For me, 357 sig is one of the best optimized carry rounds for personal defense. I use it in my P226. So many say it's a dead cartridge, but I think it will have its resurgence, much like 10mm. So many police trade in 40sw on the market, and people will naturally gravitate to wanting faster projectiles. If it had a branding name change to "9mm Super," all of the 9mm fan bois will be all over it. For me, 125gr is the sweet spot for it.
You're 100% correct! .357 SIG was designed around 125gr bullets for a reason! And honestly when it comes to self defense 124-125gr is the ticket when it comes to any handgun cartridge that starts with .35_
Funny thing is the Underwood 125gr 357 Sig round has a velocity equal to the Underwood 1520 fps 115gr round tested here. Also unusual is the fact the Hornady 357 Sig 147gr XTP offering has a velocity around 30 to 40 fps FASTER than the Underwood 147gr XTP and the Hornady 147gr round was designed by Hornady for use in the 357 Sig. This of course means the Hornady 147gr XTP doesn't fragment at speed, gets good expansion and 18 inches of penetration in organic gel. The Hornady 147gr 357 Sig XTP bullet is only loaded into Hornady ammo and nothing else. So in other words stick with the 125gr rounds and the Hornady 147gr XTP round if not with the Underwood XD and XP ammo variety.
I've said in the comments of one of his previous tests, I ignored it for a long time because I was already shooting 9x23 Winchester which is capable of higher velocity than the .357 SIG. But then I shot one! And it's right in the sweet spot of velocity that I load most of my 9x23 to anyway with readily available ammunition. So now I have 2🤣 . I still think in a full sized tool the 9x23 is a superior cartridge. The cases are indestructible and can handle rifle like pressure giving it a pretty big edge in velocity. But the .357 is 85-90% of it and fits in 9mm sized guns. And in many cases as Tools pointed out it's a barrel swap and you're in business!
If you have some spare change… Stealth Arms announced at SHOT show that they will offer a Platypus in 357 Sig. That would be a sweet addition to the collection
Although I prefer the 125, both of the rounds you tested (115 and 147) would be devastating effective for personal defense. I’d chose whatever was the most accurate in my pistol and shot to the correct point of aim.
Love my Glock 32 at moment I'm carrying the Speer Gold dot 125 gr ... clocking in a little over 1400 FPS.. otherwise I'm carrying the G23 with 165 HST...great test as always..Brian ..
I agree with you that the 124gr .357 SIG from your previous test is preferable to either of these two. Though this 115gr still did pretty good for its weight hitting at that velocity and reaching 15.5 inches. If the 124gr ran out and this was available, I'd grab it.
The 115gr helps to maintain terminal velocity in sub 4" barrels. The fragspansion of the nosler helps to amplify the early energy dump. If you are going light-for-caliber the 65 & 90 grain xtreme defenders really shine with the hyper-velocity potential of 357SIG. Otherwise 125gr rules them all whether JHP or FNFMJ.
Yes , .357 Sig & 124/125 is the intended and optimal combination. The 115 certainly did what it did . But only marginal difference from a 9mm +P+ at 200 fps less . A 147 projectile at those speeds does present interest possibilities for hunting/ woods gun niche , without massive overpeneration . The obvious comparison would be to 158 JHP .357 Revolver . Not sure if XTP is the best projectile for that . Maybe test out some 147 Gold Dot .
That .357 sig is certainly stronger than a 9mm +p+ it also has more energy by 100 ft lb for only 2 dollars a box more I’ll get the .357 sig especially considering with 9mm you have to go to +p+ pressures to even have a conversation about matching up to .357 sig not to mention there are more powerful offerings in .357 sig
Another good test a video. Again, this just verifies why I use 125gr Gold Dots in my G31 357Sig. I still have about 3 boxes of the older Underwood 125gr Gold Dot loads, and those loads get a true 1,550 fps in my G31. When I handload for the 357Sig, I push the same bullet at a slightly milder 1,500fps. Still, that is no slouch and is very similar to my 4" 357 Mag with the same bullet.
@@JJ_SDWR If I have to pick one, it would be 10mm. Not even a close call for me. new guns and ammo are constantly being released for 10mm. The same can't be said for .357 sig and in my opinion, it never will see anything new.
I always thought that would be really interesting to see, too, a decibel comparison of all the different rounds out of differing barrel lengths, but supposedly it's really hard to measure effectively.
I use underwood 124gr. 357sig. It's a nosler projectile that performs very well. 115gr is a Lil light and breaks up to much for me. And the 147gr is a Lil heavy and lacks the speed that makes the .357sig shine. So as you said .357sig is best at 124gr 125gr. Thanks for the test, as always it was awesome. Hope you have a wonderful day.
I'm a firm believer in 357sig. I have an H&K VP40 converted to 357sig and have many other handgun calibers. I edc UW 124gr asp hollow points and they are devastating. It's like shooting a 357mag that holds 14 rounds. By far my favorite handgun caliber for edc. Never out gunned! 124-125gr is the definate sweet spot.
