Recent Article in Swat Magazine about .357 Sig Myth

[Jamie Young]

In the article it claims that .357 Sig actually penetrates less than most calibers due to the fact that bullet expansion is more reliable in this caliber. I still think .357 Sig is a bit mighty for up and personal defensive uses.

Can somebody tell me where there is any evidence that one would be better off with a .357 Sig over a 9mm for CCW because of bullet expansion data?

I thought bullet development has taken such leaps that calibers and bullet expansions are a non-issue.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[Torrid]

That doesn't sound quite right. Expansion is considered to be more reliable because of the velocity, but its most likely that it will penetrate more than a 9mm of the same grain because of the higher velocity.

[old grunt]

The Federal Air Marshals use 357SIG in SIG pistols. I would assume that is as good an endorsement for a particular caliber as you can get. For the record I do NOT own a weapon in this caliber so I have no dog in this fight..just an "observor".

[johnsonabq]

The Federal Air Marshals use 357SIG in SIG pistols. I would assume that is as good an endorsement for a particular caliber as you can get. For the record I do NOT own a weapon in this caliber so I have no dog in this fight..just an "observor".

It would seem to me that Air Marshall's would be more concerned with penetration that you or I.

[jfl]

Too many variables: bullet weight, construction, powder vs. barrel length, barrel length per se, test medium, etc.
For me the best caliber is the one you are proficient with, has decent ballistics and is readily available.

[whiskeymike]

I double checked Wikipedia, and it confirms the Secret Service uses Sigs in 357 Sig.

[United93]

Several Fed agencies use SIGs in this caliber.

[torrejon224]

I have a S&W M&P in .357sig and love it. Wish this round had been around before I had retired as I would have carried it vs 45acp. Recoil wise I put it in the area of a Ranger 127+P+ in 9mm, very easy to control, moderate recoil but LOUD!! I consider it a great CCW round in a gun like the M&P or the Sig 229 the story discussed. There is a reason a lot of State Police and Fed Agencies are switching to or allowing this round and that is that the majority of shootings are one stop shots, it shoots a very flat trajectory and in the hand of a skilled shooter it's probably the most accurate handgun round made.

[AZ Husker]

Don't forget that newsstand magazines cater to their advertisers. Turn to somewhere around pages 6-9 and check out the full-page cartoon ads for Dr. Doom ammo that will do anything. They don't offer .357 Sig, but guarantee their 9mm will sink an aircraft carrier in the hands of their photo models.