World's Most Versatile Revolver Cartridge?

[@georgesakellaropoulos8162]

I've always considered the .357 as the handgun equivalent of the .30-'06. It will do most things you can reasonably expect from a handgun, the recoil is manageable for most people, with practice, and it's very versatile.

[@darryladams519]

Naw. 44mag.

[@mrfarts5176]

@@darryladams519 no way. 22 lr. You can hunt birds with it, take down deer with proper placement. You can take it to 3 gun tournaments as well as all other sorts of things. I like to use mine on neighborhood cats.

[@nutbastard]

Yeah it's the swiss army knife of pistol calibers. Revolvers, lever rifles, and you can chuck .38 into anything chambered in .357 for less kick. And you can get snake rounds (#9 shot) in 357. I don't own a pistol and I'm torn between a semi and a revolver, but if I go with a wheelgun it'll be 357.

[@TheKhanhhoa]

@@mrfarts5176 trust me...bad karma -bad JU JU comes in many different forms.... when you least expect it...spot on your lungs.....oncoming car cross into your lane.....sickness that never goes away....leave the cats alone

[@aniquinstark4347]

@@TheKhanhhoa Leaving feral cats is morally worse than dispatching them. They're a plague on the environment. Great pets but they don't belong in non-native habitats.

[@PileofBrass]

I own four .357 mags and will always own .357. It is THE quintessential cartridge for all around use.

[@didgitt1]

For those interested, original load for .357 pushed a 158 Gr bullet to 1500 FPS from a 6 inch barrel.

[@didgitt1]

@@patrickmeyer2598 Any idea the pressure involved? Know we tried 15 grains of 2400 Alliant behind a 158 Gr. hollowpoint for 1500 to match some original factory loads and it was a bit hotter than we cared to use, dropped it to 13.5 grains for around 1350 FPS.

[@samuel-JF1981]

​@@didgitt1I heard that SAAMI dropped the max pressure from 44Kpsi to 35Kpsi... CIP stil using 44K as MAP (maximum average pressure). I believ that's happened when copper cushers was replaced by piezzoeletric transducers (CUP and psi are not direct equivalents).

[@deanhoward4128]

I only own one .357,but since it's a S&W 686, it's all the .357 I need!

[@jasonashley4579]

The 686, my grandfather's favorite handgun.

[@bobburnitt5761]

@@jasonashley4579 Yep, take a 686 plus in a holster on the hip, and a 8 or 9 shot 12 Gauge Shotgun in your hand, you should be ready to go.

[@francischambless5919]

I had to get the S&W 686P with the 7 inch barrel. I just love having that 7 shot instead of 6, and that barrel length lets me nail targets 60+ yards with little effort. Picked up a Henry 357 lever last year also so that same cartridge just goes out past 100 yards again with little effort. Love them both.

[@mikerieck306]

@@francischambless5919 686 +1 in 4" or 6" is a great piece. Great trigger out of the box.

[@moreme40]

Model 66 here. I love it

[@lentztu]

two dudes just hanging out talking about great guns and 38/357....so awesome. I have done the same many times as well.

[@raymondproulx1095]

I agree 100%. .357 mag has to be the best revolver cartridge ever introduced. I own several in different barrel lengths. I also picked up a lever action carbine in this caliber. Amazing accuracy. Hand loading is a real plus for this round.

[@boblongbow9170]

Me too, but I use 38 special ammo in my 357 for just light target shooting.

[@BigDave131]

The .357 magnum is the most versatile handgun cartridge to be sure, but for deer hunting and even larger animals, the .44 magnum and up is preferred .

[@cliffords2315]

Ive had a .357 for over 40 years, most accurate handgun ive owned, used it to qualify Expert three times with it in the Navy. (Had to use .38 Special for that test) but same handgun.

[@brianbirc]

I afree I like the 357 for some time. With the 56" barrel the sifgrs a bit apart & I seem to shoot better with that it also reduces a little biy ofnsrrrel rise & I have been able to make long shots with a handgun due yo the speed of rgq magnum does not drop can help?

[@russellkeeling4387]

@@BigDave131 Not for me. I've tried both and I'll stick with .357.

[@bustabass9025]

.357/.38 revolver is the bedrock of handgun evolution as far as I'm concerned. I own four in a variety of configurations. Each one is special to me and I would never trade one for a striker fired pistol even though I own several of them as well.

[@davonpaul45]

👍

[@mmarciniak]

Neither 38 nor 357 can penetrate through bedrock.

[@bustabass9025]

@@mmarciniak ...probably not.

[@joeyphillips1181]

Same here.. I have 2 357's and 1 38 special and I wouldn't trade them for anything.. except maybe another revolver.. I've thought about trading my Ruger sp101 match champion for a S&W 66 because smith's have better triggers and I would prefer 6 rounds over 5

[@mmarciniak]

@@bustabass9025 LOL!

[@arshaw150]

I have a All-Weather Henry Big Boy in .357 Mag. I use it mainly as my deer hunting rifle in the woods, where you’re rarely shooting beyond 100 yards. It is super handy for being lightweight, easy to maneuver, and packs enough punch for just about anything you’ll encounter in the brush.

[@robertonavarro7713]

I just shot my friend’s Big Boy 2 days ago. Beautiful rifle but I am more into handguns. The only 357 I have is an Uberti Cattleman SA with the 7.5” barrel. I prefer my 38 Smiths.