I figured the 147s would expand nicely moving 1200+ fps but poor design I reckon. I’d say 125gn is the way to go with this. I think it’s the magic weight for 357, 38 and 124 in 9mm. Great test just the same good sir. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Couldn't agree more with ya on this one. I have always been a 124 guy for 9mm so makes a lot of sense to stick in the middle with 357 Sig but make no mistake 115 or 147 at over 500 ft lb is no joke. Have a good one brother see you on the next one.
Great info. I run the 147 gr XTP at 1225 from my 16" carbines so this gives me a good idea how they will perform. The 147 gr XTP has a BC of 2.0 so it holds its energy out a bit. The 125 gr bullets in the 357 SIG were designed for self defense and that is what i would use in them.
B, this was another great test. I'm with you on the 125grn as a carry option, as it seems to be the sweet spot. I think from just alone of the 357SIG testing, you've probably sold more people on it, and gave more options when carrying. This caliber is no joke!
I have a 357 sig-conversion barrel for my Glock model 35. That gives me a 5.3-inch barrel. The 124 grain Hornady bullet is the one I favor. However, the Hornady 147 grain is an easy bullet to load due to its semi-boat tail base. It's a great bullet weight as a backup for wild hogs that are wounded.
To have enough energy to force the petals closed after they opened up is crazy… it looks like both 147’s closed back up… one more than the other…and fragmentation isn’t good for hunting rounds, but for personal defense as long as you get penetration, exploding and fragmenting is just a bonus.
I’m not surprised the 115 fragged I’m surprised it didn’t completely disintegrate. Underwoods 185gr XTP in 45Super @1450fps (more like 1500 in a 5”) blew up like a grenade when I bought it. The XTP is a real Goldilocks bullet, too slow it doesn’t expand and too fast it goes to pieces. But just right it performs great.
I thought that that 147 would do better than it did. The 115 is just too light. I'm not a fan of the Sig or 9mm. As my wife says ''get big or get out. To the Sig fans. I understand why you like them. It's a good round. Thanks Tool Guy. Another good video.
The 147 grain has a higher ballistic coefficient meaning at longer distances it can exceed the energy of the 115 eventually but both great rounds with in short distances, rural carry 147 and urban carry 115
I personally love the lighter extreme defenders (external "holowpoints" ) that do like 2000-2200fps. I'd love to see a company come out with a .357sig carbine or pdw with an 8-9inch barrel slinging those super hot rounds down range. I've seen some glock pdw setups with braces that get close, though.
"It's got the energy, sure." Let's talk about energy. The 115-grain load averaged 1257 feet per second at 50 yards, giving us an average of 403 energy foot pounds at that distance. The 147-grain load was moving 1096 feet per second at 50 yards, on average, generating an average of 392 energy foot pounds. Nothing to sneeze at from either of them. I'll stick with my 125-grain .357 Sig ammo, though.
I think you're right about the projectile weight. I've always thought that 140 is a great weight for the .357 magnum, so 125 gr. should be a peach in this one. Projectile design sure has improved since the 80s. Thank you, Sir, for all your helpful videos. Whatever folks are shooting, I just hope they're stocking up now.
I loved my P226 in .40 S&W, which came with a .357 Sig barrel too ,as a package, from Sig Sauer. Man I wish I would have kept that pistol. I think you would have got the correct velocities, if you would have used a Sig pistol, or a pistol with standard rifling. Very good video...
The last time I ordered from Underwood the only weight they had was the 115gr. I’ve got five boxes of it. I’ve yet to shoot any but this video makes me think I need to. I don’t know about an indoor range. I’ll have people hating on me! My 357 Sig barrel works perfectly in my G23. Thanks for the video sir.
@@cgsimons1187 589 foot pounds of energy is pretty stout and effective l would think for self defense next step up for me would be 200 grain 10mm hard cast
Great test I’m glad to see the 257sig tested with different weights being as it was designed around 124-25 that’s all I have ever run through mine mostly because that’s all I can find locally Having said all that I think I will stick with 125 unless maybe using it as a dangerous game sidearm but in that situation I’m using 44mag revolver until I can get a 460swmag or 454 casul that type of situation you just want it to work
I actually run Corbon 115 - I believe they are XTPs. The point of 357 Sig is velocity and the noise is sonic crack. Higher velocity yields higher energy. Per your own calculation, that was very near 600 ft-lbs. Agreed Nosler ASP is not ideal at those velocities. Gold Dot, Hornady XTP, and bonded JHPs are better. The 357 Sig, even Corbon or Underwood, are easier to handle than 10mm. Sure, 10mm fans have no issues, but for those who find full-power 10mm unpleasant, they are better off with 357 Sig. Massive energy in a controllable round is why I prefer 357 Sig.
Another good test, Brian! Ok, I don't even own a 357 Sig but I would definitely carry one! The trick is to use the right bullet, in the case of the Sig, a Lehigh Xtreme Defender or a Gold Dot as a close second. 90 gr for the Lehigh and 125 for Gold Dot. Still, the 115 has close to the same penetration. If that were a Gold Dot there would be practically no frags in the wound track. In the case of the 147, I say again, they simply cannot be trusted to fully expand at 9mm or Sig velocities! I've seen more failures with the 147 gr bullet than in any othe caliber. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. As you said, not my cup of tea! The type and weight of bullet makes a huge difference so anyone shooting a 9mm or 357 Sig should choose very, very carefully what they carry! Cheers, jc
Don’t own a 357 Sig but do agree the 125’s seem to be the sweet spot. Not a huge fan of XTP’s for 2 legged critters. Other than the 380 which performed nicely there’s better designs out there. Thanks for the jelly test Tools!
Love your 357 Sig tests. agreed on the little frag grenade, but without barrier that thing will be a real threat stopper. Btw People are somewhat complaining about the sound signature when I shoot my handloads too - bunch of …. The 147 is disappointing, a JHP not expanding at 1250 is rare. Bad choice by Underwood
@@ToolsandTargets yeah, real conversation starter at a public range 😁. I think you tested the 65 grain Underwoods too, correct? Do you remember which one is louder?
@@ToolsandTargets ha, would be a worthy addition to you your 357 Sig long list. Something going 2200 ft/s out of a handgun is always good fun. That’s the projectile I take into the woods, as I have my doubts re JHP performance on wild boar 😁
I’d take the 115, but like the 125s even better in this cartridge. 357 or 10mm is the way to go. Either would do for SD or Hunting if the right load was chosen.
Thanks Tools & Targets! Another tremendous presentation! Very impressive rounds, but I agree that the 357 Sig was designed around the 124-125 grain bullet.
You should do a comparison when you find acouple winner like you did with 10mm at the end run them against each other and declare a winner, im hoping for the fed HST 125 sig....
I'm with you 357Sig loves a 125gr they can break 600 ft lbs. The other 2 are only ok performers however the 125gr Gold dot loaded by Underwood is amasing
I usually hunt with 125g JHP. Also startred using Lehigh Extreme Defender/Hunter bullets that come in at 120g. They are wicked fast and devastating in game. .357 is great for hunting . It's not ideal for carry due to recoil, noise, and muzzle flash. Then again if you hit center mass, you only need one good shot. FBI data shows it's the best for one shot "knock down power".
@ToolsandTargets after two years of looking, yesterday I just found and bought a Smith & Wesson 327 Performance Center with the 2 inch barrel and 8 shot n-frame revolver. That should take care of the bad guys and my remaining hearing.....LOL.
The 147 may be better suited for a 16 in carbine. That should add between 75 to 100 feet per second to it's velocity. I need to get off my duff and grab one of those .357 Sig TNW ASRs. Nice presentation as usual. Cheers!
Another good test and commentary Tools. This is all interesting to me never really seen a lot of good testing on the .357SIG. Nonetheless I think I agree with you very good caliber but the 10mm is my way to go. But the SIG gets a good honorable mention. Thanks for sharing be safe! 🇺🇸⭐️⭐️🇺🇸
Cartridge pressure is a strange thing. You'd think that a much lighter bullet could be driven a lot harder at the same pressure level but it doesn't often come close to what you'd think you'll get. The 357Sig was designed for ~125 grainers because they offer the best terminal performance for that caliber size and velocity. When the recipe works this good don't change it.
Nice test. The .357 SIG was to duplicate .357 mag ballistics, so SIG may have chosen the 124 gr to match the .357 125 gr. Which also is a great bullet.
IMHO the lighter faster 115gr bullet was designed back in the day for use in the 9mm in order to achieve some degree of reliable expansion. With reliable expanding bullets available today I see little need 115gr bullets in the 9mm .357 .38 group of calibers.
What impressed me the most was the shot placement. 3 perfectly placed shots. Not very impressed with the ammo. That 115 gr was way too hot but nearly 600 ft/lbs, good night. Maybe an HST bullet would have done better that hot. When I had a 357 sig I ran Gold Dots. I still have a partial box around here somewhere.
I have to wonder if any other .357 SIG bullet at this weight could actually reach 12". There would be a propensity for these fast lightweight bullets to overexpand or fragment completely to pieces and stop short.
Up until today, every time I saw a .357 Sig tested it made me want one. If I had one I would likely be tickled with it with the right ammo but having something in every other caliber I'm not sure it would be an advantage, not to mention it doesn't seem like its going to make a 10mm-esque comeback.
Love your videos! I've never seen a round open up, turn around....& close back up 😳 😂😂😂 I prefer the 115! It does what it's supposed to....in my Opinion 😁
I still would love to own a 357 sig… I’m considering EDCing 10mm but 357 may be another option. Idk they ammo cost is similar and 10mm is the best millimeter
I'll defer to you opinion on this Tools since I don't have 357 Sig firearm. Good test with some weird results. Have a good Sunday. Be vigilant and always be safe my friend.
Hey, Just as a FYI, just for the heck of it I emailed some 10mm data off my Garmin Xero C1. First shots. Some interesting data but it was also an exercise in seeing the output data exported.
Not even a 357 sig guy but I think I'll stick with the 125 grain because I feel like if I walk into the local ammo store to poke around I'm likely to run into the 125 grain.
Nice test I'm a 10mm guy but .357sig is my 2nd choice aside from home defence and edc on range day with friends everyone brings random items wood blocks ,metal tanks etc to test different rounds and the fnfmj .357sig are just wicked hole punchers keeping up with 10mm even sometimes exceeding 10mm I carry hollow points but spare mags have either fnfmj or solid copper ex pen cuz if you have to reload you may need barrier penetration just my opinion I would love to see barrier test maybe wood block before jelly block just to see difference between hp and fmj
I 100% get where youre coming from with your dislike of fragmentation. But at the same time, im ok with it as long as the bullet consistently penetrates to an acceptable depth. I feel the secondary wounds creates by fragments traveling off course are a plus rather than a minus. It gives you the possibility of hitting something vital you may have otherwise missed. Afterall the whole point of a bullet travelling through flesh is to cause a rapid loss of blood and drop in blood pressure of to strike something in the central nervou system.
I carried 357S in a Gen2 31 for 20 years. It doesn't even particularly like 124gr 9mm bullets, tho there's barely a speck of difference between them. No difference in the circumference of the projectile. They're both .355" But something is different about the projectiles designed for 357S
For me, 357 sig is one of the best optimized carry rounds for personal defense. I use it in my P226. So many say it's a dead cartridge, but I think it will have its resurgence, much like 10mm. So many police trade in 40sw on the market, and people will naturally gravitate to wanting faster projectiles. If it had a branding name change to "9mm Super," all of the 9mm fan bois will be all over it. For me, 125gr is the sweet spot for it.
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9mm Super is a thing, it's .38 Super that uses cut down .223 rifle brass.
125 is it’s sweet spot it devastating
@@Kinetic.44that I'm aware, just stating a branding term to make it more marketable.
9mm magnum
You're 100% correct! .357 SIG was designed around 125gr bullets for a reason! And honestly when it comes to self defense 124-125gr is the ticket when it comes to any handgun cartridge that starts with .35_
Agreed
I've got some 147 grainers as well as 115 that are like a 🦁 lion trying to escape the barrel.
Funny thing is the Underwood 125gr 357 Sig round has a velocity equal to the Underwood 1520 fps 115gr round tested here. Also unusual is the fact the Hornady 357 Sig 147gr XTP offering has a velocity around 30 to 40 fps FASTER than the Underwood 147gr XTP and the Hornady 147gr round was designed by Hornady for use in the 357 Sig. This of course means the Hornady 147gr XTP doesn't fragment at speed, gets good expansion and 18 inches of penetration in organic gel. The Hornady 147gr 357 Sig XTP bullet is only loaded into Hornady ammo and nothing else. So in other words stick with the 125gr rounds and the Hornady 147gr XTP round if not with the Underwood XD and XP ammo variety.
I agree and carry Federal 124gr +P HST’s!
“…but 9mm technology has advanced…” Yeah, it’s called .357 Sig
You forget the most compelling reason to carry 357 sig
It saves you so much money on flash bangs.
The 115 Is a surgeon's nightmare, THX Brian 👍🇺🇸
It would make em deaf before knockin em down too.😆
You mean the medical examiner.
@@rogerwood5228 ^IF it hits the right place? Yeah the coroner or ME is gonna be horrified.
🤣@@ToolsandTargets
👍@@rogerwood5228
Nice. I've been enjoying the 357 SIG content
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I love your 10mil, .357 Sig and 40 S&W tests the most
Appreciate ya!😎👊
You're beginning to convince me to buy something chambered in .357sig, Tools! 😂
Worth it to have one if you have something to drop a barrel in or grab a cheap LEO Glock trade.😎👍
I've said in the comments of one of his previous tests, I ignored it for a long time because I was already shooting 9x23 Winchester which is capable of higher velocity than the .357 SIG. But then I shot one! And it's right in the sweet spot of velocity that I load most of my 9x23 to anyway with readily available ammunition. So now I have 2🤣 . I still think in a full sized tool the 9x23 is a superior cartridge. The cases are indestructible and can handle rifle like pressure giving it a pretty big edge in velocity. But the .357 is 85-90% of it and fits in 9mm sized guns. And in many cases as Tools pointed out it's a barrel swap and you're in business!
@@johncoleman2495 Interesting, I didn't know anything about 9x23. Just researched it. Impressive little round as well.
If you have some spare change… Stealth Arms announced at SHOT show that they will offer a Platypus in 357 Sig. That would be a sweet addition to the collection
@@nikos6220 Glock mags in a 1911 is criminal and punishable by shooting squad🤣
Although I prefer the 125, both of the rounds you tested (115 and 147) would be devastating effective for personal defense.
