Beginner Basics #30 The 357 Magnum Caliber (pros/cons)

This video discusses the 357 Magnum, brief history, pros, cons and my overall thoughts on the caliber from my use in the field.

[@HunterValleyDan]

I absolutely love the .357 magnum cartridge! Very versatile. I love shooting pistol matches with the .357/38spl. Load 'em up, load 'em down... it's all fun! They can be loaded down to poppers with 38 special loads, or cranked up to be a very devastating hunting round. Albeit, up to around 100m. At those ranges a 180gr Hornady XTP hand loaded to ~1900fps hits pigs like the hammer of Thor. I also like to load the 158gr Hornady XTP as a general 'goto' hunting round when I'm trudging around. Yes, the 30-30 has noticeably better ballistics. It also has noticeably "better" pass-through up to the ~100m range. Depending on where you are hunting, that is rarely a good thing. Yes, the 44 magnum is a much bigger cartridge with better stopping power. But compare costs to buy factory ammo, availability and reloading costs. It is more expensive. Yes I still want one. Like any cartridge, with the correct bullet choice for the job and shot placement, the .357 can take care of anything we have in this country. (With the probable exception of water buffalo in the NT/QLD.) I believe it is still a very popular and capable round in the US, for hunters and even hikers/bushwalkers to defend against black bears. Did I mention I really, really like the .357..?

[@TheNaroCroc]

Do you find the 180gr Hornady XTP to have the best penetration? I am losing my patience with KZbin because the videos I come up with aren't using them for large game. My grandfather dropped bears with his 4" S&W .357, and now that it's mine, I wish I knew what rounds he used.

[@TheNaroCroc]

I lust after a .44, too... 5" barrel... I didn't get it for Valentines Day though, just a card and some chocolates.

[@user-ve9cs7ee6x]

What sort of factory load would be best for deer in 357mag?

[@paulholmes8398]

I used to shoot at a gun range a fair bit a few years ago. Firing a 6 inch barrel GP100 Ruger 357 revolver. So much fun it's like driving nails. I love the 357. I'm thinking of getting a 357 lever rifle for my first long arm. I think it's a good starting point like you say if I do start reloading my own you can crank up the power or plink with lighter loads or shoot 38 special. Plus if get into a pistol again the 357 would be perfect. Seems like a versatile cartridge to me. No wonder the cowboys loved it....

[@RobsAquaponics]

Found the series to be very helpful. Thanks Ozzie. Cheers & hope lockdown isn't driving you bonkers mate. 👍

[@bobnoon253]

Can't speak for everyone in the US. but I sure do like the 357mag. JM Marlin m1894 & 2 Rossi m92 357mag. Two S&W revolvers. Love 'em.

[@glenngardner950]

As always the information you give is 'accurate and dependable' just like Hornady :) thanks mate.

[@launch4]

Always loved 357 Magnum, and 9mm caliber in general. Always seemed a good middle of the road, best of both worlds sort of thing. Great velocity for a handgun round without sacrificing sectional density, but not a palm bruiser either.

[@sweetdrahthaar7951]

If you mention the introduction of the 357 magnum cartridge you should never do so without mentioning Elmer Keith. 👍🏻

[@winstonskafte5505]

In a lever carbine they are great beef guns and they stay in the skull .

[@edwardd9702]

I shoot ppu .357 in my 1894 and the price difference between a box of 50 .357mag and 50 .38spl is only $2.

[@skay9443]

Sorry for the obtuse question, but what is the recoil like in a rifle for .357 Magnum? I've shot .38 in a revolver before and it wasn't terrible, but I wonder what it's like in a lever or similar?

[@adambyrne7846]

Bit more not bad tho

[@darkhorse4148]

Wait so recoil is worst through a rifle than a hand gun in the same caliber?! I thought rifle would be more manageable ?!

[@adambyrne7846]

@@darkhorse4148 no I was talking about the caliber not gun or pistol sry

[@bumbles.3674]

shooting .357 mag out of a rifle with say a 20" barrel has about the same recoil as a .22 mag in my opinion. It's very very minimal and easy to handle.

[@boingkster]

Ah, 357... the baby 44 Magnum. Great all-rounder catridge, like a big-bore 223 Rem. Perfect for leverguns and a solid handgun round if your local legislation allows!

[@acidicgreeny7107]

@Dogman tossed my salad baby 44 mag

[@npet6842]

.357 mag ( factory load ) have quite acceptable recoil in a 6" revolver imho . Certainly more fun for me to shoot than 9mm in an auto pistol . .38 Special are like a fast .22LR . Factory .357 mag is getting expensive though : AUD660 a thousand is commonplace pricing now .

[@mp9932]

Where do you get those prices?

[@npet6842]

@@mp9932 That's the sort of pricing for Federal ammo . Geko is much cheaper . I'm talkin' JHP here : FMJ is cheaper but Ranges don't allow its use due to ricochet .

[@billystergiopoulos8025]

Off topic question if anyone knows?lm licenced in Melbourne and thinking of moving to Queensland in the future,what are the requirements of getting a licence in Queensland

[@skullandcrossbones65]

Go to QPS web site, Should be pretty straight forward. I still use letters of authority from farmers in Vic

[@robertpenn5689]

Sign up to your local SSAA range and your classed as a sport shooter here and off you go! Keep you membership up to date and you have a legit reason to hold your firearms. Happy shooting!

[@ckg1776]

Queensland has 10 year licences for A and B. Join the shooters union and that is your genuine reason for A, B and H.

[@darrenc4096]

Yep, totally agree. Join the Shooters Union for your licensing requirements as I have found (my opinion) the other mob do SFA for shooters rights. Not to mention the expense of membership and use of facilities.

[@ericmclain8410]

What you t to you're use

[@zhuxiangyu168]

is there any bolt action 357mag out there?

[@vpatron8085]

ruger 77/357

[@ericmclain8410]

Thank yoyß

[@arch3088]

The .357 actually has more 'blast' than recoil.

[@TheNaroCroc]

The history of the .357 Magnum claims it was made for shooting through cover, like a gangster's car in the 1930s. I am frustrated that there's so many videos discussing the use of expanding rounds. 🙄 I carry a 9mm for versatility and self-defense. My .357 is to be exclusively used for maximum penetration. Perhaps if you stopped picking rounds that slam on the brakes by opening up, you might find the .357 effective for dropping large game. Maybe not. 🤷‍♂️ When you're holding on to rounds that are designed to stick in a target, it is hard to trust your opinion.

[@m.hughes2521]

Hog hunting under 100 yds, .357 is great. Over 100 yds, I'd go with at least a .308. Ooo try supressed thermal at night for real fun. I know this chaffs your average libretard.