[@russellkeeling4387]

I used to carry a Rossi Puma .357 in my ranch truck as my truck gun. At 100 yards an animal like a deer or an elk was a head shot. I harvested 3 elk with that rifle with good clean shots and no chasing. Many deer. In the timber where shots were close the .357 did a lot more damage than I wanted it to.

[@MichaelRobertson-i8f]

Personally I have always been a 45 LC - being 74 years old my first big bore pistol- The Colt SAA with a 71/2 inch barrel. A fellow who I grew up with Father died and hadn’t known his Mother. I was 16 years old and was cutting lawns for money. I used the Lee hand loader and lead bullets I smelted my self and melt wax in an empty sardine metal container. I would remove primer with a small nail set and bought a Lyman primer tool. I used Unique powder and 250 gr bullet. Being young and not having much money it would take me about an hour to load 50 rounds. I bought a Lyman Press when I was 25 years old and in 2003 bought my Dillon Press - I could load 250 rounds per hour, I had my youngest Son and he was 9 years old. We watched the VHS tape together and he learned how to reload with the Dillon. As I continued to acquire

[@jonmajarucon51]

Nice to hear that this is still true. In 1977 the .357 magnum was THE most versatile weapon: full magnum, .38 special, .38 +p, FMJ, HP, wadcutters, love my Ruger Speed Six

[@michaelyandrich8464]

Thanks, fellas...fun video. It's usually hard for me to get through videos this long, but I really enjoyed this one. Coming from a .357 Magnum believer.

[@johnnelson9252]

Bat Masterson and others had nickel plated revolvers because they resisted corrosion better than steel. In the days of black powder, and lack of hot soapy water on the trail, it was a big help. A lot of people like the look so the plating was continued after smokeless powders (and non-mercury primers), became the norm.

[@vettepilot427]

I'm going to get a lot of disagreement, but for a hand loader, the .41 Mag has a lot to recommend. It can be loaded up to near .44 mag and back down to .357 mag, but be more comfortable to shoot in a large frame revolver than .357 in a mid-size frame and with more energy. This round did not enjoy a lot of success commercially, so it's not really viable compared to the other cartridges that has lots of off the shelf ammo, but if you load your own, I think you'll find it more comfortable than both the .357 AND the .44 mag.

[@PFM0809]

I agree, the 41 mag is the perfect middle ground.

[@bobjohnson1633]

It's ONLY problem is being in a 44 frame only.

[@eoj1001]

Now starline makes 41 special brass. Tons of recipes for the reloading. Got m all but love the 41mag an 327 federal magnum.

[@h.r.puffnstuff8705]

I think your pretty much spot on. It’s an interesting cartridge and a great place to be for a home loader.

[@genelyda1102]

Yes , I totally agree

[@scottwilson1258]

I Just Realized How Much I NEED a Lever Action in 38 Special/357 Magnum !!! Because of You!!

[@ShaunPaget]

might I recommend the Henry Big Boy series

[@guyminer3168]

They're cool. We got about a 400 fps gain with most of the 357 ammo through the Henry lever action.

[@FirstToken]

With regards to the Nickel finished pistol, not only for flash value, but Nickel was also a preferred finish for a carry pistol that would be kept close to the body, or in a pocket, that might come into contact with body oils and sweat. Today we have many finishes to choose from that are fairly robust, but back in the day Nickel was one of the best finishes for such firearms.

[@deedle6073]

Unless you are allergic to nickel

[@bob1559]

26:32

[@marioncrane09]

More folks are allergic to nickel than most people imagine

[@venomcannon13]

I have a Ruger Security Six in .38 Special/.357 Magnum. My sons and I love it.

[@keithdorset3824]

I have a Speed Six. That is a serious chunk of steel.

[@mikeshell4968]

357 magnum was my first handgun, I got it as a birthday present when I was 16. Which was 50 years ago. I’m still shooting it today. I know on several handguns in 357 magnum, including a Coonan semi auto boy is that fun to shoot. Also, have a Marlin in 357 magnum. I have taken several deer with that rifle.

[@nickbrown8538]

I'm shooting 158 grn noslers over 2400 out of a GP 100 for target and hunting. Love the pistol and load combo. Won't go in the woods without it.

[@randomlife718]

I did a lot of thinking a while back. When I turned 18, my first purchase was a polished SS 6" .357 Rossi. I buddied it up with a Rossi .357 lever action. They will take care of anything in FL. Reloading cost and simplicity were a big part of the decision.

[@williambrown927]

My first handgun model 27 S&W has been and still is my favorite.I have been reloading since the 1970’s. I just bought a lever gun in 357 to try various loads. Im 78 and so excited like a kid to try it.Thank you for an enjoyable show .

[@paulworkman5755]

Well, I've owned several .357s and 44 mags, and for me, there's no question - the 44mag is without a doubt the top dog in terms of versatility. It is especially versatile if one handloads! I've used my 44s for target competition, deer hunting, rat shot capsules (very effective!) and the .357 - good as it is - just comes up short, especially on the higher (power) end of the scale.

[@jack_batterson]

Have to agree. The .44 can do everything the .357 can and more. The .357 might have the advantage in terms of variety of firearms chambered for it.

[@dontworrybout2664]

357 out of a rifle has similar energy as a 44 out of a rifle. A lot of power in rifle and workable in a revolver.

