.38 spl.+P VS .357 mag.-125 gr. HP

[Ringo]

I find it interesting after viewing this chart (below) that there is very little difference between the .38 spl. +P & .357 magnum (both 125 gr. HP) in expansion & penetration from a 4 INCH BARREL. Considering the big difference in recoil and muzzle flip, making double and triple taps so much faster and easier, the +P seems the better choice. What say you?
38 Special +P Stopping Power

[Huklberyhound]

I think the key element for this table is one shot stops:

38 Special +P Stopping Power 125 gr
CCI JHP 67% 11.8" 4" revolver

357 Magnum Stopping Power 125 gr
CCI JHP 93% 13.1"

Hopfully the follow up with the .357 is to keep it pointed at them to make sure they don't twitch. Costs too much to shoot twice.

[Ringo]

I think the key element for this table is one shot stops:

Hopfully the follow up with the .357 is to keep it pointed at them to make sure they don't twitch. Costs too much to shoot twice.

I agree it costs too much to shoot twice. Knowing that shot placement is key, and considering the "little difference" between +P & .357 (125 gr.) in regards to expansion & penetration, I can't see any "significant' advantage with the.357. The BIG difference IMO is the re-coil.

[6shootercarry]

Agreed... The .38 spec. +P for defensive carry is a better choice. Low light and dark situations the muzzle flash from .357 is bright enough to give you the blind spot for a period of time and that will make quick follow up shots in darkness even harder.
It has enough stopping power to get the job of stopping a BG done. Cheaper so 2 shots are not an expensive option..


Peace...

[melloyello]

Not sure I understand the chart - what is the percentage indicating?

A 357 magnum handles more than twice as much pressure as a 38 Special +P.
The velocity is about 50% faster than the 38 Special +P.

Whatever is happening to stop that bullet i.e.: Hydrashock, bone, etc is going to be significant.

We (my wife and I) have CCI Blazer 38 Special +P's 125 gr JHP in our 357s.
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...?sku=000203514
They were a couple dollars cheaper per box when I bought them last year.
My wife appreciates the lower recoil especially in her Ruger SP101.

[Ringo]

Not sure I understand the chart - what is the percentage indicating?

A 357 magnum handles more than twice as much pressure as a 38 Special +P.
The velocity is about 50% faster than the 38 Special +P.

Whatever is happening to stop that bullet i.e.: Hydrashock, bone, etc is going to be significant.

We (my wife and I) have CCI Blazer 38 Special +P's 125 gr JHP in our 357s.
https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.c...?sku=000203514
They were a couple dollars cheaper per box when I bought them last year.
My wife appreciates the lower recoil especially in her Ruger SP101.

My wife and I carry the Speer Short Barrel GDHP +P 135 gr in our 357's and 38 spl.'s (2 & 4 in.) For any other reason except personal defense, the 357's get 357's.

[Bighouse Doc]

The Marshall/Sanow work, while interesting, suffers from some methodology flaws-confounds that make it's conclusions less solid.

-Doc

[melloyello]

My wife and I carry the Speer Short Barrel GDHP +P 135 gr in our 357's and 38 spl.'s (2 & 4 in.) For any other reason except personal defense, the 357's get 357's.

Bravo Zulu to your wife, Ringo.

My wife didn't appreciate 357 magnums in her Ruger SP101 (2.25" barrel).
The 38 Special +P were very tolerable in comparison to the 357s.
Would rather her use and practice with the gun than scared to fire it.

[Ringo]

Bravo Zulu to your wife, Ringo.

My wife didn't appreciate 357 magnums in her Ruger SP101 (2.25" barrel).
The 38 Special +P were very tolerable in comparison to the 357s.
Would rather her use and practice with the gun than scared to fire it.

I changed out the grips on our guns with the Hogue Monogrips, makes recoil a piece of cake compared to stock!

[6shootercarry]

I changed out the grips on our guns with the Hogue Monogrips, makes recoil a piece of cake compared to stock!

Yea they do make the full house mags a little more tolerable. Even in the model 65 I have (medium K frame 4" barrel) the Hogue made it feel more controlled and comfortable..

Peace..