I was a Deputy Sheriff for 27 years, also a firearms instructor and SWAT commander. I did a lot of ballistics with different rounds and calibers. I carried a glock g20 in 10mm everyday of my career. My off duty and EDC is a glock g31 in .357sig. I love the .357sig, most police involved shooting with .357sig was one shot stops. It has amazing street performance, on par with .357 mag, a little better than .40 S&W, but way better than 9mm. Just is, facts are facts. I trust my and my loved ones life with it. I just can't say more than that. Thanks for the test, and I think you would definitely enjoy a glock g31. Wishing you a wonderful day .
@@ToolsandTargetsI picked up a LEO trade in glock g35 long slide. And a alpha wolf. 357sig conversion barrel, it works very well. I'm sureyou will be very happy with purchase. Thanks for your response.
Thank you for experience and testimony. Thank you so much for years of service. Not everyone can do it. Thank the Lord for those who can and do. Over 25 years...SALUTE!
Yep, there's a reason why the ballistic goal with .357sig was the .357magnum, because of the great reputation of effectiveness with the .357 magnum, and the statistical over-90% one-shot incapacitations.
As I remember (from years ago) the 125 gr. .357 Golden Saber was marketed as a "medium velocity" round--about 100 fps slower than the regular 125 gr. semi-jacketed hp. I suspect that the re-branded "Ultimate Defense" rounds are too, although not labeled as such.
LOVE seeing the 357 sig content! Really hope to see A LOT more!! And that is definitely weak stuff for both rounds. Not even hitting 500 ft-lbs is embarrassing for 357 sig. The way you are with 10mm is how I am with 357 sig. If it's not hitting atleast 1400 fps with a 125gr projectile out of a 4in barrel, it's watered down. Hope to see more 357 sig content!
those 357 rounds seems closer to 38 special plus P.... need to run full house ammo test for each....that was pathetic for Remington to stamp the box 357 magnum with those numbers
The Golden Saber was my go to round when I carried 357mag. I knew it slower that most 125gr loadings back then. However my 686 loved the Golden Saber shooting the tightest groups out of all the ammo I tested through it.
Committed .357 Sig fanboy here. My summer carry is a Glock 33 and now that it has gotten colder, I step it up with a Glock 32. As far as the velocities in this test go, the .357 Sig out of a 4 inch barrel really should have been easily north of 1300fps (and above 1400fps better yet). The Golden Saber bonded outperforms the standard Golden Saber so much than Remington should honestly just discontinue the standard in favor of the bonded. The performance in this test was decent if slow but isn't enough for be to switch away from the Gold Dot in .357 Sig
Thanks Nathan! I truck carry my 357 sig mainly for magazine capacity and power of the round. I like the round, it just doesn't get the public love, unlike other calibers.
I have a Nosler Reloading Manual that has .357 Magnum .125gr Hollowpoints chronographing 1,700 FPS ! It says work up loads slowly and look for any over pressure signs . These are Hot loads and my S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with a 6" barrel is a beautiful platform to launch these babies . It's controllable and fun to shoot . Hearing and Eye protection highly recommended . Manufacturers used to make ammo this powerful back in the day . Even , 158gr ammo flying 1,500 FPS . It's my favorite cartridge . I like the .357 Sig just as much plus you don't need to have a Speed loader to get more shots . One shot is usually enough . With the .357 Magnum I can hit targets at 125 yards with pretty good accuracy . My brother in law didn't believe me . I had to show him and I increased the distance another 15 yards so he didn't say I cheated . I taught him how to shoot the same distance . His jaw dropped open 😮 . Damn !
The only “half decent” .357 SIG (as in velocity) is the Speer Gold Dot. Major manufacturers barely care about sending a 125 at 1,350. The only good stuff comes from BBore, Underwood and Doubletap. Mind you, Speer still lists it at 1,350 but I usually see it flying 1,425+
@@ToolsandTargets I’m like you are with 10mm. And saddened that Underwood watered down their stuff. It used to be pedal to the metal. Not anymore. I don’t want anything to do with a 125 .357 SIG that doesn’t go past 1,450 fps. Especially when you can easily push it over 1,500. That Golden Saber is no better than a (real) +p 9mm.
If memory serves the Golden Sabre was designed by the person who came up with the Talon bullet. Also one study some years ago showed the 185gr Golden Sabre in 45 acp to have tops in percentage of stopping perp in shootings. Excellent test! Keep'em coming!
I won't encourage you to buy something I'm 357 sig since I'm uninterested in the round, but I'm still glad you're here to add to the video collection for folks who do need it.
My theory as to why it never took hold the way it should have, is due to the manufacturers. I think they were were holding too much stock in taking .40's and converting them with a barrel change. Instead of just MAKING .357sig chambered weapons. It's a damned good round. I feel like it deserves to survive.
@@WarriorSoul357I Blame marketing as well ... if it were marketed as 9mm magnum...I feel it would have been a little more popular... I understand the reason behind what they decided to call it... I love .357 sig I own two glock 32's ..
@IDontEvenOwnA9mm People making content on it because it's a popular round. Trust me, 357 sig has a huge following more than you know. The 10mm and 357 sig became more popular because of the pandemic when it came to handgun rounds. All was left was 357 sig and 10mm and big bore revolver rounds. Thank God for Glock for keeping those rounds alive. As an honorable mention, Springfield also kept the 10mm alive.
There are many 9mm loads that at least claim to hit 1200+ fps. I believe there have even been some that you have tested here that hit around 1250 fps or so (Buffalo Bore). I expected more out of both of these cartridges but perhaps as someone said below, these are intended as medium charge loads to reduce recoil and increase hits. Definitely an interesting test, thanks for doing it!