[@jack_batterson]

@Mark Grant I'm a card-carrying member of the .41 Rem Mag cult. 😉

[@hatchetwound666]

Agreed I love my 44 the only thing holding it back is ammo prices.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

Depending on the loading and the shooter's ability, the .44 Magnum can do anything you can do with a handgun.

[@robertfree1908]

A big “thanks” to you and your compadre, gavintube, for a well rounded video. My faves were the old S&W police snub, the 586, the 3” 60 & the brass framed 38/357. Great stuff!

[@jedpeeler4199]

I totally agree! My firearm of choice for the .357 is the Colt Python with three inch barrel. I also have two other barrel length Colt .357s!

[@bphilbac]

I own a 357 magnum, my first hand gun I purchased 40 years ago. Still have the same gun and haven’t had any issues with it. Great gun.

[@adamniehaus5835]

.357 mag was the first pistol cartridge I ever owned. Bought a cheap charter arms mag pug in 2015 off a friend and fell in love with the power of the cartridge, and the accuracy even out of a snub nose was impressive. To this day my favorite pistol load. Recently acquired a GP100 with the 3 inch barrel and its probably my favorite handgun for range play. Definitely my new deer season sidearm

[@lawrencehudson9939]

Great to see a well-done overview of the 38/357 revolvers. I load a literal ton of these cartridges mostly for target shooting but my EDC is a model 19. For target shooting at paper, I load my own cast 148 grain wadcutters in 38, for Cowboy Action it's the Lee 125 grain cast lead, and in the 357 I load either Lyman's 358477 150 grain SWC as a mild magnum and 358156 with a gas check to run max performance in my S&W Highway Patrolman.

[@jasonmiller6371]

I was lucky enough to find a excellent condition nickel S&W model 19-3 Combat Magnum with the original box. It shoots and looks great! I was kind of a .44 guy before, but after shooting this and packing it on a recent hunt, I am a convert to the .357. It's smaller and lighter, but still packs a heavy punch!

[@Arthur-kr9tx]

I have had a Ruger 357 since 1969 it is a great gun

[@Me2Lancer]

Your selection is spot on. My first personal handgun was a Colt Trooper 357 Magnum selected to carry on boarding parties offshore Vietnam. Our standard sidearm was the 1911 in 45 ACP but I wanted to added performance of 357. Today I have 2, 357 Magnum revolvers one with 4" barrel the other in a 2" snubby.

[@chadcrader7542]

Love my Colt Trooper III 357 mag, it was my first handgun as well. Still use it

[@Me2Lancer]

@@chadcrader7542 It's a winner!

[@ChadBoss-qr4hl]

There is something unbelievably wholesome about the idea of bringing the gift of Democracy to the NVA and Viet Cong with a Colt Trooper in .357. I do believe that particular revolver was favored by law enforcement in the 60's and 70's because it was essentially a Python internally, but at a much lower price point. I have one I inherited from my father, manufactured in 1974, still a beautiful and reliable gun to this day.

[@LDmagnum]

That hand wiggle after the buffalo bore is relatable

[@guyminer3168]

I tell ya, that stuff kicks!

[@jmsbwr]

This was fun and brought back fond memories of guns I used to have and reloaded for. Mainly, a model 13 S&W with a 4 inch bull bbl that I carried inside my waist. Recoil felt like a 6 inch. A friend called it my "punk" gun. Thanks for the show.

[@guardianofgoblins682]

I myself use a .45 long colt out of a 1860 army with next to no problem out of the ammo my only problem is the cost of the ammo but insanely reliable and it doesn't just perform it over preforms and its easy to reload honestly

[@davidberry6046]

I'm an old revolver man, myself. My EDC is a Taurus 605 and I load the first two rounds from Buffalo Bore; their "Heavy .38 + p" with 158 grain swaged lead SWC HP with gas check, and it chronos at around 1080 fps out of my 2" barrel. The final three rounds are Remington 125 grain semi-jacketed soft point .357 mag., which chronos at around 1250 fps out of my 605. I find this to be a good combination of loads for EDC, which covers about anything I'm liable to encounter in town or as a home defense load here in Wyoming. My carry loads for outdoor use are 5 rounds of Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard-cast lead with gas check; the same as the load you tested in your 3" S&W. I haven't chrono'd that load in my 605, but it should come in at a little less than your 3" velocity. Over the years, I have carried and tried out about every handgun round around, but I find I cannot beat the good, old .357 mag for versatility! Thanks, guys, for your insights, and God bless!

[@LarryGarcia-p3j]

I had a Ruger SP101 4"bbl in 38/357. In 357 handloads it was incredibly accurate. Used it with a Win. 94 16"Carbine also in 38/357, couldn't miss a shot. I believe in that Cartridge...

[@joelvanderploeg6733]

I have an SP101 with 4.1" also and love it! It is very accurate and compact while being built like a vault. I just wish it had a better grip angle. I am always having to force the front site down.

[@chaosrex5702]

.327 Federal Magnum is the most versatile Revolver Cartridge. It fires .327 FM, .32 H&R Magnum, .32 S&W Long, .32 S&W and .32 ACP. It's smaller than .357/.38 Special, most revolvers will hold an extra round compared to .357/.38. Also has lever guns chambered for it.

[@codyworley5623]

Facts!! I just recently got the Taurus 327 TORO! Freaking love that thing. Best revolver ever.

[@vsevolodtokarev]

...and only marginally, about 10%, less powerful than 357. Alas, it's not nearly as ubiquitous.

