Handgun Cartridge Detail

Cartridge Specifications for Caliber: .357 Mag

.357 Magnum (.357 Smith & Wesson Magnum)

Specifications
Case Type:	Rimmed, straight
Introduced:	1934	Made For:	Revolver
Cart Len:	1.590-in	Case Len:	1.290-in
Case Dia:	0.379-in	Bul Dia:	0.358-in

Ballistics measured with:
4-inch revolver barrel

Cartridge Variants
	Weight	Velocity	Energy
From:	110 gr	1295 ft/sec	410 ft-lbs
To	180 gr	1200 ft/sec	675 ft-lbs

Cartridge Used in Database
Weight	Velocity	Energy
158 gr	1235 ft/sec	535 ft-lbs

Rankings for Cartridge Used in Database
PF:	195130	TKO:	9.980

Description:

Smith & Wesson introduced this cartridge for its heavy-frame revolver. Ammunition was developed by Winchester in cooperation with Smith & Wesson. Using a lengthened and strengthened version of the .38 Special case, the .357 Magnum was rapidly accepted by hunters and law enforcement. At the time of its introduction, it was claimed to easily pierce the body panels of automobiles and crack engine blocks. While it has less power than the .44 Magnum, it compares favorably to the 10mm Norma and .45 ACP, but with better armor penetration. Today factories offer over fifty different loadings in this caliber.