Speer 135gr Gold Dots .38+P vs. .357?

[1911luver]

How does speers gold dot 135 gr short barrel .357's compare to the same load they offer in .38 special+P as far as power and performance? Are these a low end of mid range magnum round like the golden sabers for example? I'm considering the .357's for my 340 M&P thanks.

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[farronwolf]

Here is what Speer says about it. Speer Ammo - Ballistics Tables

Part Number Cartridge
Bullet Wt. Bullet Type Box Count Bullet Coefficient
23917 357 Magnum 135 GDHP-SB 20 0.141

Velocity(in feet per second) Energy (in foot pounds)
Muzzle 50 yards 100 yards Muzzle 50 yards 100 yards
990 928 877 294 258 231

Trajectory if sighted at 25 yards Test Barrel Length in inches Usage
25 yards
50 yards
75 yards
100 yards
0.0 -1.5 -5.5 -12.1 2V 1

Part Number Cartridge
Bullet Wt. Bullet Type Box Count Bullet Coefficient
23921 38 Special +P 135 GDHP-SB 20 0.141

Velocity(in feet per second) Energy (in foot pounds)
Muzzle 50 yards 100 yards Muzzle 50 yards 100 yards
860 818 780 222 200 182

Trajectory if sighted at 25 yards Test Barrel Length in inches Usage
25 yards
50 yards
75 yards
100 yards
0.0 -2.2 -7.6 -16.4 2V 1

[ghost tracker]

Considering how close the ballistics are between the two, I would pick the one that wads-up hits right on top of the front sight & has the least recoil/flash.

[farronwolf]

I wouldn't say they are that close. The .357 has 72ft lbs or 32% more energy. That is a lot when your on that end of the scale in my opinion.

If your looking at rounds that are packing close to 500 ft lbs of energy, 72 ft lbs might not be a lot but these are half that amount.

[bigbren]

Big difference between the SB .357 and the standard. Like a really hot .38 +P.