.357 SIG Vs. .40 S&W

bohner69 · 12-31-2011, 09:45 AM

So I've done my research on both calibers, Although I've only shot the .40, And I was just wondering what some personal opinions are out there about these two going head to head. From what I hear the .357 SIG is just a jacketed down .40 with less grain, but it is said to act like a .357 Magnum with its velocity and straight trajectory. I'm looking to get a .40 cal Sig when my taxes come back, but my friend told me to check out the .357 SIG instead. Unless the .357 SIG has worked wonders for you guys Im not going to purchase one because its ammo is costly, less available.

Reliable · 12-31-2011, 11:00 AM

Yes, the 357 Sig is a necked down 40 S&W.
Yes, the 357 Sig ammo is more costly and less ubiquitous.
Yes, the 357 Sig has similar ballistics to the 357 Mag.

It is a darn good round in performance and handling but for me, it's not worth adding yet another caliber for me to inventory in ammo and rloading equipment. The 40 does OK.

bohner69 · 12-31-2011, 12:16 PM

thanks Reliable, im just not sure if it would be worth my while to get a .357 SIG because the closest ammo supply to my house is a walmart a half-hour away and ive yet to see them carry .357 SIG to my surprise. The only sell for me is if it stays true to the .357 magnum round. Can anyone tell me about the recoil on this gun? I know it differs between different guns, but im just curious compared to the .40

maxndale · 12-31-2011, 06:12 PM

Go with the .40 especially in your situation. I work with a guy who has a sig in 357 he's trying to sell it for a new gun, and nodbody at work wants the 357 only the 40.

sigp229r · 12-31-2011, 08:40 PM

I have a SP2022 in 40... I bought a 357 Sig barrel for it. I noticed using the 40 sights, the 357 Sig shoots low. With the proper front sight, it should be dead on... IMHO, the 357 Sig is a sweet shooting round. With its excellent ballistics, I would consider making it my primary defense weapon. I just wish that it was a more economical round to shoot.

Brennan16 · 01-01-2012, 07:32 AM

Yeah, it's cased similar to the 40 S&W. It's really just a 9mm on steroids! The 357 SIG ammo is more expensive then the 40 S&W and 9mm. But, if you had a 40 and wanted to get the 357 barrel, I know I'd do it!!

bohner69 · 01-01-2012, 04:52 PM

i already have a 9mm, so i think i might just get the .40 and buy the .367 barrel down the road.

Volzfan · 01-01-2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bohner69

thanks Reliable, im just not sure if it would be worth my while to get a .357 SIG because the closest ammo supply to my house is a walmart a half-hour away and ive yet to see them carry .357 SIG to my surprise. The only sell for me is if it stays true to the .357 magnum round. Can anyone tell me about the recoil on this gun? I know it differs between different guns, but im just curious compared to the .40

That's part of the reason that my favorite rd is a S&W 40. 40's are easier to find and not too bad on price. I've never shot a .357 Sig but would like to.

Bricktop · 01-02-2012, 02:51 PM

Sig ammo is much faster (fps), shoots flatter and hits harder than 40. Along with 10mm the finest semi-auto calibers out there.

sigp229r · 01-02-2012, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volzfan

That's part of the reason that my favorite rd is a S&W 40. 40's are easier to find and not too bad on price. I've never shot a .357 Sig but would like to.

The 357 Sig shoots really nice... I thought it would kick more, but it was very comfortable to shoot.

The Rag Man · 01-07-2012, 01:53 AM

I've been shooting and reloading 357 SIG for 10+ years. It is far and away my most favorite pistol caliber due to its extreme accuracy, high velocity and light recoil. However, if you don't reload then it is very expensive to shoot. But if you do reload then it's not much more in cost than 9mm.

I have this caliber in P226, P229 and P229 Sport. Yes, a pistol in this caliber can be hard to sell. That's why I have a .40 barrel for both the 226 and 229. BTW, I purchased the 229 in .40 and then swapped in a 357 barrel and it shoots dead on.

For the fun of it a few years back I purchased a Ruger PC Carbine along with a Ruger P94 both in .40 S&W and then had both of them rebarreled in 357 SIG. The carbine is a sweet shooting little rifle and puts the 125gr GD out at over 2,100 fps and the P94 (which uses the same magazines) shoots quite well but nothing like a SIG.