[@codyworley5623]

@@vsevolodtokarev right! I don't usually get all conspiracy minded but when it comes to ammo and gun manufacturers I sort of do. They REALLY push like 9mm and 38/357. It's like they actively try to kill new calibers.

[@jefferyboring4410]

Ya but those are some fairly rare to encounter cartridges. I have an antique shop and I get lots of old odd ammo and by far .38 special and 38s&w is what shows up by far! And if u hand load it really doesn’t matter the case the .357 is most versatile when u consider projectiles as u can shoot 9mm etc etc

[@codyworley5623]

@@jefferyboring4410 you "can" load a 9mm bullet but it will be undersized.

[@crafty714]

Awesome video! I retired from law enforcement (30 years) and carried Glock or a Sig during that time, but in the last year, I've gotten into revolves and love them. The .357 magnum is an awesome round and the .429 magnum, is an awesome round as well!

[@BigDave131]

The .429 magnum, usually known as the .44 magnum. Great cartridge for deer sized game and some even larger animals with the right loads.

[@tlm3574]

I've had a 357 since I turned 21 and could conceal carry. They are versatile. I have a Ruger LCRx in 357 and 22lr. Both shoot dozens of loads. Your speed testing gave some scientific info that was quite valuable. Thanks

[@glorybound7599]

I can defend myself and home and put food on the table effectively and economically. In both revolver and rifle, this is a sweet combination for a range of uses.

[@kenf4837]

I like my old Ruger Security Six in 357 mag. I got it about 50 years and havent wore it out yet, but I've tried!!

[@caoimhin7122]

My dad had one. I loved that revolver.

[@kodywoodward]

38/357 is one of my favorite pair of cartridges.

[@Sherman62]

As a reloader, I'm going with the .44 Magnum. With a 4" barrel, my 629 was a very comfortable barn coat pocket carry. Power can be anything from powderpuff to stomper. Light loads barely use a pinch of powder. I keep about 1000 rounds of lighter cast bullet loads and about 1000 JHP rounds over H110. The high velocity rounds are very accurate. Lighter W231 loads also shoot decently. Works great in a carbine as well, within range limitations. Full power loads have more muzzle energy than a .30-30, but lose speed quickly due to bullet shape.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Great choice!

[@robertbuckley6514]

I agree the 44 model 29 is great. There is really only minor size/weight differences between the model 29 and the .357 N frames. The key is reloading versus buying new loaded ammunition to address cost. For a reloader the ammunition cost difference is insignificant. I like both 357/44 and would not pick one over the other. I choose both

[@Corbide]

Guys really enjoyed ur banter about the different guns and when my brother and I go to the range we do the same with different firearms good video

[@woodman8261]

Yes totally agree,I'm hand loading my own casted Elmer Kieth style 158 gr. lead over h110. Great load,I will not give the load. I carry with me all the time in the back woods of northern Wi. It is a 3" Wiley Clapp ruger.

[@Platttraining]

Definitely confirmed my thinking about the versatility of the .38 & .357. During COVID ammo was so hard to get. Especially 9mm & 556. Sold my AR as a result. I saw .38 on the shelves and occasionally .357. So, for me know Ruger Marlin & Redhawk. Loved seeing the 180 grain hard casts. GREAT VIDEO!!

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thank you for watching!

[@CacheCropp]

I hit LIKE in the first 5 seconds because I knew the answer would be 357 and it needs more recognition. 357 can be loaded in everything and is pretty amazing in rifles too! 38 is a great defensive round also is a great pocket revolver round, cost saving plinking round…

[@JLMcFarlin]

Proud of myself for knowing this before watching. You should be proud of yourself for knowing it too.

[@robertf3397]

I have a Henry X model in .357/.38. Love that rifle! The .38s have virtually no recoil and the .357mag is very manageable. Accurate as hell right out of the box. I have yet to get a companion revolver for it, but this video makes me want to. Cool vid, guys!

[@rcnelson]

Right on the money. The range of cartridges for the .357 is enormous, from mild to wild. .38 Special for easy recoil, .357 for serious blasting (and that's just factory loads). It's all good.

[@kerryprance3767]

I still love my old .357 Ruger Security 6. I think they are a much under rated pistol. I also think it's a great round for the lever action rifles.

[@jmpoulsen1]

The Security 6 is a keeper!

[@larrycable1948]

If you let the plowshare handle roll back in your hand a bit, it mitigates some of the recoil.

[@boomdawg56]

I am a .357 guy. I have 9mms, .40s, .45s, .44s, .38s and .22s. The .357 is my go-to revolver. I love it, easy to reload ammo, lots of choices for powder and bullets. Found just about anywhere in the country on the shelf to purchase ammo. And it works.

[@KarlBAndersen]

But no .41 mag?

[@boomdawg56]

@@KarlBAndersen I used to read a lot of stuff by Elmer Keith, thought about a .41, maybe in the future. The Model 19 and 66 S&Ws won out over the .41.

[@Quality_Guru]

I believe that the .327 Federal Magnum revolver can use 5 different types of cartridges and it is unmatched for its ammo selection versatility. Unfortunately the lack and high cost of ammo for the various cartridges has ruled it out. For me the .22lr revolver is the king of a versatile firearm. Namely because of its ultra-low cost of operation and lack of recoil. You can become a very proficient shooter in no time at all using it in single action. On the other hand using a snub-nose .357 Magnum revolver should be reserved for the highly skilled operator that has practiced and mastered the use of an extremely snappy firearm under repeated firing and reloading. To combat it's high recoiling nature you can use a heavier and larger revolver, but then it becomes unpractical to use for carry. Truth be told they are all have their positive and negative points. The best part is that you can own one of each.