If you want to know about penetration and bullet performance of different calibers, this channel is simply the best. Looks to me like the performance of the 2 rounds is close enough that whatever was hit by either wouldn't know the difference between the 2, it would be just as dead. I have a gun wish list but being retired and on a small budget it's all I can do just to keep and maintain the one handgun I have which is a Taurus g3 and keep a little ammo. If I could afford another handgun it would be a second 9mm, probably another g3 because of ammo availability. And you have shown on here there are some pretty capable 9mm rounds. I'm really looking forward to when you get around to testing the Winchester active duty 9mm m1152. But if money weren't an issue I reckon I'd have 2 handguns in every caliber. That way if ammo supply for one dried up you could probably find ammo for one or more of the others and always have something to shoot. This is just my 2 cents worth lol
Excellent video! When the .357 Sig hit the market several Law Enforcement agencies in our state jumped all over it, ditching their "old" 9 Minimal and .40S&W issue duty pistols. In terms of firearms history that lasted all of about thirty minutes before all of those agencies reverted back to the 9 Minimal and .40S&W. I heard several "excuses" for dropping the .357 Sig to include "failure to stop", "ammunition too expensive", "pistols too expensive to maintain/purchase", and the infamous and to my mind at least, questionable "recoil and muzzle blast too much for new recruits leading to lower qualification scores". I have never owned a .357 Sig nor do I have any experience firing a handgun so chambered, but I have owned or been issued a number of revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum with barrels ranging length from 3" to 6" and have fired some pretty "spicy" rounds through them and just don't understand how that last excuse for dropping the .357 Sig can possibly be legitimate. As a side note, the .357 Sig apparently did not take off in our area in terms of civilian sales as I have only seen one pistol, a used Sig w/three magazines, for sale but ammo for the pistol was a "special order only item"....Translation: Expensive. Anyway, keep up the great work you do!
385 ft pounds for a 357 mag is just sad. Idk why they would even sell the cartridge if the won't load them how they should. Just like most big names do to 10mm nowadays.
That's more like hot .38 special than .357 magnum. Its not just 10mm that companies fudge velocities on. My handoads are 125 grains @ 1400fps and those are for plinking.
Quite a few manufacturers have marketed an ‘underpowered’ self-defense load out of a powerful cartridge in order to improve recoil manageability. Remington’s full-power line should be the HTP High Terminal Performance. Remington lists the 125 grain bullet 225 ft/sec faster than the Ultimate Defense 125… I wish they would make that compromise more evident on the packaging though.
Picture in the gel would be pretty much the same, unless you take one of those weak sauce .40 S&W 10mm. But the 357 Sig will have way less recoil due to the lower weight peojectile and is available in smaller framed guns. 10mm for the woods, 357 Sig for the streets
@@nikos6220 I'd be a little more accurate with the claim about "have way less recoil". There's no free rides in ballistics. Velocity and bullet weight producing a resultant energy number, you can produce the same recoil with light and fast, and you can with slow and heavy. The impulse of the recoil may be different, but the force of the recoil would not.
The difference is the 10 mm is the better woods gun especially if large animals are present, the 357 Sig is the better and more practical SD caliber. Think the baby Glock G33 loaded with Underwood ammo and you get the ideal.
Where the 357 mag shines over the sig is heavier bullets. If i remember correctly, 357 sig doesn't have the case capacity to support 180 grain like the old mag can.
I like and have both of these but favor the mag but you know none of this matters we need to see both in an offering from buffalo bore. The sig was designed to run 125 grain but I’m partial to the 158 grain 357 mag 0:15 buffalo bore just some ideas. This was another great comparison video that had results I didn’t expect
The Golden Saber is a really good performance bullet that alot of people overlook. Despite lower velocity rating than some competitors they usually do perform well. I wish all of them were bonded though. I tested some bonded version in 40 S&W and it did very well. Keep up the testing. I do wish you would test some Gorilla Ammunition in 45 acp some time too. Not too many tests of their products online other than promo videos. I enjoy your videos and usually do share them.
Nice! This is one caliber I don’t have but is interesting. I may have to get a barrel for my G22. Definitely good performance from both but the Sig won that match up for sure. Awesome stuff as always my friend 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Not what I expected either. I thought magnum would do noticeably more damage. Both wound channels are excellent though. Both very effective rounds. Another excellent test. 👍👊😎🇺🇸
@@ToolsandTargets I've said it before and i'll say it again man, the .357 Magnum rounds from Underwood Ammo (in both their 158 & 125-grainers) are some pretty spicy rounds, and i've tested both boxes at the range
@@kennethferguson4283 not to mention, even PMC runs their .357 Magnum cartridges rather hot as well, so they're running neck-and-neck with Underwood Ammo when it comes to spicy rounds. although Federal Premium is somewhat good too, as i've tried their stuff too
That's the kind of folks I want around me... Hey brother, here's my tool. I want you to test something out. To know someone you can put that much trust into is a rare thing these days. I've got family I don't trust that much. Another thing, I wonder how many folks realize all that goes into making these great videos. Heck, melting the gel alone is a job. Appreciate you Brian. Range Gang for life.
@@raybo34 Oh it absolutely is work, love it or not. Loving work is strange phenomenon in America in recent decades, for the minority who get to experience that. That isn't to say we hate work, we just hate the lack of fair compensation for the effort, relative to paying for needs.
Great test, I have noticed the 125 golden sabers are a little weak. I carry them in my Smith Model 60 3 inch for that reason. A lot easier to control. I 0:26 Did dispatch a deer and had great expansion but it did partially separate. When I was working we were issued Golden Sabers in the 357 Sig. Really enjoy your videos.
Well, that .357 mag load was definitely not full-house, BUT certainly would get the job done and without beating up the shooter or their gun. And once more, .357 SIG makes me eat my words on my earlier opinion of it. Great info!
Both rounds performed nicely considering they were both loaded light particularly the mag. It might work well in a lightweight revolver for recoil control. Been looking forward to a head to head comparison on the Sig vs mag loads. Hope you can try another test with ammo loaded to proper speeds. Thanks for the test Tools!