I’d chose whatever was the most accurate in my pistol and shot to the correct point of aim.
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Love my Glock 32 at moment I'm carrying the Speer Gold dot 125 gr ... clocking in a little over 1400 FPS.. otherwise I'm carrying the G23 with 165 HST...great test as always..Brian ..
Thank you sir.😎👊
I agree with you that the 124gr .357 SIG from your previous test is preferable to either of these two. Though this 115gr still did pretty good for its weight hitting at that velocity and reaching 15.5 inches. If the 124gr ran out and this was available, I'd grab it.
I’m a fan of 124 grain in 9mm-ish rounds bigger than 380 acp. The sweet spot. You are making it hard for me to avoid getting a 357 barrel for the G27!
It's interesting to have for these tests.😎👍
The 115gr helps to maintain terminal velocity in sub 4" barrels. The fragspansion of the nosler helps to amplify the early energy dump. If you are going light-for-caliber the 65 & 90 grain xtreme defenders really shine with the hyper-velocity potential of 357SIG. Otherwise 125gr rules them all whether JHP or FNFMJ.
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Yes , .357 Sig & 124/125 is the intended and optimal combination.
The 115 certainly did what it did . But only marginal difference from a 9mm +P+ at 200 fps less .
A 147 projectile at those speeds does present interest possibilities for hunting/ woods gun niche , without massive overpeneration . The obvious comparison would be to 158 JHP .357 Revolver .
Not sure if XTP is the best projectile for that . Maybe test out some 147 Gold Dot .
That .357 sig is certainly stronger than a 9mm +p+ it also has more energy by 100 ft lb for only 2 dollars a box more I’ll get the .357 sig especially considering with 9mm you have to go to +p+ pressures to even have a conversation about matching up to .357 sig not to mention there are more powerful offerings in .357 sig
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200 FPS difference is not marginal in any stretch of the imagination
@@dariodicarlo8745I have seen a LOT of 9mm +p and +p+ videos and none of them do what the Sig did in this video. Not even close
Loving the 357 SIG content!
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Another good test a video. Again, this just verifies why I use 125gr Gold Dots in my G31 357Sig. I still have about 3 boxes of the older Underwood 125gr Gold Dot loads, and those loads get a true 1,550 fps in my G31. When I handload for the 357Sig, I push the same bullet at a slightly milder 1,500fps. Still, that is no slouch and is very similar to my 4" 357 Mag with the same bullet.
Man, I don't have a 357sig gun but that stuff is smoking hot
Yeah, the 115 was rollin.
@@ToolsandTargets you think it's worth investing in a 10mm pistol or a 357sig pistol if you could only stock ammo for one higher-power semi-auto?
@@JJ_SDWRYou should get one sir. If you have a 40 S&W all you need is a conversion barrel.
@@JJ_SDWR If I have to pick one, it would be 10mm. Not even a close call for me. new guns and ammo are constantly being released for 10mm. The same can't be said for .357 sig and in my opinion, it never will see anything new.
100% agree. Couldn't add to your opinion. Nothing terrible. I wouldn't choose either over 125. Thank you.
Appreciate you!😎👊
It's a 40,000 psi cartridge, it's going to be loud and crisp on the BANG. Favorite weights for myself are 125-147gr. 115's tend to explode.
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❤ the 357 sig. Underwood had a 124 grain that is wicked in my 31. Great review 🙏🏿🇺🇸
Excellent analysis as usual.
Thank you sir.😎👊
Yes the 125gr
That 115 was pretty sick.
It might be fun to invest in some type noise level meter. Many thanks for your fun, informative channel.
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I always thought that would be really interesting to see, too, a decibel comparison of all the different rounds out of differing barrel lengths, but supposedly it's really hard to measure effectively.
👍😊 in all of the years of watching videos, I can’t remember seeing a bullet flipping and straighten the expansion. Cool 😎
Me either.😎👊
I use underwood 124gr. 357sig. It's a nosler projectile that performs very well. 115gr is a Lil light and breaks up to much for me. And the 147gr is a Lil heavy and lacks the speed that makes the .357sig shine. So as you said .357sig is best at 124gr 125gr. Thanks for the test, as always it was awesome. Hope you have a wonderful day.
That's a good one.😎👍
I'm a firm believer in 357sig. I have an H&K VP40 converted to 357sig and have many other handgun calibers. I edc UW 124gr asp hollow points and they are devastating. It's like shooting a 357mag that holds 14 rounds. By far my favorite handgun caliber for edc. Never out gunned! 124-125gr is the definate sweet spot.
I figured the 147s would expand nicely moving 1200+ fps but poor design I reckon. I’d say 125gn is the way to go with this. I think it’s the magic weight for 357, 38 and 124 in 9mm. Great test just the same good sir. 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Couldn't agree more with ya on this one. I have always been a 124 guy for 9mm so makes a lot of sense to stick in the middle with 357 Sig but make no mistake 115 or 147 at over 500 ft lb is no joke. Have a good one brother see you on the next one.