I shot competition for a few years using the P229 Sport and that sweet little pistol put a lot of Kimber's to great shame. SIG's are inherently accurate in all calibers but the 357 steps it up to another level. If you like to reload then you can't go wrong, at least that's MHO.

Siggybaby · 01-07-2012, 08:41 AM

I don't see the point in using .357 SIG. Like it was said before, if you reload, that's another story. If you don't, it's hard to find and is more expensive than .40 S&W (10mm Kurz). If you're one of those people that just wants to have something that not many people have outside of SIG/Glock enthusiasts, then it is desirable.

SmevSIG · 02-05-2012, 07:35 PM

I have barrels .357SIG, 40S&W, and 9mm for my 226.

I shot the .357SIG first. A good buddy gave me several hundred rounds of ammo that he wound up with somehow. Shot up the cheap stuff and put the Hi-Vels, Gold Dots, and CorBons away for later use. Went out to buy some more "cheap" ammo for a weekend in the woods up north. Holy cow! After shopping for and pricing .357SIG and .40S&W, I ordered the .40 barrel. Since the spring and mags are the same, fairly cheap investment.

I shot the .40 cal as soon as the barrel arrived. I really couldn't tell much of a difference in recoil. I expected the .357 to have slightly lighter kick due to the lighter bullet, but not so much. I was going to shoot both back-to-back, but it was cold up there that weekend. After I get a chance to shoot one caliber and then swap barrels for an immediate comparison, I might change my opinion.

The .357 is harder to find and nearly twice as expensive. It's a lot faster, but at short distances the benefit of that would be negligible. It does have about 25-30% more downrange energy (rough guess, no flames please)

For some reason that I can't explain yet, the .357 does seem to shoot a little lower than the 40. Not much; just an inch or so lower at 10 yards. Again, after a back-to-back session I'll know more. I was shooting the .357 at the range and the .40 outdoors in the cold with shooting gloves on. Probably just me.

I can shoot 200 rounds of readily available (WalMart, KMart) .40 cal for $55-$60.
When I can find the .357 (pretty much only at gun shops and ranges with occasional luck elsewhere) it's about $60 for 100 rounds.

Bulk online purchasing helps.

Now the 9mm. I just bought the barrel for it and haven't shot it in the 226 yet. I'm expecting lower recoil than with the .357 and .40. I did buy the lighter recoil spring for it and two 9mm mags, so it was considerably more expensive to add this caliber than the .40. I figured since I was buying 9mm for the LC9, I might as well.

I just bought 300 rounds of 9mm at WalMart on Friday for $63 and change after tax.

I know what I'll be shooting at the range and in the woods for the most part. I'll save the .357 for bad guys and Zombies.

Paxmo · 02-06-2012, 02:39 PM

Buy the 40. When you register the piece sig offers you 20 percent off accecerys. The 357 barrel costs $190 or $152 + shipping. Mags are common for 40/357.

slixx1320 · 02-07-2012, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bohner69

i already have a 9mm, so i think i might just get the .40 and buy the .367 barrel down the road.

The barrel of the .40s&w (not sure on the .357sig as I haven't tried it) does not fit onto the 9mm upper slide. I've tried putting my .40s&w barrel onto my friends 9mm upper slide and the .40s&w barrel is a tad bit wide and does not seat properly. The 9mm fits on my .40 and shoots fine when I did the barrel swap. I loaded 10 rds of 9mm Federal 115gr FMJ ammo and all 10 shot fine.

I believe in order for you to shoot all 3 caliber's you would need to have the .40s&w to begin with so you could swap between the 3 calibers. If you have the 9mm you may have to purchase the complete conversion kit which I believe runs for around $300-350. The kit consist of the alluminum upper slide, mag, guide rod/spring, and barrel.

Paxmo · 02-08-2012, 11:52 AM

Just registered My P226tac in 40 sw. 357 sig barrel is $160 with shipping.
Have two guns in one. Then you have the best of both.

sigtalkmike45 · 02-08-2012, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the welcome to the forum....I'm looking forward to some valuable information.