If I recall correctly, that .357 Mag loading is a mid-range load with velocities somewhere in the low 1200fps (1225?) range. As an aside, I once got a core-jacket separation on a .45ACP Golden Saber round, but it occurred as was trying to pull the bullet with a kinetic nullet puller. The jacket didn't appear to move at all, but the lead core came right out.
Great vid as per usual. As a comparison on Lucky Gunner 125g Rem UMC .357 SIG is $55 per 50 whereas 125g Rem UMC .357 MAG is $44 per 50. I bought a Glock 31 back in '99 and by the time sold it in '21 not once did I ever see .357 SIG at a price less than $24 a box. 5 years ago Cabela's had Fiocci 147g 357 MAG for $14 a box for 50. Although those salad days are long gone the disparaging price difference as well as ready availability hasn't changed in the 25 years that my wallet has been paying attention. 10mm is really the king of autos these days anyway making the .357 SIG that much less relevant.
Remington loads that particular magnum load that way in deference to the lightweight alloy revolvers commonly used for concealed carry. This is a common practice used by most ammo manufacturers but it’s normally reserved for the 110 grain bullets. Remington is also known for being rather conservative in how they load their autopistol rounds. The results are pretty decent in spite of the lackluster velocities posted.
Thanks for this very timely test. I was wondering recently if the Golden Saber rounds were up to the level of other strong performers. This was very helpful.
Nice to see another .357 test. Though I'm really looking forward to seeing you do another with the 6" Python and lever action. It would be interesting to see how bullets(good and bad) from past tests perform from the longer barrels.
I got plenty of the .357 Magnum golden saber's Remington bonded jacketed hollow point loads. I am right on time with this video. To 👀 the performance of them 😊
Yes I am impressed with the .357 Sig loads 🤝. The golden saber bonded jacket .357 Magnum load's. They won't get my praise. Thank you for testing them 👏
Another great test and to me, very relevant! I've often wondered about these two in a head to head test, and now I know, at least with this ammo. I'll agree, the 357 was awful weak but then, I couldn't complain about the performance! We all know the manufacturers have been slowing their ammo down and it's now looking like the .357 Mag is another victim just like the 10mm! Like you, I always go for a bonded bullet, if I can't get what I want in a solid copper anyway! Never a worry about jacket/core seperation and they tend to go thru, instead of bouncing off, bone. Honestly, the more I see of that 357 Sig the better I like it and tye more respect I have for it! If I'd of discovered it 30 some years ago, I'd have it instead of the 9mm! Hmm, maybe it was longer ago than that? Probably! But it sure beats the snot out of a 9mm! Cheers, jc
I've never cared for the non bonded Golden Saber, at least from what I've seen of it in 10mm, the jacket separates way too easily. Which is probably why the magnum is so underloaded, much faster and the jacket would be completely loose.
I have some of that Remington 357. The wifey practices with it. She said it's very light out of a Smith 28-2 6'' barrel. Recoil is like a wimpy 380 in that Smith. Today's price for it is stupid high. I do think that if it's carried and had to be run that it would do it's job. I also think that they don't know that the jacket separates as they are like me. No way to test it first. Good video. The wifey considered packing it in a Model 19 2 1/2'' barrel. Not anymore.
Great test, I have been kicking around getting a 357, I was wondering about the 357 sig , now to decide which one LOL. I will be watching for more videos on these , I will reload which ever one I decide on. Thank you
I like both calibers. Sometimes brand name "performance" rounds are loaded kind of mid. I remember trying some Win elite rounds and they were very accurate, and somewhat soft shooting. Never invested in the golden sabers. Done Win Silvertip and speer gold dots. 19 inches is a lot of penetration. good job.
I have long thought much of the ammo we now consider "weak" was design engineered to fit the FBI test getting 12-18 inches of penetration, no more, no less. Rem lists the golden saber (used in this test) at 1220 fps but the good old UMC 125 grain is listed at 1450 fps. I like the UMC in 125 and in 158.
I hope you jump on the .357 sig train and get a tool! I'd love to see your take on some of the better rounds in this caliber as well as some better match ups between these calibers! Top notch work as always! Thank you sir!
TIL what not to feed my 3 inch .357 Mag Taurus 605. That weak sauce ammo worked fine, but it's not "357 MAGNUM" worthy. Am I the only one that hates it when ammo companies under-load a powerful round?
That Sig clearly was more powerful in this test! But that 686+ ❤!!! Seems they all water down the 'self defense ammo" a bit! Thanks and have a good one brother! 💥💥
For 357mag if you can find it 125gr Federal ammo is what the police used 125gr Hollow points from Federal, 580 lb ft energy, and it does what it says on the box
There's actually a few automatics that fire the .357 revolver cartridge and the best known, possibly only one,is called the Coonan and it looks like a big 1911.
Both ammo projectiles performed outstanding. Really good comparison between the two. Agreed, nice test and commentary. As always another good test in the books. Be safe. 👊⭐️⭐️👊
The 357 magnum Golden Saber is known for not being a full on hot rod 357 load, it kind of brings the 357 down into 9mm territory. Still not a bad load it will do the job, probably great for the old K frame magnums.
@goodnewseverybody739 I agree...it's still better than most 38s but it's definitely not a true 357...I'm developing a hand load using 124 grain HSTs I'd like to push at that level, it would keep it within its design envelope. Same thing with the 147s too I got a bunch of blemished HSTs a while back
👍👍Thanks Tools. I know everyone is looking for the most powerful ammo out there but for me when I shoot 357 magnum I want something more powerful than 38+p but something I can also handle. I’m getting up in age so that velocity and performance out of the 357 mag is perfect for me. Not everyone can handle the most powerful ammo out there and I’m definitely one of those people. Appreciate all your test , you do a super job.
I recently purchased a case of Golden Saber 357 magnum because of the lower velocity and lighter recoil. This was based on reviewing the tests by Lucky Gunner.