Absolutely. They laid the smack down.😎👊
Yup,I run 124+p in all my 9s
Love your "Gelly" lines!
Buffalo bore and double tap make some great stuff in the 125 grain
Great info. I run the 147 gr XTP at 1225 from my 16" carbines so this gives me a good idea how they will perform. The 147 gr XTP has a BC of 2.0 so it holds its energy out a bit.
The 125 gr bullets in the 357 SIG were designed for self defense and that is what i would use in them.
B, this was another great test. I'm with you on the 125grn as a carry option, as it seems to be the sweet spot. I think from just alone of the 357SIG testing, you've probably sold more people on it, and gave more options when carrying. This caliber is no joke!
Thank you sir.😎👊
I have a 357 sig-conversion barrel for my Glock model 35. That gives me a 5.3-inch barrel. The 124 grain Hornady bullet is the one I favor. However, the Hornady 147 grain is an easy bullet to load due to its semi-boat tail base. It's a great bullet weight as a backup for wild hogs that are wounded.
To have enough energy to force the petals closed after they opened up is crazy… it looks like both 147’s closed back up… one more than the other…and fragmentation isn’t good for hunting rounds, but for personal defense as long as you get penetration, exploding and fragmenting is just a bonus.
I’m not surprised the 115 fragged I’m surprised it didn’t completely disintegrate. Underwoods 185gr XTP in 45Super @1450fps (more like 1500 in a 5”) blew up like a grenade when I bought it. The XTP is a real Goldilocks bullet, too slow it doesn’t expand and too fast it goes to pieces. But just right it performs great.
Yep
One of my favorite rounds, I need to make an Underwood order the 147 would make a good woods round.
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I would lean towards the 115
I would love to see some 44 mag test out of your model 29 with its 6.5 inch barrel.
I thought that that 147 would do better than it did. The 115 is just too light. I'm not a fan of the Sig or 9mm. As my wife says ''get big or get out.
To the Sig fans. I understand why you like them. It's a good round.
Thanks Tool Guy. Another good video.
Agreed. It has some mean numbers, but it feels like it's on the ragged edge of usability to get there.
The 147 grain has a higher ballistic coefficient meaning at longer distances it can exceed the energy of the 115 eventually but both great rounds with in short distances, rural carry 147 and urban carry 115
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Not presently carrying 357 Sig, but if I did, it would be the 125gr, either Gold Dot or HST. I'd consider Underwood 125gr XTP.
That quote got me laughing out loud TNT 📢
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It’s an old poem actually. One of my mother’s favorites.
I personally love the lighter extreme defenders (external "holowpoints" ) that do like 2000-2200fps. I'd love to see a company come out with a .357sig carbine or pdw with an 8-9inch barrel slinging those super hot rounds down range. I've seen some glock pdw setups with braces that get close, though.
TNW makes a "pistol" version of their .357 carbine with a 10.25" barrel.
"It's got the energy, sure." Let's talk about energy.
The 115-grain load averaged 1257 feet per second at 50 yards, giving us an average of 403 energy foot pounds at that distance.
The 147-grain load was moving 1096 feet per second at 50 yards, on average, generating an average of 392 energy foot pounds.
Nothing to sneeze at from either of them.
I'll stick with my 125-grain .357 Sig ammo, though.
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I think you're right about the projectile weight. I've always thought that 140 is a great weight for the .357 magnum, so 125 gr. should be a peach in this one. Projectile design sure has improved since the 80s. Thank you, Sir, for all your helpful videos. Whatever folks are shooting, I just hope they're stocking up now.
I'm with you, I only carry 125 gr. normally Federal HST, but right now Winchester ranger T's.
I loved my P226 in .40 S&W, which came with a .357 Sig barrel too ,as a package, from Sig Sauer. Man I wish I would have kept that pistol.
I think you would have got the correct velocities, if you would have used a Sig pistol, or a pistol with standard rifling. Very good video...
The last time I ordered from Underwood the only weight they had was the 115gr. I’ve got five boxes of it. I’ve yet to shoot any but this video makes me think I need to. I don’t know about an indoor range. I’ll have people hating on me! My 357 Sig barrel works perfectly in my G23. Thanks for the video sir.
Good results from both but as soon as I saw the wound tracts I felt the same way as you. Just not what I expected. Appreciate you Tools. 🇺🇸
Thank you sir.😎👊
Both rounds will not disappoint but l really like this 115 grain at 1500+
Smokin
It did really well for such a lightweight bullet moving that fast!
