How Does the .357 Magnum Perform from a 20-Inch Barrel?

Gun & Shooting
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I’ve been diving deep into the world of .357 Magnum ballistics, particularly with a 20-inch barrel, and I’m looking for some insights from fellow enthusiasts about its performance. I’m gearing up for some hunting this season and also want to make sure my target shooting is spot on.

Why the Interest in a 20-Inch Barrel?

The longer barrel length is supposed to offer better velocity and accuracy, which is crucial for both hunting and precision shooting. I am curious how much of a difference it makes when comparing with standard barrel sizes. Has anyone here extensively tested this?

Understanding Ballistics

From what I’ve gathered, ballistics refer to the performance of the bullet as it leaves the barrel, travels through the air, and impacts a target. The factors that play into this include:

  • Velocity: A longer barrel typically increases the speed of the bullet. How significant is this increase with a .357 Magnum?
  • Accuracy: Is there a noticeable improvement in shot grouping when using a 20-inch barrel for hunting scenarios?
  • Energy: Can the additional barrel length translate to better stopping power for larger game?

What to Consider

Before I make any upgrades or changes, I’d like to know:

  • Data & Statistics: Any ballistics tables or comparative data out there that showcase the performance of the .357 Magnum with a 20-inch barrel?
  • Personal Experiences: What has been your experience? Have you noticed a difference in how the round performs at distance versus a standard barrel?
  • Recommendations: Any specific ammunition that you’ve found to work better for longer barrels? What should I watch out for?

Wrap Up

I’m eager to hear everyone’s thoughts and experiences! Let’s share any tips or insights that can help maximize the effectiveness of the .357 Magnum when fired from a longer barrel. Looking forward to your replies!

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The .357 Magnum is known for its impressive velocity and energy, especially from a longer barrel like 20 inches. You can expect velocities over 1,500 fps, which dramatically increases its stopping power.

3

That’s amazing! I always thought revolvers sacrificed velocity. Is that true for the .357 too?

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Actually, longer barrels like 20 inches do enhance ballistics. You generally get increased muzzle energy, which can mean better performance for hunting or target shooting.

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5

So what kind of energy are we talking about? I read somewhere it’s around 600-700 ft-lbs from a long barrel. Is that accurate?

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Yes, that range is pretty close! The .357 Magnum really shines when it hits that energy level, making it effective against larger game.

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The trajectory from a 20-inch barrel stays flatter at longer distances too. This can be a game changer for precision shooting.

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Interesting! Does that mean accuracy improves significantly with barrel length?

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Definitely! The added length provides more stabilization. However, it’s also about the shooter’s skill and ammo choice.

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I wonder how the recoil feels with a 20-inch barrel compared to shorter barrels. Any insights?

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Recoil is generally milder with longer barrels due to the extra weight, making it more manageable for follow-up shots!

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That’s good to know! What about the physics behind it? How does barrel length truly affect the projectile’s performance?

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In simple terms, a longer barrel allows more time for the powder to burn and build pressure, which directly impacts velocity and energy.

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I’m really curious about how different bullet types perform from a 20-inch barrel. Has anyone tested JSP vs. JHP ammo? I’m particularly interested in the accuracy and expansion aspects.

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I’ve done some testing with JHP and JSP, and I find that JSP tends to perform better for penetration, but JHP is great for expansion.

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Does anyone have a preferred grain weight for their .357 loads? I feel like it might impact my accuracy significantly at longer distances.

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I usually go with 158 grain. They balance well between velocity and stopping power, especially in a longer barrel.

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That’s good to know! Would you say lighter bullets like 125 grains are less accurate at longer ranges?

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That’s a common thought! However, lighter bullets can still perform well if you are using the right ammo. It really comes down to the firearm’s characteristics and personal preference. Don’t forget to test!

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I’m also interested in the impact of lead vs. jacketed bullets. Anyone feel one is particularly better for a 20-inch barrel?