That 357 looks like it would be good from a 2 inch snub as a load that cuts the difference between 38 and full power 357, I kind wish Remington would would load that 357 in 38 special brass and just label it +P+ as it seems to be preforming the same as the buffalo bore and underwood 38+p 125 grain ammo
I've read arguments that claim a 4" revolver is equivalent to a 4" auto (including its chamber) because of the loss of pressure due to the revolver's cylinder gap. If true, then using a 3" revolver may handicap the wheel gun in a "fair" comparison. On the other hand, others might argue that overall length is the measurement that should be used to determine comparable handguns.
They used a full rifled 4 inches of barrel when developing the .357 Sig to meet a .357 mag revolver with a 4 inch barrel. I think pressure loss from cylinder gap is very minimal versus the loss from an actual lack of true barrel length.🤷♂️
You could get 124grain 9mm +P and be about on par with these 357 sig. All that extra case volume for nothing. I swear sometimes these ammo companies don't even try.
Your radar Chrono seems to be giving readings 50~75 fps slower at the muzzle than the other is giving at the block. Every round was similar. Both great rounds. The magnum in this case is 'detuned' to be a better personal defense load. It could be bumped up to 1350 or more, but the bullet would come apart and you'd get under penetration. Love both rounds.
Just luck of the draw really with the big spreads from ammo these days. Having the chrono at the block for the actual gel shot helps bigtime to see where they fall in the average.
That’s light for caliber for the .357mag from my understanding, 150ish grain projectiles are more the standard for .357mag. I B wonder if the mag loading was weak on purpose given the light weight projectile as a sort of low recoiling option?
When you see these in slow motion just imagine what happens inside a body! The .357 125gr was and still is one of the best stopping rounds for self defense.
I shoot a lot of 357 magnum but I make them myself. I can say they are hotter then the ones in your test and I never overload. I go my the powder manufacture when loading. The ones in your test seem weak but performed OK. I very rarely shoot 357 Sig as my Glock 23 converts with a 357 Sig Glock barrel. I don't remember what they feel like. Both bullet types performed pretty good. When I carry, it's either 9mm or 38 Special. Very good test, thanks!
Thanks for the great info as usual! I usually keep your videos and findings in consideration when ammo shopping. Keep up the great work! I'd definitely like to see a future test with a 1911 platform for 357Sig.
So the cartridge that expanded wider and penetrated deeper comes in second place? Why, because it's going 100 fps slower??? It doesn't matter if the cavity crush damage is from contact with lead, or the jacket, it's still crush damage.
I was a Deputy Sheriff for 27 years, also a firearms instructor and SWAT commander. I did a lot of ballistics with different rounds and calibers. I carried a glock g20 in 10mm everyday of my career. My off duty and EDC is a glock g31 in .357sig. I love the .357sig, most police involved shooting with .357sig was one shot stops. It has amazing street performance, on par with .357 mag, a little better than .40 S&W, but way better than 9mm. Just is, facts are facts. I trust my and my loved ones life with it. I just can't say more than that. Thanks for the test, and I think you would definitely enjoy a glock g31. Wishing you a wonderful day .
Thank you sir. I ended up grabbing a .357 Lone Wolf barrel for my G22. 😎👊
@@ToolsandTargetsI picked up a LEO trade in glock g35 long slide. And a alpha wolf. 357sig conversion barrel, it works very well. I'm sureyou will be very happy with purchase. Thanks for your response.
Thank you for experience and testimony. Thank you so much for years of service. Not everyone can do it. Thank the Lord for those who can and do. Over 25 years...SALUTE!
Great test Brian, pretty disappointing velocity with the 357 Mag
Yep, there's a reason why the ballistic goal with .357sig was the .357magnum, because of the great reputation of effectiveness with the .357 magnum, and the statistical over-90% one-shot incapacitations.
Golden Saber rounds are badass in .357. I run these in my Vaquero and Security Six.
As I remember (from years ago) the 125 gr. .357 Golden Saber was marketed as a "medium velocity" round--about 100 fps slower than the regular 125 gr. semi-jacketed hp. I suspect that the re-branded "Ultimate Defense" rounds are too, although not labeled as such.
Would make sense.
Correct.
LOVE seeing the 357 sig content! Really hope to see A LOT more!! And that is definitely weak stuff for both rounds. Not even hitting 500 ft-lbs is embarrassing for 357 sig. The way you are with 10mm is how I am with 357 sig. If it's not hitting atleast 1400 fps with a 125gr projectile out of a 4in barrel, it's watered down. Hope to see more 357 sig content!
those 357 rounds seems closer to 38 special plus P.... need to run full house ammo test for each....that was pathetic for Remington to stamp the box 357 magnum with those numbers
The Golden Saber was my go to round when I carried 357mag. I knew it slower that most 125gr loadings back then. However my 686 loved the Golden Saber shooting the tightest groups out of all the ammo I tested through it.
Committed .357 Sig fanboy here. My summer carry is a Glock 33 and now that it has gotten colder, I step it up with a Glock 32. As far as the velocities in this test go, the .357 Sig out of a 4 inch barrel really should have been easily north of 1300fps (and above 1400fps better yet).
The Golden Saber bonded outperforms the standard Golden Saber so much than Remington should honestly just discontinue the standard in favor of the bonded. The performance in this test was decent if slow but isn't enough for be to switch away from the Gold Dot in .357 Sig
Me 2
Me 3
I go back and forth with my G32 gen4 and my S&W model 19-7 4 inch.
Thank you. Please continue to test .357 SIG loads. Your work drove the purchase of a G32.
The disruption from the .357 Sig is BEAUTIFUL!!!
Thanks Nathan! I truck carry my 357 sig mainly for magazine capacity and power of the round. I like the round, it just doesn't get the public love, unlike other calibers.
😎👊
I've always carried Gold Dots in my 357sig P229.
Really enjoying the 357 Sig testing!
