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Lindcott Armory

Revolver · SAAMI

.357 Magnum

Also known as .357 Mag · 9x33mmR

Powerful revolver cartridge.

Caliber
0.357″ · 9.068 mm
Introduced
1934
Case
Rimmed
Parent
.38 Special
Primary use
Self Defense, Hunting, Target
Status
Active

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VelocityBeing verified
EnergyBeing verified
Typical grains125 · 158 · 180 gr
Identity
Introduced
1934
Type
Revolver
Origin
United States
Inventor
Elmer Keith / Smith & Wesson
Manufacturer
Smith & Wesson
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Abundant
Build
Case capacity
26.2 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:16 to 1:18.75
Primer
Small Pistol
Case type
Rimmed
Pressure & range
Max pressure
35,000 psi
Eff. range
100 yd
Recoil
12–20 ft·lb

Introduced by Smith & Wesson

Ballistics

Published velocity/energy data isn't available for .357 Magnum. Parent case: .38 Special.

Performance

Best for Withheld until verified
Best for Withheld until verified
Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

SAAMI · approximate
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀ 9.070.357 ~
Neck ⌀ 9.630.379 ✓
Shoulder ⌀ n/a
Shoulder angle n/a
Base ⌀ 9.630.379 ✓
Rim ⌀ 11.180.440 ✓
Belt ⌀ n/a
Rim thickness 1.520.060 ✓
Neck length n/a
Case length 32.771.290 ✓
Overall length 40.391.590 ✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. .357 Magnum is highlighted below.

Factory loads

Verification

Being verified

Advertised FPS, energy, and BC are withheld until loads clear verification.

Suitable powders

53 reloading powders listed for .357 Magnum, fastest to slowest. Cross-reference in the finder →

N310Vihtavuori N320TitegroupN330CSB3Multi-Purpose PistolRamshot True BlueRS24Lovex D060.5Vectan SP2SP2Vihtavuori N340UniversalHP-38CSP1RS36SP3540Winchester 571Power Pro 2000-MR
Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in .357 Magnum

12 models in the database chamber .357 Magnum. Browse all →

Ruger GP100 Triple-Lock .357 Mag 4.2-inchRuger 1894 DarkColt Python .357 Mag 6-inch Night Cobra EditionSIG Sauer RegulatorSIG Sauer Regulator .357Taurus Defender 605 .357 Mag 3-InchTaurus Taurus 605 TORO .357 Magnum 3-inchTaurus Taurus 605 Executive Grade .357 Magnum 3-inchMarlin Marlin Model 1894 CST .357 MagMarlin Marlin Model 1894 SBL .357 MagMarlin 1894 Trapper 357 MagMarlin Firearms Model 1894 CB .357 Mag 24-inch

Lineage

Immediate parent
.38 Special
Direct descendants (3 · 4 total)
.357 Remington Maximum.32 Miller Short.22 Remington Jet.256 Winchester Magnum
Family TreeOpen .357 Magnum in the interactive cartridge family tree

Connected reference

Loads286 factory loads for .357 MagnumReloading53 suitable powders — cross-referenceFirearmsFirearms in .357 Magnum

History

Developed in 1934 by Elmer Keith, Phil Sharpe, and S&W. Response to increasingly fast cars and body armor during Prohibition. Dirty Harry made .44 Mag famous, but .357 came first.

FAQs

What twist rate does .357 Magnum use?
.357 Magnum typically uses a 1:16 to 1:18.75 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is .357 Magnum?
.357 Magnum uses a 0.357″ (9.068 mm) diameter bullet.
Is .357 Magnum still in production?
.357 Magnum is active; typical availability is abundant.
What is .357 Magnum used for?
.357 Magnum is primarily used for self defense, hunting, target.
What is .357 Magnum based on?
.357 Magnum is derived from the .38 Special case.
What are the best powders for .357 Magnum?
Reloading powders commonly listed for .357 Magnum include N310, Vihtavuori N320, Titegroup, N330, among 53 suitable options.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 269 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →