Recommended 357 Magnum Ammo for Snubbies

[CDR_Glock]

Looking at Stopping Power data from various sources, even the best +P 38 caliber ammo is comparable to the 380 ACP. The 9mm, 40 and 45 ACP have higher one stop shot percentages. One factor, in the setting of "smaller is better" is that many concealed carry pistols and wheelguns have shorter barrels than the 4" or 5" barrels that give us that data. It seems that the effective velocities are reduced in the shorter barrel guns.

What 357 Magnum do you recommend for snub-nosed revolvers? The data for snub-nosed 357s are still edged out by the 9mm, 40 SW and 45 ACP. With a lower capacity and lower stopping power, should even the 357 Magnum snubby be more of a backup?

Lastly, most 10mm Autos are medium velocity rather than the Full House version tested by the FBI. Doesn't that negate any real advantage of the 10mm Autos that many people are so confident are more powerful than the 45 ACP OR 40 "Short and Weak"?

Thank you,
CDR Glock

[Mas Ayoob]

Depends on both the gun and the shooter, CDR. When I carry the all-steel Ruger SP101 for backup, I use the 125 grain full power .357 Magnum jacketed hollow point. When I carry the much lighter S&W 340 M&P, I use Speer's short barrel 135 grain +P Gold Dot +P .38 Special developed for the 2" backup guns of NYPD. Personally, I want hit potential and shootability first, raw power second.

It's something each user has to try out and decide for himself, IMHO.

Best,
Mas

[CDR_Glock]

What's your opinion about the 10mm based upon my question above? Aren't the majority of 10mm ammo medium velocity?

Thank you.

[Mas Ayoob]

To me personally, the 10mm makes the most sense in a full power load. We're coming off an ammo drought, of course, so all 10mm ammo is thin on the ground. I'd be partial to the Winchester Silvertip in that chambering, or one of the hot loads from Double Tap or Cor-Bon.

Just another guy's $0.02,
Mas