I have a Nosler Reloading Manual that has .357 Magnum .125gr Hollowpoints chronographing 1,700 FPS ! It says work up loads slowly and look for any over pressure signs . These are Hot loads and my S&W Model 28 Highway Patrolman with a 6" barrel is a beautiful platform to launch these babies . It's controllable and fun to shoot . Hearing and Eye protection highly recommended . Manufacturers used to make ammo this powerful back in the day . Even , 158gr ammo flying 1,500 FPS . It's my favorite cartridge . I like the .357 Sig just as much plus you don't need to have a Speed loader to get more shots . One shot is usually enough . With the .357 Magnum I can hit targets at 125 yards with pretty good accuracy . My brother in law didn't believe me . I had to show him and I increased the distance another 15 yards so he didn't say I cheated . I taught him how to shoot the same distance . His jaw dropped open 😮 . Damn !
That 357 Sig is a BEAST !! I didn't know that would be that terrific !
The only “half decent” .357 SIG (as in velocity) is the Speer Gold Dot. Major manufacturers barely care about sending a 125 at 1,350. The only good stuff comes from BBore, Underwood and Doubletap.
Mind you, Speer still lists it at 1,350 but I usually see it flying 1,425+
Shame
@@ToolsandTargets I’m like you are with 10mm. And saddened that Underwood watered down their stuff. It used to be pedal to the metal. Not anymore.
I don’t want anything to do with a 125 .357 SIG that doesn’t go past 1,450 fps. Especially when you can easily push it over 1,500. That Golden Saber is no better than a (real) +p 9mm.
If memory serves the Golden Sabre was designed by the person who came up with the Talon bullet. Also one study some years ago showed the 185gr Golden Sabre in 45 acp to have tops in percentage of stopping perp in shootings.
Excellent test!
Keep'em coming!
I've got tons of that 185 GS from when I was getting them for $20.99 a box of 50. G-30 chow.
I won't encourage you to buy something I'm 357 sig since I'm uninterested in the round, but I'm still glad you're here to add to the video collection for folks who do need it.
Thank you sir.
I don't know why the 357 sig seemed like it never took off.
Good round and good test.
Appreciate that, my friend.😎👊
My theory as to why it never took hold the way it should have, is due to the manufacturers. I think they were were holding too much stock in taking .40's and converting them with a barrel change. Instead of just MAKING .357sig chambered weapons.
It's a damned good round. I feel like it deserves to survive.
@@WarriorSoul357 I agree 👍
@@WarriorSoul357I Blame marketing as well ... if it were marketed as 9mm magnum...I feel it would have been a little more popular... I understand the reason behind what they decided to call it... I love .357 sig I own two glock 32's ..
@IDontEvenOwnA9mm People making content on it because it's a popular round. Trust me, 357 sig has a huge following more than you know. The 10mm and 357 sig became more popular because of the pandemic when it came to handgun rounds. All was left was 357 sig and 10mm and big bore revolver rounds. Thank God for Glock for keeping those rounds alive. As an honorable mention, Springfield also kept the 10mm alive.
I believe the 125 gr bullets was the common carry size bullets for law enforcement back when they carried revolver’s.
💥👮♂️💥
There are many 9mm loads that at least claim to hit 1200+ fps. I believe there have even been some that you have tested here that hit around 1250 fps or so (Buffalo Bore). I expected more out of both of these cartridges but perhaps as someone said below, these are intended as medium charge loads to reduce recoil and increase hits. Definitely an interesting test, thanks for doing it!
Thank you sir. The +P+ Underwood 9mm I carry is in the 1200's out of my 3" MC9 even.😆
If you want to know about penetration and bullet performance of different calibers, this channel is simply the best. Looks to me like the performance of the 2 rounds is close enough that whatever was hit by either wouldn't know the difference between the 2, it would be just as dead. I have a gun wish list but being retired and on a small budget it's all I can do just to keep and maintain the one handgun I have which is a Taurus g3 and keep a little ammo. If I could afford another handgun it would be a second 9mm, probably another g3 because of ammo availability. And you have shown on here there are some pretty capable 9mm rounds. I'm really looking forward to when you get around to testing the Winchester active duty 9mm m1152. But if money weren't an issue I reckon I'd have 2 handguns in every caliber. That way if ammo supply for one dried up you could probably find ammo for one or more of the others and always have something to shoot. This is just my 2 cents worth lol
Excellent video! When the .357 Sig hit the market several Law Enforcement agencies in our state jumped all over it, ditching their "old" 9 Minimal and .40S&W issue duty pistols. In terms of firearms history that lasted all of about thirty minutes before all of those agencies reverted back to the 9 Minimal and .40S&W. I heard several "excuses" for dropping the .357 Sig to include "failure to stop", "ammunition too expensive", "pistols too expensive to maintain/purchase", and the infamous and to my mind at least, questionable "recoil and muzzle blast too much for new recruits leading to lower qualification scores". I have never owned a .357 Sig nor do I have any experience firing a handgun so chambered, but I have owned or been issued a number of revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum with barrels ranging length from 3" to 6" and have fired some pretty "spicy" rounds through them and just don't understand how that last excuse for dropping the .357 Sig can possibly be legitimate. As a side note, the .357 Sig apparently did not take off in our area in terms of civilian sales as I have only seen one pistol, a used Sig w/three magazines, for sale but ammo for the pistol was a "special order only item"....Translation: Expensive. Anyway, keep up the great work you do!
385 ft pounds for a 357 mag is just sad. Idk why they would even sell the cartridge if the won't load them how they should. Just like most big names do to 10mm nowadays.
Mhmm
@@ToolsandTargets also love your reviews! You're making by far my favorite ammo comparisons to watch. Keep it up
Thank you sir.😎👊@@recneps8672
I was thinking the same thing. I managed to clone the Buffalo Bore rounds, Using a 4" python, I got 800 ft lbs, (158 gr at 1510 fps)
That's more like hot .38 special than .357 magnum. Its not just 10mm that companies fudge velocities on. My handoads are 125 grains @ 1400fps and those are for plinking.
They are making everything weak these days.😣
The 357sig and 40s&w did everything they needed. 125gr 357mag performance with 12-16rd mags and a 9mm size pistol.
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Quite a few manufacturers have marketed an ‘underpowered’ self-defense load out of a powerful cartridge in order to improve recoil manageability. Remington’s full-power line should be the HTP High Terminal Performance. Remington lists the 125 grain bullet 225 ft/sec faster than the Ultimate Defense 125…
I wish they would make that compromise more evident on the packaging though.
I'd be curious to see how a hot loaded 357sig would do against 10mm 🤔 always love the 357mag/38spl tests though
Got some good .357 mag to test.😎👊
Picture in the gel would be pretty much the same, unless you take one of those weak sauce .40 S&W 10mm.
But the 357 Sig will have way less recoil due to the lower weight peojectile and is available in smaller framed guns. 10mm for the woods, 357 Sig for the streets
@@nikos6220 I'd be a little more accurate with the claim about "have way less recoil". There's no free rides in ballistics. Velocity and bullet weight producing a resultant energy number, you can produce the same recoil with light and fast, and you can with slow and heavy. The impulse of the recoil may be different, but the force of the recoil would not.
The difference is the 10 mm is the better woods gun especially if large animals are present, the 357 Sig is the better and more practical SD caliber. Think the baby Glock G33 loaded with Underwood ammo and you get the ideal.
A 6-inch revolver loaded with 180gr Buffalo Bore is pretty ideal in the woods. It can produce 1,000 ft-lb energy.
Where the 357 mag shines over the sig is heavier bullets. If i remember correctly, 357 sig doesn't have the case capacity to support 180 grain like the old mag can.
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Hey Tools, great test as always. Keep up the good work Sir 👍👍👊
Thank you sir. Appreciate that.😎👊
Everybody's friend the .357! Can't go wrong with this classic round!
I like and have both of these but favor the mag but you know none of this matters we need to see both in an offering from buffalo bore.
The sig was designed to run 125 grain but I’m partial to the 158 grain 357 mag 0:15 buffalo bore just some ideas. This was another great comparison video that had results I didn’t expect
The Golden Saber is a really good performance bullet that alot of people overlook. Despite lower velocity rating than some competitors they usually do perform well. I wish all of them were bonded though. I tested some bonded version in 40 S&W and it did very well. Keep up the testing. I do wish you would test some Gorilla Ammunition in 45 acp some time too. Not too many tests of their products online other than promo videos.
I enjoy your videos and usually do share them.
Appreciate that. I'll make sure I have it on the list.😎👊
Nice! This is one caliber I don’t have but is interesting. I may have to get a barrel for my G22. Definitely good performance from both but the Sig won that match up for sure. Awesome stuff as always my friend 👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thank you sir. I gave in and grabbed a Lone Wolf barrel for my 22.😆
Great performance out of both! Definitely like the bonded way better! I think the 357 sig had better ammunition. Thanks tools 🤠
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Not what I expected either. I thought magnum would do noticeably more damage. Both wound channels are excellent though. Both very effective rounds. Another excellent test. 👍👊😎🇺🇸
Thank you sir.😎👊
@@ToolsandTargets I've said it before and i'll say it again man, the .357 Magnum rounds from Underwood Ammo (in both their 158 & 125-grainers) are some pretty spicy rounds, and i've tested both boxes at the range
LOL As weak as the performance of these two rounds were they are still better than a 9mm.
@@kennethferguson4283 how do you figure that?
@@kennethferguson4283 not to mention, even PMC runs their .357 Magnum cartridges rather hot as well, so they're running neck-and-neck with Underwood Ammo when it comes to spicy rounds. although Federal Premium is somewhat good too, as i've tried their stuff too
That's the kind of folks I want around me... Hey brother, here's my tool. I want you to test something out. To know someone you can put that much trust into is a rare thing these days. I've got family I don't trust that much. Another thing, I wonder how many folks realize all that goes into making these great videos. Heck, melting the gel alone is a job. Appreciate you Brian. Range Gang for life.
Thank you sir. I didn't really realize how much work it is to keep these tests rollin on a regular basis. Love doing it though.😎👊
@@ToolsandTargetsDoing something you love really isn't work.
@@raybo34 Oh it absolutely is work, love it or not. Loving work is strange phenomenon in America in recent decades, for the minority who get to experience that. That isn't to say we hate work, we just hate the lack of fair compensation for the effort, relative to paying for needs.
Starting velocity for .357 sig ..should be around..1350...less than that its too watered down
Definitely weak stuff on both of these.
Great test, I have noticed the 125 golden sabers are a little weak. I carry them in my Smith Model 60 3 inch for that reason. A lot easier to control. I 0:26 Did dispatch a deer and had great expansion but it did partially separate. When I was working we were issued Golden Sabers in the 357 Sig. Really enjoy your videos.
What agency did you work for where you were issued a 357sig in golden saber? What sidearm
I think the .357 magnum did great. Jacket counts as cutting material, it didn’t separate, and had better penetration. Thanks for doing the test! 👍👍👍👍
I'd love to see more tests. Cool to hear from the service guys here on what they believe and know from real life experience . Cheers!
Well, that .357 mag load was definitely not full-house, BUT certainly would get the job done and without beating up the shooter or their gun. And once more, .357 SIG makes me eat my words on my earlier opinion of it. Great info!
Yep. It's a 125 grain you could use in a model 19/13 Smith of old without cracking that forcing cone.
Both rounds performed nicely considering they were both loaded light particularly the mag. It might work well in a lightweight revolver for recoil control. Been looking forward to a head to head comparison on the Sig vs mag loads. Hope you can try another test with ammo loaded to proper speeds. Thanks for the test Tools!
Got a barrel for my G22 so definitely some more to come.😎👊
BJHP stands for Bonded Jacketed Hollow Point, no?
I believe it's brass jacketed hollow point in this case.
If I recall correctly, that .357 Mag loading is a mid-range load with velocities somewhere in the low 1200fps (1225?) range. As an aside, I once got a core-jacket separation on a .45ACP Golden Saber round, but it occurred as was trying to pull the bullet with a kinetic nullet puller. The jacket didn't appear to move at all, but the lead core came right out.
Great vid as per usual. As a comparison on Lucky Gunner 125g Rem UMC .357 SIG is $55 per 50 whereas 125g Rem UMC .357 MAG is $44 per 50. I bought a Glock 31 back in '99 and by the time sold it in '21 not once did I ever see .357 SIG at a price less than $24 a box. 5 years ago Cabela's had Fiocci 147g 357 MAG for $14 a box for 50. Although those salad days are long gone the disparaging price difference as well as ready availability hasn't changed in the 25 years that my wallet has been paying attention. 10mm is really the king of autos these days anyway making the .357 SIG that much less relevant.
🇦🇺😎👍You have the clearest jelly contraption on TH-cam 🏁…wow nasty tracks , great performers 🏁🏁🏁.. great science mate
I agree. Terrible velocity from the 357 Mag and thew 357 Sig is also lightly loaded as it should be able to make 1375-1400fps out of this barrel.
Remington loads that particular magnum load that way in deference to the lightweight alloy revolvers commonly used for concealed carry. This is a common practice used by most ammo manufacturers but it’s normally reserved for the 110 grain bullets. Remington is also known for being rather conservative in how they load their autopistol rounds. The results are pretty decent in spite of the lackluster velocities posted.
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As always, thank you for taking your time to run these awesome Tests for us, I definitely appreciate it. 🇺🇲🤙🏼😀
Thanks for this very timely test. I was wondering recently if the Golden Saber rounds were up to the level of other strong performers. This was very helpful.
Im thinking you might want to try different ammo for both . I have seen it gk back and forth. Hang on to that. 357 mag. It's a good one.
Nice to see another .357 test. Though I'm really looking forward to seeing you do another with the 6" Python and lever action. It would be interesting to see how bullets(good and bad) from past tests perform from the longer barrels.
I got plenty of the .357 Magnum golden saber's Remington bonded jacketed hollow point loads. I am right on time with this video. To 👀 the performance of them 😊
Yes I am impressed with the .357 Sig loads 🤝. The golden saber bonded jacket .357 Magnum load's. They won't get my praise. Thank you for testing them 👏
I luv 357Sig ... I have 357Sig conversion bbls for my FNS-40 and G23 Gen4 ...
Nice. I just got one for my G22.👊
Another great test and to me, very relevant! I've often wondered about these two in a head to head test, and now I know, at least with this ammo. I'll agree, the 357 was awful weak but then, I couldn't complain about the performance! We all know the manufacturers have been slowing their ammo down and it's now looking like the .357 Mag is another victim just like the 10mm! Like you, I always go for a bonded bullet, if I can't get what I want in a solid copper anyway! Never a worry about jacket/core seperation and they tend to go thru, instead of bouncing off, bone. Honestly, the more I see of that 357 Sig the better I like it and tye more respect I have for it! If I'd of discovered it 30 some years ago, I'd have it instead of the 9mm! Hmm, maybe it was longer ago than that? Probably! But it sure beats the snot out of a 9mm!
Cheers,
jc
My 125 gr .357 Magnum handloads are way hotter than those.
Yeah, definitely not hot stuff here.
My 125 grain 357 sig handloads are way hotter than those
Yep, if you want true 357 magnum either hand load or go Buffalo Bore
@@akmguyman762X39same goes for 10mm.. if you want the true potential of off the shelf ammo buffalo bore is about the only way to go..
I've read that ammo makers have been convinced to under-load all 357 mag ammo because the J frames can't handle full power.
As always, Good video. Well done.
It seems that 10mm with the proper loading and bullet design still beats both of these.
Big green was a big grin on both those rounds. I carry the Federal HST in my Sig 229 elite. Big fan of the HST in all calibers.
Why the 357 SIG is not more popular amazes me 357 Magnum is better with a 5 or 6 inch
barrel 357 SIG is a wicked round in a 4.5 and up barrel
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I've never cared for the non bonded Golden Saber, at least from what I've seen of it in 10mm, the jacket separates way too easily. Which is probably why the magnum is so underloaded, much faster and the jacket would be completely loose.
I have some of that Remington 357. The wifey practices with it. She said it's very light out of a Smith 28-2 6'' barrel. Recoil is like a wimpy 380 in that Smith.
Today's price for it is stupid high. I do think that if it's carried and had to be run that it would do it's job. I also think that they don't know that the jacket separates as they are like me. No way to test it first.
Good video. The wifey considered packing it in a Model 19 2 1/2'' barrel. Not anymore.
Great test, I have been kicking around getting a 357, I was wondering about the 357 sig , now to decide which one LOL. I will be watching for more videos on these , I will reload which ever one I decide on. Thank you
The velocity loss on the .357 magnum could be partially attributed to the cylinder gap on the revolver.
I like both calibers. Sometimes brand name "performance" rounds are loaded kind of mid. I remember trying some Win elite rounds and they were very accurate, and somewhat soft shooting. Never invested in the golden sabers. Done Win Silvertip and speer gold dots. 19 inches is a lot of penetration. good job.
I have long thought much of the ammo we now consider "weak" was design engineered to fit the FBI test getting 12-18 inches of penetration, no more, no less. Rem lists the golden saber (used in this test) at 1220 fps but the good old UMC 125 grain is listed at 1450 fps. I like the UMC in 125 and in 158.
I hope you jump on the .357 sig train and get a tool! I'd love to see your take on some of the better rounds in this caliber as well as some better match ups between these calibers! Top notch work as always! Thank you sir!
Thank you sir.😎👊
TIL what not to feed my 3 inch .357 Mag Taurus 605. That weak sauce ammo worked fine, but it's not "357 MAGNUM" worthy. Am I the only one that hates it when ammo companies under-load a powerful round?
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Great vid. I found the 357 sig compares to standard 357 mag. But the 357 mag has hot loads more common.
Hey Tools, I got an Alpha Wolf barrel in 357 for my G22. Works great and a nice option.