@@cgsimons1187 589 foot pounds of energy is pretty stout and effective l would think for self defense next step up for me would be 200 grain 10mm hard cast
Great test I’m glad to see the 257sig tested with different weights being as it was designed around 124-25 that’s all I have ever run through mine mostly because that’s all I can find locally
Having said all that I think I will stick with 125 unless maybe using it as a dangerous game sidearm but in that situation I’m using 44mag revolver until I can get a 460swmag or 454 casul that type of situation you just want it to work
Thank you sir.😎👊
I actually run Corbon 115 - I believe they are XTPs. The point of 357 Sig is velocity and the noise is sonic crack. Higher velocity yields higher energy. Per your own calculation, that was very near 600 ft-lbs. Agreed Nosler ASP is not ideal at those velocities. Gold Dot, Hornady XTP, and bonded JHPs are better. The 357 Sig, even Corbon or Underwood, are easier to handle than 10mm. Sure, 10mm fans have no issues, but for those who find full-power 10mm unpleasant, they are better off with 357 Sig. Massive energy in a controllable round is why I prefer 357 Sig.
Doing it big with the 357 sig
Another good test, Brian! Ok, I don't even own a 357 Sig but I would definitely carry one! The trick is to use the right bullet, in the case of the Sig, a Lehigh Xtreme Defender or a Gold Dot as a close second. 90 gr for the Lehigh and 125 for Gold Dot. Still, the 115 has close to the same penetration. If that were a Gold Dot there would be practically no frags in the wound track. In the case of the 147, I say again, they simply cannot be trusted to fully expand at 9mm or Sig velocities! I've seen more failures with the 147 gr bullet than in any othe caliber. Sometimes they work and sometimes they don't. As you said, not my cup of tea! The type and weight of bullet makes a huge difference so anyone shooting a 9mm or 357 Sig should choose very, very carefully what they carry!
Cheers,
jc
Don’t own a 357 Sig but do agree the 125’s seem to be the sweet spot. Not a huge fan of XTP’s for 2 legged critters. Other than the 380 which performed nicely there’s better designs out there. Thanks for the jelly test Tools!
Love your 357 Sig tests. agreed on the little frag grenade, but without barrier that thing will be a real threat stopper.
Btw People are somewhat complaining about the sound signature when I shoot my handloads too - bunch of ….
The 147 is disappointing, a JHP not expanding at 1250 is rare. Bad choice by Underwood
Thank you sir. These 115's were boomin.
@@ToolsandTargets yeah, real conversation starter at a public range 😁. I think you tested the 65 grain Underwoods too, correct? Do you remember which one is louder?
@@nikos6220 Haven't tested those in .357sig.
@@ToolsandTargets ha, would be a worthy addition to you your 357 Sig long list. Something going 2200 ft/s out of a handgun is always good fun. That’s the projectile I take into the woods, as I have my doubts re JHP performance on wild boar 😁
Straight talk & excellent comparisons. Thank you for the truth.
Thx Tools🎯🗽 - have 357sig but carry 9mm most (ammo cost and practice) 125 147 gr 👍 carry on 🔫 🇺🇸
Underwood needs to crank up the velocity on the 147 to around 1350 out of a duty size pistola.
Opinion on the loudness of 357 sig or any caliber
I’d take the 115, but like the 125s even better in this cartridge. 357 or 10mm is the way to go. Either would do for SD or Hunting if the right load was chosen.
Thanks Tools & Targets! Another tremendous presentation! Very impressive rounds, but I agree that the 357 Sig was designed around the 124-125 grain bullet.
You should do a comparison when you find acouple winner like you did with 10mm at the end run them against each other and declare a winner, im hoping for the fed HST 125 sig....
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Another interesting test! I agree that 125gr is optimal. Appreciate the 357 SIG tests. Thanks!
I'm with you 357Sig loves a 125gr they can break 600 ft lbs.
The other 2 are only ok performers however the 125gr Gold dot loaded by Underwood is amasing
I usually hunt with 125g JHP. Also startred using Lehigh Extreme Defender/Hunter bullets that come in at 120g. They are wicked fast and devastating in game.
.357 is great for hunting . It's not ideal for carry due to recoil, noise, and muzzle flash. Then again if you hit center mass, you only need one good shot. FBI data shows it's the best for one shot "knock down power".
I thought I felt blood running out of my ears after that 115!😂
@ToolsandTargets after two years of looking, yesterday I just found and bought a Smith & Wesson 327 Performance Center with the 2 inch barrel and 8 shot n-frame revolver. That should take care of the bad guys and my remaining hearing.....LOL.
@@rsbreeze Very nice 😎👊
The 147 may be better suited for a 16 in carbine. That should add between 75 to 100 feet per second to it's velocity. I need to get off my duff and grab one of those .357 Sig TNW ASRs. Nice presentation as usual. Cheers!
Another good test and commentary Tools. This is all interesting to me never really seen a lot of good testing on the .357SIG. Nonetheless I think I agree with you very good caliber but the 10mm is my way to go. But the SIG gets a good honorable mention. Thanks for sharing be safe! 🇺🇸⭐️⭐️🇺🇸
Great video, as always, brother.
Thank you sir.😎👊
Only other tool putting out sound like that is a 327 Federal Magnum. High speed low drag!