Mike

Sig P229 in .40 S & W
Added a Bar-Sto .357 Sig barrel
Sig M400 AR

MT357Mag · 02-10-2012, 11:02 AM

I shoot both calibers 40 & 357, The 357 is alot more fun to shoot than the 40 but like everyone says the cost of the ammo is pretty pricey. I use the 357 for S.D. use and the 40 round for range or to have fun. Both calibers are right on target with my regular sights #6 & #8

If wanting to have multiple calibers on a 239 it would be cheaper to buy the gun in 40 cal, that way the 357 ammo will work in the 40 cal mags, if you buy the gun in 357 cal the 357 cal mags will not work using 40 S&W ammo & if you buy the gun in 9 mm Your screwed..

Also with a 239 a Sig factory barrel will drop right in & you will not need to buy a more expensive conversion barrel..

12-31-2011, 09:45 AM	#1
bohner69 Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Maine Posts: 99	.357 SIG Vs. .40 S&W So I've done my research on both calibers, Although I've only shot the .40, And I was just wondering what some personal opinions are out there about these two going head to head. From what I hear the .357 SIG is just a jacketed down .40 with less grain, but it is said to act like a .357 Magnum with its velocity and straight trajectory. I'm looking to get a .40 cal Sig when my taxes come back, but my friend told me to check out the .357 SIG instead. Unless the .357 SIG has worked wonders for you guys Im not going to purchase one because its ammo is costly, less available.

02-05-2012, 07:35 PM	#13
SmevSIG Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: SE MIchigan Posts: 14	I have all 3 I have barrels .357SIG, 40S&W, and 9mm for my 226. I shot the .357SIG first. A good buddy gave me several hundred rounds of ammo that he wound up with somehow. Shot up the cheap stuff and put the Hi-Vels, Gold Dots, and CorBons away for later use. Went out to buy some more "cheap" ammo for a weekend in the woods up north. Holy cow! After shopping for and pricing .357SIG and .40S&W, I ordered the .40 barrel. Since the spring and mags are the same, fairly cheap investment. I shot the .40 cal as soon as the barrel arrived. I really couldn't tell much of a difference in recoil. I expected the .357 to have slightly lighter kick due to the lighter bullet, but not so much. I was going to shoot both back-to-back, but it was cold up there that weekend. After I get a chance to shoot one caliber and then swap barrels for an immediate comparison, I might change my opinion. The .357 is harder to find and nearly twice as expensive. It's a lot faster, but at short distances the benefit of that would be negligible. It does have about 25-30% more downrange energy (rough guess, no flames please) For some reason that I can't explain yet, the .357 does seem to shoot a little lower than the 40. Not much; just an inch or so lower at 10 yards. Again, after a back-to-back session I'll know more. I was shooting the .357 at the range and the .40 outdoors in the cold with shooting gloves on. Probably just me. I can shoot 200 rounds of readily available (WalMart, KMart) .40 cal for $55-$60. When I can find the .357 (pretty much only at gun shops and ranges with occasional luck elsewhere) it's about $60 for 100 rounds. Bulk online purchasing helps. Now the 9mm. I just bought the barrel for it and haven't shot it in the 226 yet. I'm expecting lower recoil than with the .357 and .40. I did buy the lighter recoil spring for it and two 9mm mags, so it was considerably more expensive to add this caliber than the .40. I figured since I was buying 9mm for the LC9, I might as well. I just bought 300 rounds of 9mm at WalMart on Friday for $63 and change after tax. I know what I'll be shooting at the range and in the woods for the most part. I'll save the .357 for bad guys and Zombies. Last edited by SmevSIG; 02-05-2012 at 08:03 PM. Reason: typos

02-06-2012, 02:39 PM	#14
Paxmo Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NY Posts: 36	Buy the 40. When you register the piece sig offers you 20 percent off accecerys. The 357 barrel costs $190 or $152 + shipping. Mags are common for 40/357. Last edited by Paxmo; 02-06-2012 at 02:41 PM.

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12-31-2011, 11:00 AM	#2
Reliable Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,380	Yes, the 357 Sig is a necked down 40 S&W. Yes, the 357 Sig ammo is more costly and less ubiquitous. Yes, the 357 Sig has similar ballistics to the 357 Mag. It is a darn good round in performance and handling but for me, it's not worth adding yet another caliber for me to inventory in ammo and rloading equipment. The 40 does OK.

