The .357 Magnum bullet is the same size as a .38 bullet. Because of this manufacturers made the .357 Magnum bullet longer so that people wouldn’t put it in a .38 pistol and injure themselves.
Lately, finding .357 Magnum rounds at reasonable prices has become challenging. The Covid-19 pandemic caused shortages, which drove up prices. And many brick-and-mortar stores, such as Walmart and Dicks Sporting Goods, have stopped selling ammunition or have cut way back.
There are several types of .357 Magnum cartridges and projectiles available. You can also buy new cartridges, or once-fired cartridges and load your own rounds.
This article will explore the many .357 Magnum options available, helping you to choose the right rounds for your pistol.
.357 Magnum vs. The .38
Despite the .38 nomenclature, the .38 bullet measures .357″ in diameter.
The cartridge of a .357 Magnum is 1.29″ vs. 1.15″ for the .38 bullet. This extra length plus the extra grains of powder makes the .357 Magnum bullet too powerful for the .38 pistol.
The power behind a .357 Magnum bullet is more than double that of a .38. Typically about 1450 fps vs. 900 fps and 583 foot-pounds of energy vs. 225 foot-pounds of energy when both use a 125-grain load.
Types of .357 Magnum Projectiles
There are three basic categories: personal defense, range target practice, and outdoors and hunting. What makes a bullet design better for one type of shooting or another mainly comes down to the projectile portion of the bullet.
Below you will find four types of projectiles you can choose from and what they are designed for.
Wadcutters
These work best for range and target practice. Target shooters will appreciate the low recoil and the low price of wadcutter bullets.
To cut down on price, these rounds output less energy than other options. Target practice does not require higher-powered rounds for effective range sessions.
One con of the wadcutter is the lack of complete compatibility with semi-auto handguns. Their squared-off tops do not play well with auto feeders. Keep these rounds for your revolvers.
Full Metal Jacket (FMJ)
FMJs feature a lead (with some exceptions) projectile with a thin layer of copper. Their smooth tops make them ideal for semi-auto weapons.
These rounds compete with wadcutters for popularity with target and practice shooters. Since they are compatible with all types of weapons, they are more versatile.
These rounds are not well suited for carrying and self-defense, with one exception, noted below. The solid projectile, propelled by a Magnum cartridge, penetrates walls and thin metals. In a self-defense scenario, these bullets can endanger innocent bystanders.
The exception: When the threat is hiding behind barriers, the FMJ bullet will fare better in your defense than a hollow point would. These rounds are often chosen by law enforcement for this reason.
Hollow Point/Jacketed-Hollow-Point (JHP)
These feature a hollowed metal projectile with a soft material placed inside the cavity.
There are two basic types of hollow points: one filled with a soft material, and a second type filled with a hard polymer.
The differences in penetration boil down to how much the bullet expands when it hits a live target. The projectile that is filled with a hard polymer will expand more than the one filled with a softer material.
Both types expend most or all their energy at the point of impact. Their stopping power occurs at this point of impact and does not extend beyond. Their low-penetration characteristics make them the ideal choice for concealed-carry and self-protection.
Frangible Rounds
Like hollow points, these rounds are not made of solid metal. Instead of a soft material or a polymer in the cavity, frangibles are filled with small metal pellets.
One of the cons of frangible is their higher expense. It remains unclear whether these types of projectiles are more effective than standard hollow points as defense-oriented projectiles.
Projectile Best Use Round-Up
FMJ works best when maximum penetration is required. This often also applies to game hunting Bears and other large animals have thick hides that make a hollow point ineffective.
Choose hollow points or a frangible for defensive handguns. They are the most effective at stopping humans while keeping over-penetration to a minimum.
Choose FMJ or wadcutters for range and practice shooting. You want bullets that you can buy in bulk without breaking the bank. When firing a semi-auto, nix the wadcutters and stick with FMJ.
Why You Should Consider Reloaded Brass
You can keep buying new bullets at their current prices (high) or you can become a DIYer and reload your brass.
Let’s face it, ammunition isn’t going to get cheaper. Reloading brass can save you a lot of money, up to 50% per bullet. If you’re a heavy-volume shooter the cost difference becomes significant.
Another plus with reloading brass is that cartridges are readily available. You can buy brass in bulk from Diamond K Brass and get started today.
