Quoted: Also interesting is the comparison with the 40 S&W. The 357 Sig was designed to replicate the performance of the 125gr JHP in .357 Mag as fired from a 4" revolver barrel (approx. 1450 fps). In my own testing, 125gr ammo from Remington and Federal averaged 1380 fps (4.4" barrel) so it's pretty darned close. Depending on the source, the 125gr 357 Mag at that velocity is very highly regarded as a stopper. But you never hear anyone comparing the 40 S&W to potent 357 Mag loadings.
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Just going to jump in to throw around a few benefits of .40 S&W.
One key thing about .40 is the load selection AND the good performance of the weight range. When you consider the energy & expansion of the 135gr. - 165gr. performance loads you're really not sacrificing that much when compared to the holy grail .357 Mag. 125gr. JHP. The 155gr. & 165gr. will offer better penetration against barriers or deeper penetration which may be needed. .357 Sig performance relies solely on the on the lighter 115gr. - 125gr. loads, the 147gr. load has never been that popular and it doesn't compare to .40 in my opinion.
Here were some of my comparison points between .40 & .357 Sig:
- Both caliber's are very suitable for FL's almost year round warmer weather climate but the .40 would seem to have an edge if you had to face heavy clothing.
- .357 Sig performance contained to lighter weight loads, .40 has a broader multi-role selection. The higher speed & lighter weight of the .357 Sig caused worries about deflection and/or too rapid of energy loss & penetration. (However, I know if you get a solid hit and the bullet performs optimally wound should be devastating.)
- .40 ammo & reloading components are very prevalent, reloading is simpler & cheaper.
- Did not like how loud the .357 Sig was w/out hearing protection.
- At the time I made my choice the .357 Sig was only in a select few models, ammo was expensive then, was not widely stocked. There was also uncertainty about if the caliber would survive.
As for my last point, the caliber will survive but it just doesn't seem like it will achieve the popularity they thought it was going to get. Ammo prices are pretty much just as affordable as .40 except for reloading circumstances. The down side to the .357 Sig is how narrow the load selection is.
Something else to add is that YOU CAN take a std. 9mm and with loads like the Win. 127gr. +P+ Ranger SXT, Federal 124gr. +P+ HydraShoks or Speer 124gr. +P Gold Dots get sound defensive performance.