I just had one delivered a few days ago.😎👊
Brass copper and expansion reason for penetration difference between rounds.
That Sig clearly was more powerful in this test! But that 686+ ❤!!! Seems they all water down the 'self defense ammo" a bit! Thanks and have a good one brother! 💥💥
Revolver definitely has it in the looks department.😎👊
You Called It right, the 357 mag was a bit disappointing, Thanks Brian. have a great weekend. 👊 🇺🇸
Thank you sir. You too!😎👊
Tool's name is *Brian* ?? That's INSANE! He looks VERY much like my best friend since kindergarten who is ALSO named Brian!
@@WarriorSoul357He's a great guy, and his channel is my favorite.
For 357mag if you can find it 125gr Federal ammo is what the police used 125gr Hollow points from Federal, 580 lb ft energy, and it does what it says on the box
👍👍they did a great job in the gel i just don't understand the loading of the rounds for velocity great job keep up the good work 👍
There's actually a few automatics that fire the .357 revolver cartridge and the best known, possibly only one,is called the Coonan and it looks like a big 1911.
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Both ammo projectiles performed outstanding. Really good comparison between the two. Agreed, nice test and commentary. As always another good test in the books. Be safe. 👊⭐️⭐️👊
PLEASE DO THE SAME TEST WITH LIBERTY AMMO IN 357!!!! 😁
The 357 magnum Golden Saber is known for not being a full on hot rod 357 load, it kind of brings the 357 down into 9mm territory. Still not a bad load it will do the job, probably great for the old K frame magnums.
Would definitely do the trick.😎👊
More like a J-frame cartridge with that soft a shot😂
@@goodnewseverybody739i was guna say the same😂
@goodnewseverybody739 I agree...it's still better than most 38s but it's definitely not a true 357...I'm developing a hand load using 124 grain HSTs I'd like to push at that level, it would keep it within its design envelope. Same thing with the 147s too I got a bunch of blemished HSTs a while back
Excellent video!! I am loving the .357 sig tests
👍👍Thanks Tools. I know everyone is looking for the most powerful ammo out there but for me when I shoot 357 magnum I want something more powerful than 38+p but something I can also handle. I’m getting up in age so that velocity and performance out of the 357 mag is perfect for me. Not everyone can handle the most powerful ammo out there and I’m definitely one of those people. Appreciate all your test , you do a super job.
Thank you sir. It would handle the situation.😎👊
Like to see the magnum in a 4 inch, might get more consistent powder burn from an extra inch of barrel.
Definitely gonna have to up the length on both.😎👊
I recently purchased a case of Golden Saber 357 magnum because of the lower velocity and lighter recoil. This was based on reviewing the tests by Lucky Gunner.
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At one time I carried the same combination, G-32 Gen 4 and bonded Golden Sabre.
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That 357 looks like it would be good from a 2 inch snub as a load that cuts the difference between 38 and full power 357, I kind wish Remington would would load that 357 in 38 special brass and just label it +P+ as it seems to be preforming the same as the buffalo bore and underwood 38+p 125 grain ammo
For that velocity of the .357 mag, it's like you're better off with a 15 shot 9mm+p!
Yep
I've read arguments that claim a 4" revolver is equivalent to a 4" auto (including its chamber) because of the loss of pressure due to the revolver's cylinder gap. If true, then using a 3" revolver may handicap the wheel gun in a "fair" comparison. On the other hand, others might argue that overall length is the measurement that should be used to determine comparable handguns.
They used a full rifled 4 inches of barrel when developing the .357 Sig to meet a .357 mag revolver with a 4 inch barrel. I think pressure loss from cylinder gap is very minimal versus the loss from an actual lack of true barrel length.🤷♂️
You could get 124grain 9mm +P and be about on par with these 357 sig. All that extra case volume for nothing. I swear sometimes these ammo companies don't even try.
Your radar Chrono seems to be giving readings 50~75 fps slower at the muzzle than the other is giving at the block. Every round was similar.
Both great rounds. The magnum in this case is 'detuned' to be a better personal defense load. It could be bumped up to 1350 or more, but the bullet would come apart and you'd get under penetration.
Love both rounds.
Just luck of the draw really with the big spreads from ammo these days. Having the chrono at the block for the actual gel shot helps bigtime to see where they fall in the average.
That’s light for caliber for the .357mag from my understanding, 150ish grain projectiles are more the standard for .357mag. I B wonder if the mag loading was weak on purpose given the light weight projectile as a sort of low recoiling option?
When you see these in slow motion just imagine what happens inside a body! The .357 125gr was and still is one of the best stopping rounds for self defense.
Underwood 68 Gr 357 sig 💪
Great to see the Golden Saber being viable in the more powerful calibers !
Really good test. I also figured the Mag would do better but with some better ammo im sure it would have done much better. 🇺🇸
Thank you sir.😎👊
Nice test, keep testing the357 Sig thank you 😊
I shoot a lot of 357 magnum but I make them myself. I can say they are hotter then the ones in your test and I never overload. I go my the powder manufacture when loading. The ones in your test seem weak but performed OK. I very rarely shoot 357 Sig as my Glock 23 converts with a 357 Sig Glock barrel. I don't remember what they feel like. Both bullet types performed pretty good. When I carry, it's either 9mm or 38 Special. Very good test, thanks!
Thanks for the test. Love my sig but use Grizzly and Underwood. I find normal brands weak.
Downloaded like most stuff these days.😣
Thanks for the videos featuring 357 Sig, Tools. Regards from just north of the Moonshine Capital. 😁
Thanks for the great info as usual! I usually keep your videos and findings in consideration when ammo shopping. Keep up the great work! I'd definitely like to see a future test with a 1911 platform for 357Sig.
Appreciate that. Should have some more coming soon.😎👍
So the cartridge that expanded wider and penetrated deeper comes in second place? Why, because it's going 100 fps slower??? It doesn't matter if the cavity crush damage is from contact with lead, or the jacket, it's still crush damage.