357 or 9mm

[kona]

Thinking about a ruger GP 100 for the high country. Am I getting much more power with hot 357 over +p 9mm in my SIG 226 or G19?

[ray1970]

I usually use a 357 for my back country sidearm. I usually like the heavier bullets. You can't get those in 9mm.

[Fentonite]

Fire a 9mm+p, and then fire a .357. The difference is not subtle.

[kona]

I really don't think I'm gaining much with 357.

[hurley842002]

I really don't think I'm gaining much with 357.

It would seem as tho you already have your mind made up, but i'll politely disagree. Don't get me wrong, I love my 9mm, but it doesn't hold a candle to a properly loaded .357 mag. Heaviest I can go in 9mm is 147gr, and case capacity is very little. I can load a 158gr quite hot, or if I really want to penetrate, 180gr or even 200 gr....... Here are some numbers from Double Tap:

147gr 9mm
http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.p...product_id=581

180gr .357
http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.p...product_id=336

200gr .357
http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.p...product_id=337


So if you notice, the 200gr .357 smokes the heaviest 9mm offering available....

[ray1970]

I really don't think I'm gaining much with 357.

I don't have great internet access now, but I bet if you look at the energy created by the best 357 load and the best 9mm load the 357 is going to win.

[ray1970]

Just looked up some buffalo bore data. They have some 357 loads right at 800 ft lbs of energy. Their best 9mm +P+ load barely hits 500.

[Irving]

Energy may be closer between rounds if you are comparing a hot 9mm out of a 5" barrel compared to a mellow 357 out of a 2" snub-nose gun. I don't know without looking it up though.

[sroz]

I agree with everyone else, but looks like you have your answer. If you're still trying to decide, Google may provide more insight.

NM...looks like others have done it 4 u.

[hurley842002]

Energy may be closer between rounds if you are comparing a hot 9mm out of a 5" barrel compared to a mellow 357 out of a 2" snub-nose gun. I don't know without looking it up though.

Definitely a valid statement, I certainly wouldn't recommend shorter than a 4" barrel for a woods gun, and a 6" would be much better.