[@halhortonsworld5870]

I have always carried a 4" .357 since I first went thru the police academy back in 1985. I still personally carry one to this day. I also always use a 158gr jacketed hollow point. It is powerful enough to make people go boom, but manageable enough that my 5' 90-pound Asian wife could shoot all day at the range with no trouble. I love my .357, especially in the cooler months. It's easier to conceal carry when I can wear more clothes.

[@rockybalboa8781]

Peak boomer

[@silentvoiceinthedark5665]

Back when thick phone books were a thing I used to measure penetration with them and .357 was the most versatile

[@oif3vetk9]

I'm tied when it comes to favorite revolver caliber. My first revolver was (and still have it 32 years later) a Ruger Super Blackhawk .44 mag with 10.5" barrel in stainless. (Oversized Hogue grips) Great for hunting but not much else. My other revolver is a Ruger GP100 4" 38/357 and I absolutely love it. For beginners I load a 125gr lead bullet with hi-skor 700. (Extremely light load. Zero recoil.) Full power hunting/defense loads is a 158gr Hornady XTP with Accurate #7. Full power target 357 is 125gr plated hp with Accurate #7. It's fun shooting full size IPSC's at 100 yards with a 4" revolver. lol

[@cheekymonkey444]

Colt Trooper Mk III 4" Nickel plated. Kind of says it all !

[@guyminer3168]

I had a blued one years ago! Great handguns. Got a George Lawrence holster made for it - and silly me, I traded it off after owning it for about 20 years... Really wish that I hadn't done that.

[@Beach_JT]

Literally bought a 357 Smith and Wesson(model 686 plus) right before this video upload. Perfect video, perfect timing.

[@Ultimatereloader]

It was meant to be!!! :)

[@nmelkhunter1]

Awesome revolver!

[@grimreaper337]

Love my manurhin mr73, it goes with my Henry all weather with side loading gate.

[@samwalker7821]

No one caliber or gun can do it all perfectly. But if I had to own only one handgun it would be a Colt Python.357 Magnum. It's a gun that can be lovingly fondled and admired and yet is also capable of doing the most versatile kind of shooting when needed. It's the ultimate! Thankfully owning only one handgun's not the case and I hope it never is! The MORE the better! Thank you for a most interesting perspective on a great caliber!

[@Ultimatereloader]

Agree! I would love to have a python!!!

[@andrewgates8158]

No. The Beretta Manhurin.

[@ForgingThought]

I'm partial to my 4" s&w 686. Simple, stout, effective and reliable.

[@painmt651]

@@ForgingThought Can’t argue with a 686

[@walterzook7751]

Brother has a Python w/pachmyer grips it was built when they were hand fit and finished! In my Opinion thee finest handgun ever made!

[@mkshffr4936]

Hard to argue with.38/.357 it sort of a split the difference between the .32s and the.44s and .45s. The .32s can do things better on one end and the .4x on the other but .38/.357 does reasonably well in both those categories. However the .327 Fed does a pretty good job of making the .312 bore viable for some fairly heavy work.

[@philiph554]

Nice video… My first center fire handgun was a 6” Security Six. I no longer have it 😕, but now have one with a 2.75” bbl, which I carried a bunch on fishing trips / hikes.

[@robertfree1908]

I loaded handloading for a friend 6” Security Six. It was really putting the hammer down with 158gr XTPs at 1434(3-shot avg) and A4100(the old stuff from when Accurate Arms was out of Tennessee. I have yet to try the Enforcer/4100 from Ramshot. Looking forward to that) powder. I didn’t even have to use the ejector rod. Clean burning powder that was. And really smooth chamber walls. Ruger really did a great job on those back in the day.

[@michaelmarquejr4824]

The .38Spl/.357Mag has one heck of a legacy. However, if one reloads, the .44 Mag can be loaded to do nearly anything one could want to do with a handgun. I love them all!!! Shoot safe and have fun.

[@Zundfolge]

Except that most (if not all) .44 revolvers are too big for CCW so that reduces its versatility. (same goes for .45 Colt).

[@machinist1176]

I love my Ruger Security 6. It’s great for me. The only downside it has a heavy trigger pull. I did do a trigger job on it, it functions beautifully. Beautiful Stainless finish.

[@jmpoulsen1]

The Security 6 in stainless is a keeper!

[@Ashcrash82]

This is far and away my favorite caliber combo. I have several revolvers, starting with a super light S&W J-Frame, then a 4" Colt Python (new 2022 production), S&W 686+ in 5" and & 7" barrels, and the first revolver I bought, a Ruger GP100 6" stainless. I have only shot the J-frame on 2 occasions with full magnums, because it just pounds the daylights out of my palm, even with the larger bateleur style grips from Altamont.

[@dougr5379]

I would tend to agree with your assessment on the 38/357. For revolvers, I have dedicated centerfire chamberings of 44 mag, 44 spcl, 41 mag, 357 mag, 38 spcl and 45 LC. I really like the 44 mag, but I've grown to appreciate the 357 mag. Great middle of the road cartridge.