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Ya,I have a SP101 327 loud as fck
@@MarineBiker Facts. It’s a real nasty cartridge!
357 sig with gold dots or HSTs is the way to go
I bought several boxes of HST when my local shop had em.
Not the fastest but they both perform and expand real nice. Underwood use to have a 115 gold dot that was awesome
Im glad you got that 357sig barrel. But ive always liked 125 Speer Gold dot best all around round🔫
Cartridge pressure is a strange thing. You'd think that a much lighter bullet could be driven a lot harder at the same pressure level but it doesn't often come close to what you'd think you'll get. The 357Sig was designed for ~125 grainers because they offer the best terminal performance for that caliber size and velocity. When the recipe works this good don't change it.
I love your content and your ability to present it. Keep it coming.
Either .357 Sig gr is A 👌 with me good buddy 👏. But them 115 gr's are ⚡loud 💯
Yeah, they were boomin!
Have shot 95 gr fmj fp 380 bullet loaded in 357 sig. 7 gallon water jugs. More than most rifle cartridges.
Nice test. The .357 SIG was to duplicate .357 mag ballistics, so SIG may have chosen the 124 gr to match the .357 125 gr. Which also is a great bullet.
IMHO the lighter faster 115gr bullet was designed back in the day for use in the 9mm in order to achieve some degree of reliable expansion. With reliable expanding bullets available today I see little need 115gr bullets in the 9mm .357 .38 group of calibers.
What impressed me the most was the shot placement. 3 perfectly placed shots. Not very impressed with the ammo. That 115 gr was way too hot but nearly 600 ft/lbs, good night. Maybe an HST bullet would have done better that hot. When I had a 357 sig I ran Gold Dots. I still have a partial box around here somewhere.
HST at these 115 speeds would be a monster.😎👊
I have to wonder if any other .357 SIG bullet at this weight could actually reach 12". There would be a propensity for these fast lightweight bullets to overexpand or fragment completely to pieces and stop short.
Up until today, every time I saw a .357 Sig tested it made me want one. If I had one I would likely be tickled with it with the right ammo but having something in every other caliber I'm not sure it would be an advantage, not to mention it doesn't seem like its going to make a 10mm-esque comeback.
Agreed. I'll take my 10mm if I had to choose.
How about a short video about melting and refreshing the "JELLY'.
I have no idea how that works.
Thanks for all the great videos!
Love your videos!
I've never seen a round open up, turn around....& close back up 😳
😂😂😂
I prefer the 115! It does what it's supposed to....in my Opinion 😁
I really like these 357 sig vids. It's a round I don't have any experience with. As you mentioned, though, might as well carry 10mm.
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I still would love to own a 357 sig… I’m considering EDCing 10mm but 357 may be another option. Idk they ammo cost is similar and 10mm is the best millimeter
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I'll defer to you opinion on this Tools since I don't have 357 Sig firearm. Good test with some weird results. Have a good Sunday.
Be vigilant and always be safe my friend.
Thank you sir!😎👊
Hey,
Just as a FYI, just for the heck of it I emailed some 10mm data off my Garmin Xero C1. First shots. Some interesting data but it was also an exercise in seeing the output data exported.
Wow that’s the first time I’ve seen a bullet close back up😮. Good performance out of both but a little strange!👍🏻
Yeah, pretty interesting.
Thanks Tools
Still better than 9mm thanks for the test
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I gotta say that 147s really seemed to put the work in . 🤷🏼♂️
They both did some work.😎👊
Thanks for the 357 Sig stuff. You need one! 😊
Not even a 357 sig guy but I think I'll stick with the 125 grain because I feel like if I walk into the local ammo store to poke around I'm likely to run into the 125 grain.
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Good video definitely helped me
Nice test I'm a 10mm guy but .357sig is my 2nd choice aside from home defence and edc on range day with friends everyone brings random items wood blocks ,metal tanks etc to test different rounds and the fnfmj .357sig are just wicked hole punchers keeping up with 10mm even sometimes exceeding 10mm I carry hollow points but spare mags have either fnfmj or solid copper ex pen cuz if you have to reload you may need barrier penetration just my opinion I would love to see barrier test maybe wood block before jelly block just to see difference between hp and fmj
I 100% get where youre coming from with your dislike of fragmentation. But at the same time, im ok with it as long as the bullet consistently penetrates to an acceptable depth. I feel the secondary wounds creates by fragments traveling off course are a plus rather than a minus. It gives you the possibility of hitting something vital you may have otherwise missed. Afterall the whole point of a bullet travelling through flesh is to cause a rapid loss of blood and drop in blood pressure of to strike something in the central nervou system.
Another great test! Thank you!
Looks decent for subcompacts and longslides.
I carried 357S in a Gen2 31 for 20 years.
It doesn't even particularly like 124gr 9mm bullets, tho there's barely a speck of difference between them. No difference in the circumference of the projectile. They're both .355"
But something is different about the projectiles designed for 357S
This makes monday a bit better.