marked observable difference in ammo effectiveness

Grumpy

The Grumpy Grease Monkey mechanical engineer.
Staff member
I was recently asked why Id suggested use of a 357 mag revolver for use as a pistol for hunting deer and hogs,
this was considered to be hopelessly under powered by the person discussing that choice.

obviously we need to be discussing the same set of conditions, ammo and firearms.(to have a valid discussions)
and I must point out that shot placement is critical to getting good results,
and no pistol will hit with nearly as hard an impact as most rifles.
that does not mean they are less lethal in well practiced hand, but your working at a slight disadvantage compared to some common calibers like a 308 win or 45/70 or 30/30
first I'm forced to point out that both available ammo, the projectile used and the type of pistol or revolver and the barrel length and sights vary a great deal.
both the original 357 mag S&W revolvers , and the 10mm ballistics had very similar power, the 357 was originally loaded with a 158 grain soft point expanding bullet, loaded to 1500 fps from a 8 3/8" barrel,
and the 10mm was originally advertised as having a 155 grain at 1425 fps-to-1475 fps , or a 200 grain at 1200 fps
most of the ammo you commonly see available is loaded to significantly lower power levels.
both cartridges loaded to the original power level, have proven very effective, in use.
but manufacturers rapidly found out that the average guy who probably buys and shoots less than 250 cartridges a year,
could not effectively handle the muzzle blast and recoil, very well!
so the vast bulk of commercially loaded ammo is significantly under peak power levels that the cartridge potentially can be safely loaded too!
\ effectively neutering the cartridge power and potential effectiveness.


if your not using the proper barrel length and full power ammo your never going to get peak performance,
thats a bit like buying a 4 speed L88 big block corvette,
and never allowing the engine rpms to exceed 3500 rpm,
then bitching that the car does not live up to your expectations.
if your buying the cheapest crap quality ammo off the shelf at, most lower priced vendors like, wall mart you can bet your not getting nearly max performance ammo.
and
to get the best performance a 6" barrel is the minimum reasonable length

you can use this quick formula.
velocity x velocity x bullet weight in grains /450240= ft lbs of energy



SW357mn.jpg

357 mag MAX PERFORMANCE
ammo produces about 770 ft lbs

all the comparative data between different calibers and pistol vs rifle etc might seem to indicate that caliber and power does not mater as much as most people think it does, but they IGNORE the fact that accurate shot placement, a knowledge of anatomy is critical, simply shooting at the adversary's torso and hitting it someplace does not indicate a well placed shot,as any hunter knows or learns, put a shot through the heart,, both lung's or , liver shots that destroy a lot of tissue as the pass through and exit, are generally fatal,


http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=357 Magnum&Weight=All&type=Handgun
http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=303_331


typical off the shelf ammo 535 ft lbs
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...-magnum-158-grain-jacketed-soft-point#details

typical off the shelf ammo 503ft lbs
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...mmunition-357-sig-125-grain-full-metal-jacket


glockmd4010.jpg

10MM MAX PERFORMANCE ammo produces about 750 ft lbs
but the larger diameter bullet seems to be marginally more effective at times


http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/default.asp?Caliber=10 mm&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source=
http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=303_301

typical off the shelf ammo 545 ft lbs
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1...unition-10mm-auto-180-grain-full-metal-jacket


typical off the shelf ammo 469 ft lbs
https://www.midwayusa.com/product/4...uto-180-grain-jacketed-hollow-point-box-of-50
 
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