[@MountainFisher]

I used to shoot pistol silhouette competition and used 44 mag, but got a .357 Maximum as the 44 was getting on my nerves. lol

[@darrellleach6077]

A guy in my neighbor was shot with a 9mm 8 times matstakin identidy and he's still living today and that was around the time police was moving from 357 to 9mm.That sold me on 357.

[@frankwright5528]

Another most enjoyable vid. Clearly, you were both having fun. I concur that the .357 is THE revolver round for versatile shooting: salon to saloon; against quadrupeds, bipeds, or legless, plus paper, dirt clods, or steel! Rarely mentioned in recent decades is the use of primer-only powered wax, rubber, or plastic projectiles for safe indoor and short range draw and shoot holsterwork practice or instruction. Fired into an old blanket, most projectiles are reusable. Speer used to offer plastic cases and projectiles. Regular brass may require flash holes to be drilled out. All safety rules still apply (well, except for shooting in the house). “Be careful! You’ll shoot your eye out, Kid…” Versatility!

[@larrybassett5559]

Extremely versatile and effective, even today, nicely done guys.

[@PPISAFETY]

This was a fun video, and I agree that the .357 is the most versatile revolver. I will nitpick on one small point though. The nickel finish Model 36 does have the firing pin on the hammer nose, but it also has a hammer block internal to the revolver. So if you were to strike the hammer or drop the revolver, the gun will not go off. The revolver can only go off if the trigger is held to the rear as the hammer falls. Smith and Wesson incorporated this feature toward the end of WWII, and all the original Model 36's have them unless a previous owner has removed the part. I used to see spme customers bring in their Chief's Specials and other S&W's that they had obviously been inside, and when I asked where the missing part was, they'd tell me, "Oh I left it out because it makes the gun hard to put back together", not realizing what it was for. As for the 2.5 inch Model 19, the issue with the older ones is with shooting a steady diet of hot 125 grain loads. The 19's manage the heavier bullet loads just fine because those loads do not erode the lower thinner part of the forcing cone with flame cutting. Remington makes an excellent Golden Saber 125 grain .357 Magnum carry load that while not marked as such, is a Medium Velocity load that runs about 1,150 fps from my 2.5 inch Model 19. It is easy on the gun, and provides a power level similar to a +P 9mm 124 grain load. This is my daily carry load in my older Model 19's. It gives me 1,225 fps from my 4-inch. Recoil is very manageable.

[@guyminer3168]

Good info, thank you!

[@johnnyk5]

327 federal magnum chambering is the most versatile. Full power 327 is good for medium game and self defense. 32 h&r is great for lighter recoiling self defense. 32 S&W long wad cutters are great for target shooting, and 60 grain 32 s&w long loads replaces 22lr altogether for small game. 357/38 doesn’t quite span that range.

[@gravesclayton3604]

Not to mention the 32-20.

[@jacktrout5807]

Also fires 32 acp.

[@mikemorabito5401]

I'm shooting a Ruger 77/357 bolt rifle at 100 yard targets, and I intend to hunt deer with it but usually just end up taking long walks without seeing one. I have just begun hand loading [Lyman 8 turret, Lee dies], still picking the right bullet/powder weight mix. I've shot the Buffalo Bore 180s, both out of the rifle and a SW 3" revolver.. wow are those stout! Thanks for this and all you r other videos, you' re the one who convinced me to give reloading a try.

[@ikocher]

I have a love for the 357/38 round. I’ve been loading subsonic heavy weights for a suppressed lever gun for a little bit now. It’s turned into my go-to plinker nowadays.

[@Ultimatereloader]

Now that’s cool!!!!

[@stevem4783]

.357 lineup: GP100 6" (blued, general purpose range/hunting gun) Python 4.25" (stainless, bought for collection) Security Six 6" (stainless, rescued from a pawn shop for restoration and collection) Taurus 689 6" (stainless, bought because it looks like a 686/Python hybrid and they're rare) Taurus 605 snubby (black, occasional CCW) Taurus 605 snubby (stainless, inherited and keep as sentimental piece) Suffice to say it's my favorite and preferred caliber

[@guyminer3168]

For good reason!

[@CHenry1951]

Great video, revolvers are a blast, underestimated, and fun to shoot I have an S&W 38 special stubby & 44 mag, you can't go wrong with either ............................. thanks for sharing

[@charlesthompson2575]

I’ve been looking for a .327 Fed Mag in a Ruger 4” GP 100 (double action) for the last 18 months to have all the .32 loads for my wife to shoot. This 4” GP 100 frame will shoot with less recoil than the 2”&3” guns. Women don’t like shooting a .357 Mag . With the loads available in this gun, she can shoot.32 longs at targets to get really comfortable with this gun, then can have the two Magnum loads for protection. She has a 12ga SxS with 20” barrels and buckshot in double 0 . The market for women that want what this double action gun provides in protection and simplicity to use while learning is big and growing!

[@VernonWallace]

Thanks for the video. Agree about 357. I have a Dan Wesson 357 and Marlin lever action to pair.

[@markmeador1137]

The nickel look is for rust prevention. If you have a blued weapon it takes a lot of maintenance.

[@dinosaur05]

Awesome video! .357 Magnum is my favorite round for its history, practicality and versatility! Great round for just about any application

[@LarryGarcia-p3j]

I like the 357 Revolver, you can also shoot 38spcl from that revolver.

