for .357 Magnum, nearly doubling that of .38 Special from short barrels. However, the instructor cautions that this power comes with punishing recoil in lightweight firearms, potentially impacting shooter control.

Quick Summary

Empirical data confirms .357 Magnum offers a significant ballistic advantage over .38 Special in snub nose revolvers, nearly doubling muzzle energy. However, firing .357 Magnum from lightweight 11-ounce revolvers results in punishing recoil, which can negatively impact shooter control and follow-up shots.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: .357 Mag vs .38 Spl Myth
  2. 01:08Chronograph Test: .38 Special Performance
  3. 01:29Chronograph Test: .357 Magnum Heavy Load
  4. 02:23Chronograph Test: Speer Gold Dot .38 Spl
  5. 02:50Chronograph Test: .357 Magnum Hydra-Shok
  6. 04:29Data Analysis & Conclusion: Recoil vs. Power

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, empirical chronograph testing shows .357 Magnum delivers nearly double the muzzle energy of .38 Special from short barrels. For example, Federal 130gr Hydra-Shok (.357 Magnum) achieved 1124 FPS (365 ft/lbs) from a 1.875" barrel, compared to 741 FPS (159 ft/lbs) for Federal 130gr HST (.38 Special).

What are the recoil implications of firing .357 Magnum from a lightweight snub nose revolver?

Firing .357 Magnum from lightweight revolvers, like the 11-ounce Smith & Wesson 340, results in punishing recoil. This intense recoil can cause shooters to flinch, potentially leading to slower follow-up shots and reduced accuracy.

How does .357 Magnum perform in a 5-inch barrel compared to a snub nose?

A 5-inch barrel significantly enhances .357 Magnum performance. For instance, Federal 180gr Swift A-Frame reached 1263 FPS (636 ft/lbs) from a 5" barrel, compared to 952 FPS (363 ft/lbs) from a 1.875" barrel, demonstrating substantial velocity and energy gains.

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

The video tested Federal 130gr HST and Speer Gold Dot 125gr for .38 Special. For .357 Magnum, it included Federal 180gr Swift A-Frame and Federal 130gr Hydra-Shok, comparing their performance across a snub nose and a 5-inch barrel.

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