Lindcott Armory Compare / .256 Winchester Magnum vs .357 Magnum
Cartridge comparison
.256 Winchester Magnum vs .357 Magnum
.256 Winchester Magnum is faster (2,350 vs 1,650 fps); .357 Magnum carries more energy (750 vs 735 ft·lb); .256 Winchester Magnum recoils less.
.256 Winchester Magnum →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
.357 Magnum →Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
| .256 Winchester Magnum | .357 Magnum | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Revolver | Revolver |
| Introduced | 1961 | 1934 |
| Bullet ⌀ | 0.257″ | 0.357″ |
| Case length | 1.281″ | 1.29″ |
| Velocity | 2,200–2,350 fps | 1,180–1,650 fps |
| Energy | 645–735 ft·lb | 450–750 ft·lb |
| Max pressure | 42,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Recoil | 8–12 ft·lb | 12–20 ft·lb |
| Eff. range | 100 yd | 100 yd |
FAQs
- Is .256 Winchester Magnum faster than .357 Magnum?
- .256 Winchester Magnum is faster — up to 2,350 fps versus 1,650 fps.
- Does .256 Winchester Magnum hit harder than .357 Magnum?
- .357 Magnum carries more muzzle energy (750 vs 735 ft·lb).