[@jsharp1776]

I think that the 460 magnum is probably the most versatile pistol I own. It can shoot 45 Webley, 45 colt, 454 casual, and the 460 magnum. But I have to agree that the 357 magnum is one of the best guns ever made. It is by far my favorite to carry. Cheers!

[@robertfree1908]

Has anyone tried a 45 Colt CCI/Speer shotshell pest load out of a 460? I prefer the shotshell loads in a dedicated platform. But it will sure add to the versatility of 38/357, 44spl/mag or 45 Colt revolver. Very handy for when copperheads remain too close

[@mkshffr4936]

But probably not much of a squirrel gun. 😇

[@clatham1021]

@@robertfree1908 says in manual not to because of built in muzzle break

[@RichardCranium321]

can you shoot the 2.5" cup-less 00 buck .410 loads?

[@jsharp1776]

@@RichardCranium321 I don't know. I have never tried it, or heard of anyone trying to. But I will look into it.

[@sumakwelvictoria5635]

.357 magnum can also be fired through full length rifles for intermediate ranges and through special semi-auto pistols with magazines for reloading.

[@hghunter44]

I have a 1980s S&W Model 66, the stainless version of the 19, with the 2.5 inch barrel and it is my favorite hunting carry gun. Loaded with 180 grain hard cast bullets, I’ve used it to take a few whitetail deer.

[@ZER0_G]

That .357 just about declared independence flying out of that Henry for the first shot thru the chrono.

[@geraldmunk4660]

I really enjoy my 686 S&W 6"! I got it when they were first introduced in the 80s. I also had a 19-3 S&W 4"both have been great shooters and worthy of lots of 357 mag hand loads in both. I used to load and shoot 38 S&W but worried about damaging the 357 chambers. I used to shoot a lot of Speer bullets in all weights, but the Hornady XTP 158g bullets seam much easier to come by lately and a much better design. powder wise Unique, 2400 and IMR4227.

[@anthonyiocca5683]

My 686-4 also 6” barrel got it in the 90’s.

[@DeepOwl1073]

I shot a steel plate with both .357 and .44 mag with 180 gr XTPs. The 357 put a hole in the plate and the .44 made a dent. There's something to be said about BC.

[@marionrichardson1141]

S&W L fram 357 mag. 8 3/8" barrel hand load 208 grn cast powder coated bullets in 38 spl to insure cylinder lenght using titegroup powder lots of fun on the steel...

[@CIVILDEFENSEBUNKER]

It's my daily carry, 6 shot stainless.357 snubby windicator. I have many options in the safe from 1911 to polymer 9mms but I just love old school wheel guns.

[@mikethebike67]

Great video! A 5" Smith & Wesson 627 8 shot is my favorite revolver to shoot by far. Great for plate racks and bowling pin matches! It also wakes up other shooters at the range with full power magnums.

[@Ashcrash82]

I shoot mine at bowling pin matches as well, and my newest revolvers, 686+ in 5" and 7", are the easiest to hit the pins of anything I've shot revolver wise so far.

[@mikethebike67]

@@Ashcrash82 I need to get a 686 plus myself. I would love a 3".

[@alexpocs8649]

Had several 357 thru the years, 2 on hand is smith 627-5 in performance ctr and a ruger vaquero 4&5/8. Shoot both with 38's and 357 for comp. Also j frame 38+p 1 7/8 airweight..wore finish off and sent in, had them black annodize the aluminum and love the two tone look.

[@michaelfreeze1791]

The versatility is great and I took one step further and bought a Ruger 357/38/9mm convertible. Mine has the 6.5 inch barrel and is extremely with the lightest 9mm through the beefiest Buffalo Bore 357.

[@JD1459]

Very nice review, everyone needs to own several 38/357 and a Henry.

[@albertforletta1498]

I agree 100%. Excellent video. Thank you for the time and work you put into this video

[@mmarciniak]

The hammer block in S&W revolvers prevents unintended impact of the firing pin (or of the cartridge primer if it has a hammer “nose”) by the hammer. Only pulling the trigger will retract the hammer block, thus allowing the primer to be contacted and fired. S&W = hammer block Ruger = transfer bar They function opposite of one another.

[@ReeveHelalV]

Yes, that needed to be pointed out. The S&W design allows the cylinder to be fully loaded without concern of the firing pin contacting a primer without the trigger being pulled.

[@wheeldog5555]

@@ReeveHelalV Transfer bar also allows the cylinder to be fulling loaded. Remember boys and girls, if it's a S&W or a Colt D/A, hammer block. Ruger, transfer bar. Two completely different devises serving the same purpose.

[@ReeveHelalV]

@@wheeldog5555 agreed. It was indicated in the video that the older S&W revolvers with the hammer mounted firing pin were not safe to have six. This is incorrect since hammer mounted or frame mounted firing pin the S&W still uses a hammer block and is still good to go with a full cylinder.

[@wheeldog5555]

@@ReeveHelalV Plus, S&W also has the rebound slide that pulls the hammer back when trigger is brought back forward. That in itself is enough. The hammer block was added around WW2 as a redundancy. The two together make the S&W revolver probably the most drop safe weapon on the market.

[@sluggou812beotch]

Im so glad you shot the 36-1. I inherited mine from my mom and I've been shooting it since I was 10. What a sweet little gun that I've always been able to hit what I want.

[@baconator754]

LilGun is the magic fairy dust for .357 158s. Top velocity at lower pressures. Only downside is it can be noisy. In a rifle, it can drive the 158s to 1900fps or thereabouts, pretty much original .30/30 ballistics (160s at 1900, way back when). Henry also makes a dandy single-shot .357 rifle with a 24” barrel. Those are very pleasant plinkers and woods guns for whitetails.

