.357sig or .45 for new pistol?

[JelloStorm]

Hey all,

I've gotten the itch for a new pistol. I've been lusting for an HK USP 45 fullsize V1 for a while, but I've also been thinking about Glocks. Stuck between two calibers and need advice.

I currently have a HK USP Compact in .357sig and a 1911 in .45

Would you go with one caliber over the other, and if so, why?

 

[KillShot]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

Although I really like my 1911, the .357 Sig has better ballistics.

 

[Ghogs Nightmare]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

Go with the hybrid mix...10MM for the win!
.
Accurate and plenty of power and fits same frame as 45's plus u get more rounds.

 

[JelloStorm]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

Killshot,

From what I've read of the .357sig it's an acquired taste because of the high velocity of a rather small 115/125gr round. Some say it adds knockdown power, others say it just over-penetrates.

Ghogs, isn't the 10mm just an older predecessor to the .40S&W?

 

[DeputyDawg]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

I would say 45 not because i prefer it but .357 sig will break down a frame. springs need to be relapced regularly. Plus you can easily find inexpensive ammo to practice with .45.

My .02

 

[Boomholzer]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JelloStorm</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Killshot,

From what I've read of the .357sig it's an acquired taste because of the high velocity of a rather small 115/125gr round. Some say it adds knockdown power, others say it just over-penetrates.

Ghogs, isn't the 10mm just an older predecessor to the .40S&W? </div></div>

10mm is the precedence or parent case of the 40S&W. The 10mm per history didn’t adopt the 40S&W, it was "invented" during late FBI trials.
The 357Sig is a ballistic equivalent to a 4” 357Mag 125gr as a necked to 9mm to sell law enforcement against resistance to the 9mmPara. It's parent case is also the 10mm from the 40S&W.

 

[TacBlade]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

Why not the .40?

 

[JelloStorm]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: TacBlade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Why not the .40? </div></div>

I had a Glock 22 .40 and it was ok. Traded that for a new USP-C .40S&W. Carried that for a while and took interest in the .357sig since the .40 had a bit of drop at 25 yards.

The .357sig definitely shoots flatter, that's for sure. And supposedly it has more knock down power but that's only what I've read on Wikipedia.

 

[AvsFan]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

I have and respect both the 45 ACP & .357 Sig. The .357 Sig round hits hard and fast. We were out shooting some rotating steel plates @ 25 yards with some 9mm, 40 S&W, 45 ACP and the .357 Sig.

Everybody was really impressed on the .357 Sig round impacting the plates. It was the only one to spin the plates multiple times (3-4 complete rotations on average) every time it would hit!

The 45 ACP 1-2 rotations, the 40 S&W averaged 2 rotations...the 9mm nothing - it would tilt the plate but not rotate them whatsoever.

We were all shooting FMJ rounds in Glocks for the 40 S&W (Glock 22) and .357 Sig (Glock 31) and a Kimber Gov't 1911 (5" full size) and a Beretta 92FS for the 9mm.

I vote .357 Sig (which was/is my Glock 31).

 

[Muttt]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

You can find .45 acp anywhere.

 

[wPAShooter1]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

I have a H&K USP 45 and i love it it is a great gun and that is also what i prefer to use for my carry gun besides my S&W M&P 45. The USP 45 shoots great and you just cant beat the 45 is a great round

 

[SoTex]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

If you reload at all or are thinking about it, .45acp is much easier to deal with being a straight wall case. Also, at least in my area, finding .357 sig can be tricky. Most larger gun shops have it but it really is hit or miss.

I think the only thing keeping the .357 Sig alive in my area is the fact that DPS still runs it.

I can walk in any gun shop, walmart, or academy/dicks and find some .45 probably in both fmj and in jhp.
I also reload it in volume, and the ease of reloading the .45 really pays dividends for my uses. YMMV.

 

[tnichols]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Muttt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">You can find .45 acp anywhere. </div></div>...along with the availablity of components if you so choose to reload. Plus, big holes leak more.

 

[rpk762]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SoTex</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you reload at all or are thinking about it, .45acp is much easier to deal with being a straight wall case. Also, at least in my area, finding .357 sig can be tricky. Most larger gun shops have it but it really is hit or miss.

I think the only thing keeping the .357 Sig alive in my area is the fact that DPS still runs it.

I can walk in any gun shop, walmart, or academy/dicks and find some .45 probably in both fmj and in jhp.
I also reload it in volume, and the ease of reloading the .45 really pays dividends for my uses. YMMV.</div></div>

A person can always reload 40S&W casings into 357sig brass. Sure they are a little short but the round was desighned to head space off of the shoulder if there was not a mouth to head space off of. Sig new reloaders would use 40S&W casings so they make it so you can use wither.

 

[Alpine 338]

Re: .357sig or .45 for new pistol?

I have an HK-45, and also a G31. The HK fits my hand better, it's more accurate, and the 45ACP ammo you can buy just about anywhere and often at bargain prices. The 357SIG ammo has great ballistics, but it's not a normal shelf item at many stores, and the price is ridiculously high no matter where you buy it.

If someone could answer this question...

When I bought my G31 back in 99 when they first came out, I was able to buy a box of ammo (Speer Lawman 357SIG 125-gr FMJ) for only a dollar more then what the 9mm (Speer Lawman 9mm 124-gr FMJ) cost at the time, and this was the norm no matter where you bought it. Now the price is almost double over the cost of 9mm, and I'm wondering if the manufacturers are doing some kind of price fixing?

Sorry to deviate from the topic.