12-31-2011, 12:16 PM	#3
bohner69 Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Maine Posts: 99	thanks Reliable, im just not sure if it would be worth my while to get a .357 SIG because the closest ammo supply to my house is a walmart a half-hour away and ive yet to see them carry .357 SIG to my surprise. The only sell for me is if it stays true to the .357 magnum round. Can anyone tell me about the recoil on this gun? I know it differs between different guns, but im just curious compared to the .40

12-31-2011, 06:12 PM	#4
maxndale Junior Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 20	Go with the .40 especially in your situation. I work with a guy who has a sig in 357 he's trying to sell it for a new gun, and nodbody at work wants the 357 only the 40.

12-31-2011, 08:40 PM	#5
sigp229r Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: California Posts: 1,700	I have a SP2022 in 40... I bought a 357 Sig barrel for it. I noticed using the 40 sights, the 357 Sig shoots low. With the proper front sight, it should be dead on... IMHO, the 357 Sig is a sweet shooting round. With its excellent ballistics, I would consider making it my primary defense weapon. I just wish that it was a more economical round to shoot.

01-01-2012, 07:32 AM	#6
Brennan16 Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NH Seacoast Posts: 10	Yeah, it's cased similar to the 40 S&W. It's really just a 9mm on steroids! The 357 SIG ammo is more expensive then the 40 S&W and 9mm. But, if you had a 40 and wanted to get the 357 barrel, I know I'd do it!!

01-01-2012, 04:52 PM	#7
bohner69 Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Maine Posts: 99	i already have a 9mm, so i think i might just get the .40 and buy the .367 barrel down the road.

01-02-2012, 02:51 PM	#9
Bricktop Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Posts: 137	Sig ammo is much faster (fps), shoots flatter and hits harder than 40. Along with 10mm the finest semi-auto calibers out there.

01-07-2012, 01:53 AM	#11
The Rag Man Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Washington State Posts: 2	I've been shooting and reloading 357 SIG for 10+ years. It is far and away my most favorite pistol caliber due to its extreme accuracy, high velocity and light recoil. However, if you don't reload then it is very expensive to shoot. But if you do reload then it's not much more in cost than 9mm. I have this caliber in P226, P229 and P229 Sport. Yes, a pistol in this caliber can be hard to sell. That's why I have a .40 barrel for both the 226 and 229. BTW, I purchased the 229 in .40 and then swapped in a 357 barrel and it shoots dead on. For the fun of it a few years back I purchased a Ruger PC Carbine along with a Ruger P94 both in .40 S&W and then had both of them rebarreled in 357 SIG. The carbine is a sweet shooting little rifle and puts the 125gr GD out at over 2,100 fps and the P94 (which uses the same magazines) shoots quite well but nothing like a SIG. I shot competition for a few years using the P229 Sport and that sweet little pistol put a lot of Kimber's to great shame. SIG's are inherently accurate in all calibers but the 357 steps it up to another level. If you like to reload then you can't go wrong, at least that's MHO.

01-07-2012, 08:41 AM	#12
Siggybaby Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: SIG Sauer, Georgia Posts: 276	I don't see the point in using .357 SIG. Like it was said before, if you reload, that's another story. If you don't, it's hard to find and is more expensive than .40 S&W (10mm Kurz). If you're one of those people that just wants to have something that not many people have outside of SIG/Glock enthusiasts, then it is desirable.

02-08-2012, 11:52 AM	#16
Paxmo Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NY Posts: 36	Just registered My P226tac in 40 sw. 357 sig barrel is $160 with shipping. Have two guns in one. Then you have the best of both.

02-08-2012, 12:38 PM	#17
sigtalkmike45 Junior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: St. Peters, Missouri Posts: 1	Thanks for the welcome to the forum....I'm looking forward to some valuable information. Mike Sig P229 in .40 S & W Added a Bar-Sto .357 Sig barrel Sig M400 AR

02-10-2012, 11:02 AM	#18
MT357Mag Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Michigan Posts: 511	I shoot both calibers 40 & 357, The 357 is alot more fun to shoot than the 40 but like everyone says the cost of the ammo is pretty pricey. I use the 357 for S.D. use and the 40 round for range or to have fun. Both calibers are right on target with my regular sights #6 & #8 If wanting to have multiple calibers on a 239 it would be cheaper to buy the gun in 40 cal, that way the 357 ammo will work in the 40 cal mags, if you buy the gun in 357 cal the 357 cal mags will not work using 40 S&W ammo & if you buy the gun in 9 mm Your screwed.. Also with a 239 a Sig factory barrel will drop right in & you will not need to buy a more expensive conversion barrel..