When you need more ammo, you won’t have to worry about the current price trends and stock. You can make more yourself.
Sites like Diamond K Brass sell cartridges, primers, and projectiles. If you don’t want to mess with primers, you can also buy pre-primed cartridges from them.
The only other materials you will need are gunpowder (get the right type) and a cartridge press.
Reloaded bullets function as well as new bullets. Why keep paying a premium?
Best for 2023 New Bullet Options
When buying new bullets, it’s best to stick with reputable brands with a proven track record of quality. The following list outlines options for each category of the .357 Magnum bullet.
Self-Defense
Hornady Critical Defense 38 Special FTX. Comes in 90 or 110-grain loads. It works in both 38 Special and .357 Magnum revolvers. The FTX stands for Flex Tip Expanding.
Federal Ammunition 158 Grain JHP. Jacketed hollow point with 539 foot-pounds of stopping energy. These bullets carry a huge punch. Their hydra-shok version has a specialized notched jacket and technology that aids in controlled expansion. Well suited to conceal-carry and law enforcement.
Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel 135 Grain JHP. This bullet was designed for short-barrelled weapons. Its jacketed hollow point, 990 fps muzzle velocity, and 294 foot-pounds of muzzle energy make it a great choice for self-defense.
Range & Target Practice
Federal American Eagle .38 Special 130 Grain FMJ. Full metal jacket for hard target penetration and accurate shooting. This low-recoil bullet first at 890 fps. It’s much tamer than higher-powered options, which makes it a great option for newer shooters.
Remington .38 Special 158 Grain LRN. Another bullet with low recoil and low muzzle velocity at 755 fps. With lower recoil comes more accuracy and fewer issues with the sight jerking up. This is another bullet that comes with a low price.
Fiocchi 357 Magnum 142 Grain FMJ-TC. For those who want maximum power. This bullet fires at 1420 fps and hits with 636 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. The projective features a truncated cone, which the manufacturer states improve accuracy.
Cost Cutting Tip: Practice with cheaper .38 bullets but use .357 Magnum for self-defense and hunting.
Outdoors and Hunting — Small Game
Lower bullet weight is best for shooting game under 50 lbs.
Barnes 140 Grain VOR-TX. Barnes is known for manufacturing bullets specially made for hunting. Its full copper projectile penetrates 25% better than lead-core projectiles. This bullet also had tremendous expansive potential once it penetrates the animal hide.
CCI Blazer 158 Grain JHP. This aluminum-cased bullet is good for the budget-conscious hunter. This bullet has a jacketed hollow point tip for a quick kill upon penetration. Its 1150 fps velocity and 464 foot-pounds of muzzle energy provide enough power to take down small game.
PMC Bronze 158 Grain JSP. Another great option for the budget-conscious hunter. This one carries a serious punch too. It travels at 1471 fps and has 759 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Outdoors and Hunting — Large Game
For feral hogs and other large game, higher grain count and power are needed. Shooting with an underpowered round could leave an animal wounded. This would be inhumane, and a wounded game animal could injure or kill a hunter.
Buffalo Bore Outdoorsman 180 Grain Flat Nose. If this one won’t do it, switch to a rifle. This bullet carries a serious muzzle velocity of 1400 fps. It’s 783 foot-pounds of muzzle energy. Only shoot this round in full steel .357 Magnum revolvers; never in alloy-metal revolvers.
Underwood Ammunition 180 Grain Lead Flat Nose. These feature a hard-cast flat nose that penetrates even the hardest hides and mass. Large black bear? Giant feral hogs present no problem with this bullet. This special design has a 1400 fps muzzle velocity and 783 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
HSM Bear Ammunition 180 Grain Lead RNFP. This bullet was specially designed for hunters traveling through bear country.
Hunters who want to travel light and safe will find a .357 Magnum revolver with HSM Bear ammo the perfect companion. This load has a 1200 fps muzzle velocity and 576 foot-pounds of muzzle energy.
Make Your Purchase Wisely
If you have thought about reloading or are an avid reloader already, read more about it in the Diamond K Brass Blog (click on the link below).
Whether you reload your ammo or buy new, you can buy with confidence knowing you have all the information you need to select the correct ammo for your .357 Magnum.
For reloaders, come find new and once-used pistol brass, projectiles, and primers at Diamond K Brass. We stock supplies for all the popular pistol and rifle calibers.
