I've currently got 3 9mm pistols (Beretta PX4 Subcompact, S&W M&P9, and CZ Tactical Sports) and was wanting to diversify a little bit and try 357sig again (been years since I've owned a gun in the caliber). Is there any good reason to go with 357sig compared to 9mm +P? I've got a buddy who insists on 9mm everything and for awhile I was as ammo was cheaper and easier to find. But, I want to give 357sig a shot in a new carry pistol and since I won't be shooting tons of the stuff it should be cost worthy.

The P229 which is what I'm looking at was supposedly built around the 40S&W caliber and I would lose only one round in capacity compared to the 9mm.

What say ye SigForumites?

This question always causes a lot of debate with more heat than light generated as a result.

In general, though, 9mm is indeed cheaper and easier to find—except when you try to get the premium +P+ 9mm stuff that's supposed to be "almost the same" as 357 SIG.

Based on my velocity measurements out of P229 pistols, 9mm 124 grain +P Gold Dot produces about 400 foot-pounds of energy. A 357 SIG 125 grain "limited penetration" Gold Dot produces about 500 ft-lb, or 25 percent more kinetic energy. Does that matter? According to some people, no.
I, however, believe that it does and that's the reason why I carry a P229 loaded with 357 SIG Gold Dots. (BTW, the "standard" 357 SIG GDHP load runs about 520 ft-lb and that's the load I carry.)

I like everything I have read about the .357 Sig. It is a completely new round to me. (heck, so was the .40). I have not had the opportunity to try it out, yet, but I purchased a barrel through the classified section here for my .40 229 and hope to try it soon.

I really like the .40...so to me that is a promising sign.

Big plus I have read is it's penetration capability....better than a .45, .40, or 9mm.

Haven't seen how it stacks against the .357 mag, .44mag or .38+p

BamaSigger, how close to GA are you?

The P229 handles the 357 Sig very well. The 357 Sig is more powerful than the 9mm by any objective standard.

I carry the 226 in 357Sig I have 2 9mm's collecting dust in the safe a S&W 6906 and a Sig 228. I like the load here is the FBI testing for the Secret Service
http://www.armsmaster.net-a.go...pages.com/357sig.pdf

IT depends on your school of thought. If you think mag cap & low recoil is important, then nothing but a 9mm will do for you. In states (more & more coming) that have 10rd limits, the only thing the 9mm offers is light recoil, but you are also getting a lesser effective round by many observations.
The guys that have so much praise for the 9mm most often site +P specs. The 357sig goes another 100-150fps better for a minimal amount of recoil increase. You'll have to decide yourself, but for me, if I only get 10rds, might as well have the hardest hitting 10 I can carry. So that is 357sig, 40 or 45 for me. If I want a smaller platform, like a G26, then the 9mm makes a little more sense as the lighter recoil in the smaller pistol helps get multiple hits quickly. If I was stuck w/ the 9mm I would be fine, but feed it the best +P ammo you can get.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: fredj338,

Excellent self defense round, and about the only ammo I could find on the shelf during the black out.

I feel this is a rare problem, and can't name a single specific instance of it happening, but inside your home, overpenetration could be an issue with this round. Also, lot's of noise and flash.(Which I enjoy immensely.)

I use it in a P226R DAK, and handload my own ammo for the most part. Very flat shooting and never a jam with a necked down round are some other benefits.

No. The 9mm 124 gr. +P can do anything the .357 SIG can do with a few inconsequential exceptions. It can do it cheaper and with less flash and less recoil allowing for faster follow up shots.

I work in an operating room and ocassionally see the results of shootings.... When evaluating the condition of these folks after they have been shot, I can't tell any difference between calibers...
The important variables seem to be the attitude ( drugs, anger, psychosis) of the person and the location and number of hits....
Disclaimer... I'm not sure that this observation translates to their reactions before they get to the ER and it certainly doesn't take into account the guys that never make it to the ER....
My advice: If you want to play with the Sig 357 , by all means , go ahead. Nothing wrong with getting another gun !! Does it really make you a lot "safer" ?? Not convinced...
Be safe !! mike

One thing a 9mm P229 can't do is shoot all three calibers (9mm, 357sig, 40sw). Get the 357 and you have that option, so you can determine for yourself.

Get the .357SIG. More versatile platform. Fun round.

All of the recognized combat calibers work or fail about the same. The slight edge will always be with the bigger/more powerful bullet. Choose the caliber/pistol combination that you shoot the best and are confident in. Being confident in your gun/caliber goes a long way.

That being said, the 357SIG round has become my caliber of choice and has gained an enviable real world performance record in stopping both humans and animals. You might not like the 357SIG round and question its purpose-that is fine. Shoot a 9mm side by side with a 357SIG and ask yourself if you had to take a hit, which one would you take? Bill

357 SIG gives you ~200fps more than the hotter +p and +p+ loads. For me that's reason enough. Well that and I like the big, loud bang.

quote:

Originally posted by The Sarge:

Shoot a 9mm side by side with a 357SIG and ask yourself if you had to take a hit, which one would you take? Bill

That's just silly. My choice would be neither one since they both have about the same effectiveness.

Ogie,

You just plain don't like the 357SIG round as evidenced by your many posts about it. That is fine. You are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. My comment on being shot was in jest. 357SIG is just another caliber option and we choose what we feel is best. Bill

quote:

Originally posted by The Sarge:
Ogie,

You just plain don't like the 357SIG round as evidenced by your many posts about it. That is fine. You are entitled to your opinion and I respect that. My comment on being shot was in jest. 357SIG is just another caliber option and we choose what we feel is best. Bill

It's not that I don't like it, it's that I don't like it when other people are in awe of it.

I guess I didn't take your remark the way it was intended. I'm sorry if I offended you.

quote:

Originally posted by Ogie:
No. The 9mm 124 gr. +P can do anything the .357 SIG can do with a few inconsequential exceptions. It can do it cheaper and with less flash and less recoil allowing for faster follow up shots.

Same for the 380 then too. I mean it's only giving up 25gr of bullet wt & 150fps, also w/ less recoil & blast, about like the diff. between the 9mm & 357sig, Hmmm.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: fredj338,

Being that energy is a square factor, that 200fps is a huge difference.

To get up to 357 specks, you have to max out pressure with a +P+ 9mm. Why do that, when a 357 in the same platform gets you there at standard pressures, and doesn't beat the gun to death?

quote:

Originally posted by fredj338:

quote:

Originally posted by Ogie:
No. The 9mm 124 gr. +P can do anything the .357 SIG can do with a few inconsequential exceptions. It can do it cheaper and with less flash and less recoil allowing for faster follow up shots.

Same for the 380 then too. I mean it's only giving up 15gr of bullet wt & 150fps, also w/ less recoil & blast, about like the diff. between the 9mm & 357sig, Hmmm.

You've made this dumbass argument before. It's not a valid comparison.