.357 Magnum

Rifle Also: .357 FM

One of the most versatile handgun cartridges ever designed. Can also fire .38 Special for practice. Full-power 125gr loads deliver devastating terminal performance. Effective for deer-sized game within 50 yards. A top choice for wilderness protection against bears and mountain lions.

Best For

Self Defense Hunting Competition Woods Defense

Ballistics (Typical Factory Load)

1,350

Muzzle Velocity

fps

583

Muzzle Energy

ft-lbs

158

Typical Bullet

grains

8.89

Bullet Diameter

0.155

Ballistic Coeff.

G1 BC

35,000

Max Pressure

PSI

29.16

Case Length

🔧 Handloading Data

Reference load data for experienced reloaders. Always start at the start charge and work up. Consult official manuals before loading.

Bullet	Powder	Start	Max	Velocity	COAL	Source
125 gr (8.1 g) JHP	Hodgdon H110	18.5 gr 1.2 g	20.5 gr 1.33 g	1,450 fps	1.590	Hodgdon
125 gr (8.1 g) JHP	Alliant 2400	15.5 gr 1.0 g	17.5 gr 1.13 g	1,400 fps	1.590	Alliant
158 gr (10.2 g) JSP	Hodgdon H110	15.0 gr 0.97 g	16.8 gr 1.09 g	1,250 fps	1.590	Hodgdon
158 gr (10.2 g) JSP	Alliant 2400	13.5 gr 0.87 g	15.5 gr 1.0 g	1,220 fps	1.590	Alliant
158 gr (10.2 g) JSP	Hodgdon Lil'Gun	14.2 gr 0.92 g	15.8 gr 1.02 g	1,280 fps	1.590	Hodgdon
158 gr (10.2 g) JSP	IMR 4227	13.8 gr 0.89 g	15.5 gr 1.0 g	1,200 fps	1.590	IMR
170 gr (11.0 g) JHP	Hodgdon H110	14.0 gr 0.91 g	15.8 gr 1.02 g	1,180 fps	1.590	Hodgdon

📐 Measurement Guide for Reloaders

Powder Charge

Measured in grains (1 grain ≈ 0.065 grams) using precision digital or mechanical scales. Maintaining strict powder weight is crucial for safety and velocity consistency.

Cartridge Overall Length (COAL)

Total length from case base to bullet tip. Checked with digital calipers. Must be within manufacturer's specified range to fit and feed from your firearm's magazine.

Cartridge Base to Ogive (CBTO)

Precision shooters measure to the ogive — the curved part of the bullet that first contacts the rifling — for more accurate bullet seating depth and consistency.

Case Length & Headspace

Brass stretches with firing. Measure case length to know when to trim. Use headspace comparators to check shoulder bump-back during sizing.

Neck Tension

The grip the brass has on the bullet. Measured with ball micrometers by comparing neck wall thickness before and after bullet seating.

Pressure Signs

Inspect fired brass for over-pressure: flattened primers, ejector marks, case head expansion. If unsure, reduce charge and consult your load manual.

⚠️ Always consult established reloading manuals (Hodgdon, Hornady, Lyman) for your specific bullet and powder combinations. For experienced reloaders only.

Technical Specifications

Bullet Diameter	8.89 mm
Case Length	29.16 mm
Max Chamber Pressure	35,000 PSI
Type	Rifle

.357 Magnum

Best For

Ballistics (Typical Factory Load)

🔧 Handloading Data

📐 Measurement Guide for Reloaders

Technical Specifications

Compatible Firearms (283)

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