.357 Magnum
Lengthened .38 Special at much higher pressure. Self-defense, deer and hogs at short range from a 6" revolver.
Good for: Revolver, Self-defense, Hunting
A typical factory load is a 158 gr JHP bullet at about 1,235 ft/s, with roughly 535 ft-lbs of energy at the muzzle.
Typical load
158 grJHP · 6" barrelMuzzle speed
1,235 ft/sMuzzle energy
535 ft-lbsTypical BC (G1)
≈ 0.16typical, varies by brandTwist rate
1:18.75Practical range
50 yd deer/hogPoint-blank range
116 yd6" vital zoneRecommended platform
Steel revolver, 4" barrel+Harsh in light snubbies; shoot .38s in thoseOn the Handgun Cartridges chart
Made for
Lengthened .38 Special at much higher pressure. Self-defense, deer and hogs at short range from a 6" revolver.
Typical load
158 grJHP · 6" barrel
Typical muzzle fps
1,235ft/s
Typical muzzle energy
535ft-lbs
Typical BC (G1)
≈ 0.16typical, varies by brand
Twist rate for typical load
1:18.75
Practical range
50 yd deer/hog
MPBR (iron sights)
116 yd6" vital zone · Near zero 5 yd · Far zero 98 yd · Min PBR 0 yd · Max PBR 116 yd · Sight-in @25 1.99" high
Recommended platform
Steel revolver, 4" barrel+Harsh in light snubbies; shoot .38s in those
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Speed, energy and BC are typical figures for the listed load; real numbers vary by brand, lot and barrel length. Always check the ammo maker's data for your exact load.