R&R | 357 Sig, Thoughts?

Published on August 1, 2024
Duration: 6:49

This video discusses the reloading process and ballistic performance of the 357 Sig cartridge. The speaker highlights challenges in reloading, such as the need for steel dies requiring case lubrication and potential issues with neck tension. They compare 357 Sig to 40 S&W and 9mm +P, noting its trade-off of lighter bullets at higher velocities for momentum. The speaker expresses intrigue in further exploring its terminal performance through handloading.

Quick Summary

Reloading 357 Sig presents unique challenges due to its bottlenecked case, requiring steel dies and manual case lubrication. Neck tension is also a critical factor that may require specific bullet selection. Ballistically, 357 Sig trades bullet mass for higher velocity compared to cartridges like 40 S&W, showing promising performance even from short barrels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Load Development
  2. 00:40Discussing 357 Sig
  3. 01:31Short Barrel Comparison: 357 Mag vs 357 Sig
  4. 02:02New Reloading Components for 357 Sig
  5. 03:01Reloading Challenges with 357 Sig
  6. 03:52357 Sig vs 40 Cal vs 9mm +P
  7. 04:50Bullet Mass vs. Velocity Trade-off
  8. 05:25Ballistic Gel Test Comparisons
  9. 06:02Future Reloading & Ballistics Plans
  10. 06:14Viewer Experience & Potential of 357 Sig

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main reloading challenges for the 357 Sig cartridge?

The primary reloading challenges for 357 Sig include its bottlenecked case, which requires steel dies that necessitate case lubrication. Additionally, achieving proper neck tension can be an issue, requiring careful bullet selection and potentially specific die adjustments for consistent results.

How does 357 Sig compare ballistically to 40 S&W?

357 Sig typically uses a lighter bullet traveling at a higher velocity compared to the heavier bullet at a lower velocity of 40 S&W. This means 357 Sig trades bullet mass and momentum for increased velocity and energy, with ballistic gel tests showing comparable penetration.

What kind of performance can be expected from 357 Sig in short barrels?

Even in short barrels, 357 Sig can achieve impressive velocities. For example, a 124-grain bullet from Underwood Ammunition was clocked around 1300 feet per second from a 3.1-inch barrel, demonstrating its potential for significant terminal performance.

What components are being used for 357 Sig load development?

The speaker is preparing to reload 357 Sig with various bullets, including Full Metal Jacket and potentially hollow points like Berry's Manufacturing (VC). They are also acquiring new dies and a turret for their Lee turret press to facilitate this process.

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