[@LeonardoTheMage]

The problem is that Li'lGun is also known for burning hotter than most other magnum handgun powders and can erode top straps and forcing cones in revolvers and barrel throats in lever actions. It's a very good powder for every now and then when you want top end performance, but I wouldn't want to shoot it out of my guns regularly.

[@sisleymichael]

In a lever gun, 357 can be loaded to 38spl velocities which makes feeding work well in the gun with the longer brass. Some guns, really don't feed 38spl all that reliably. Using +P data, you will get higher velocities than you get from a spl cartridge in a handgun. A more sedate loading in a lever gun makes a decent defensive tool or a pest control gun. I have a red dot on one and it has served well against pests that try to get into my chicken house at night.

[@Z287899]

Same reason i like 327 federal, can load 32 acp, 32 short, 32 long, 32 h&r mag and of course 327 federal mag. not as common as 357, but when ammo shelves are bare, i can still find something to shoot out of it.

[@gravesclayton3604]

And the 32-20 Winchester cartridge!

[@nmelkhunter1]

An absolutely great cartridge.

[@teddyt4989]

Before S&W took the firing pin off the hammer the wonderful S&W revolvers had rebounding hammers. People carried 6 shot revolvers with 6 rounds without fear because the firing pin could not strike the primer unless the trigger was pulled. Guy is old enough to carry Smith pistols loaded with 6 rounds or in the case of the J frames loaded with 5 rounds without fearing an accidental discharge. Then came the sloppy shooters who blamed everything and everyone but themselves with their lawyers not far behind. I enjoyed your video.

[@nigel900]

There was an evaluation of cartilage effectiveness for “one shot stops”, that was compiled based on 30 years of shooting statistics in the late 70’s. It was determined that the one specific cartilage (and bullet), that had the highest percentage of one shot stops was the .357 Mag with a 125 grain semi jacked hollow point… (75% one shot stops). 👉🏻Even exceeding the 44 Mag.

[@kentuckywindage222]

This was determined also by KSP, (Kentucky State Police) during the time they carried .357 mag revolvers. The load was the Remington 125gr SJHP. 1 shot stop when placed in the K5 zone. This came from my Chief who was a Trooper and Detective during this time. He had first hand knowledge from an engagement with an armed robber. He with a shotgun and if memory serves his Sergeant with the S&W .357 mag. Perp shot and the shotgun hit high missing but the Sergeant, (top shot at the Post) did not miss.

[@guyminer3168]

@@kentuckywindage222 - yes, the 357 magnum with 125 grain ammo earned a well-deserved reputation as a fight stopper. My goodness! What a load!

[@texassportsman5880]

The original .357 that was developed back in the day is more powerful than the loads of today. I've had three of them. The five shot stainless Ruger SP101 and a S&W 586 no-dash and it doesn't have the hillary hole lock that nearly put smith out of business. The first 586 I carried as a county deputy in Texas. I foolishly traded it for a Colt 1911. A few days later I wanted to trade back but the guy I traded it to wouldn't budge. That 586 was sent to smith to have the action smoothed out and I had them add a target hammer and trigger. It was the smoothest revolver I had ever had which is why I wanted to trade back. So years later I found another 586 on sale on GB. A pawn shop in Kentucky had one that a widow of a state trooper sold to them. I bought it and took it to my gunsmith who gave it a thorough inspection. Two of the chambers in the cylinder was out of sync with the barrel and someone had cut a loop or two out of the trigger rebound spring. Once he fixed those issues I had him install a target hammer and trigger which I bought about three years before I found that 586. I shoot Federal AE 158gr SP through it. That 158gr is a stout load and not easy to shoot one handed. No the AE 158gr SP is not a practice round. That SP has a very nice expansion.

[@jamescalhoun4588]

My deer round out of my Ruger 77/357

[@demo2952]

I can shoot 180 grain hardcast out of my 3” if i need to but i usually carry hornady critical defense I think they are like 115 grain hp

[@Scooter-dm3qo]

Picking a few nit's here. First, you should NEVER rotate the cylinder of the Single Action Army with the hammer in any position other than at half cock. Doing so will put drag marks on a virgin cylinder and have the owner quite angry at this foolish disregard for someone else's property. Two, Colt revolvers shoot out of time, always have and probably always will, so servicing these revolvers every year is necessary. If you want a long lasting revolver get a S&W. Second that "1905" is not really a 1905 model, it is a post WWII M&P. Your revolver features a knurled tip on the Ejector Rod which was transitioned into production in the 1947-1951 time frame. Note if there is a small groove immediately behind the knurled tip that mean the assembly has a Left Hand Thread, prior to about 1962 these featured a Right hand thread and that groove was added as an identifier for the Left hand thread. As for the barrel length, S&W has a history of allowing a rather large tolerance in barrel lengths going up to the 1970's so your 1 7/8 inch barrel would be called a 2 inch barrel by S&W. Over the years "4" inch barrels have been seen ranging from 3 3/4 inch up to 4 1/4 inch.

[@ronmartblog]

DUDE - That was some awesome shooting on the first 1 7/8 snubby!! It’s taken me 2 years to get nearly that good at 10 yards with my S&W Bodyguard

[@Ultimatereloader]

Thanks Ron :)