Which Caliber would you Use in a SHTF Scenario? There are always debates on which is the better carry handgun and we get down to the ballistics, which is better?, a .357 Magnum or a 45ACP? Posted on 04/04/2018 5:51:13 PM PDT by w1n1
Which Caliber would you Use in a SHTF Scenario? There are always debates on which is the better carry handgun and we get down to the ballistics, which is better?, a .357 Magnum or a 45ACP?
357vs45acpMost of us gun enthusiasts understand the differences between the two ammo and how powerful it is. But sometimes its good to see the visual effects of the ballistics. The following is a penetration comparison of the two ammo and it is the un-scientific approach. Basically shoot at different type of objects and observe the effects.
The other consideration that we’ll talk about is which one fits the SHTF scenario.
Results
It’s always a great match up that clearly defines the legendary stopping power of .45 ACP at shorter ranges, with .357 performing better for penetration at longer distances.
Historically, the .45 ACP was specifically designed for the US Army to be a knock down round at short distances; intended to put a man down with just a couple of shots and the impact on the masonry that you see in the video clearly shows this.
The .357 is more rifle-like and longer casing keeps a higher velocity at farther distances so this round out performed on the hardwood at longer ranges. Currently, it is a popular caliber, even hunters use it in carbines for that very good performance over longer ranges when compared to other fpistol calibers. Read the rest of the story and see the full footage on 357 magnum vs 45 acp here.
Both are great calibers.
I prefer the Smith and Wesson Model 29 44 mag.
Hurts to fire sometimes. .....
Yep...so durned pretty, I'm almost afraid to shoot it.
Wonderful rifle, well-made, smooth as glass, drives tacks with iron sights.
It took about 60 rounds to get it broke in, but it was worth it.
Heck of a coyote-getter.
I have an odd story. When I was in high school or just after, I worked part time at a filling station. Late at night a guy would often stop by, get gas a visit for a while.
He was a former Belgian Paratrooper and had served in the Congo. He was the real deal and taught me a lot of tricks with firearms. He actually was often in combat. He was the first person I ever heard of who used an unknown gun, the Uzi. Of course it later became well known. Also an FAL.
They rescued and failed to rescue many Whites who had been taken hostage by Red sponsored terrorists. Most of them were women and children.
His favorite pistol was not as one would expect, the Hi-Power tho it was a Browning. He used a .32 auto FN. He said it was small, easy to handle and hit with and would put a native down easily.
When I lived in Virginia Beach and worked out of the Federal Building in Norfolk, I had some dealings with a Black guy. He was a bit of a criminal but I liked him. One day I saw in the paper that he had killed another Black guy who attacked him. He was determined to have fired in self defemse.
I later asked him what he had used to kill the guy instantly. It was a .32 Browning.
So many folks are so used to the "Highway Patrol" aspect of the .357 in pistol format, that they are truly amazed to hear the fps figures that a longer (carbine) will turn out with the round.
Lot's of fun with it.
And pretty flat-shooting, too.
I pick the .357.
SHTF, I want a weapon that tolerates dirt and grit and won’t bind up, that is an auto. I also want something that will shoot through barriers and can take medium to large game if needed, that would be the .357. Now how do you pack the power of a .357 into a usable pistol? My friends, it’s called the 10mm.
I got a good deal on an H&R Handygun in .357 Maximum. I could not find any ammo but did find 50 empty cases. Of course it would also fire any other .38, .357 mag load.
Since it was a single shot, there was no worry about seating depth or bullet profile for reliable functioning.
I loaded the fifty cases with a mild to slightly hot load, still well below max. That had to be one of the most pleasant little field guns I ever owned. It was light, had a nice flip up rear sight and was more than a little accurate. Wish I still had it.
Handygun was a good and proper name for it.
Love both, have both. But they’re different tools for different uses. For personal defense where it’s up close, I prefer the .45.
From a ballistics perspective, IMHO, a better comparison would be the .357 mag versus the .357 SIG.
If you must shoot a life threatening burglar, the 45 will leave him dead so he cannot sue you.
Your life savings is worth the most.
My standard carry is either a SIG 229 in .40, a Glock mod 20, or a Romanian TTC in 7.62x25
The TTC is almost as old as I am - 1953 - and came with a shiny bore and 100% blueing. Loud and accurate. Be nice to find some wood grips for it.
Easy to reload, too.
I’m not a gun fanatic by any measure. I just view them as tools and have no loyalty to any brand or caliber. That being said...I carried (and used) a Berretta 9mm in the service. It kills just fine. What I liked best about it was it never ever jammed and was easy to put multiple shots very close together. Another good feature is that the ammo is light, making it easy to carry lots of extra. I’ve also fired a lot of .40 caliber at the range but never used it in combat. I like it a lot.
I’ve fired .45 ACP but not enough to really have an opinion on it. People seem to love them, so I imagine there’s something there.
Good hunting! Please drop one for me. I am going to miss the Spring hog hunt this year - family commitments.
I agree but in a truly tshtf scenario being able to hunt is useful as well as the ability to at least make people duck and stay back at range has its merits too
If i knew id never have to engage a target at distance them yeah, 45 would probably me my choice
I dunno..The military used them to hunt and kill humans for decades.
My old Colt Phyton 357 with a 6 in barrel. Still my favorite.
It is really simple. Use 357 in revolvers and 45 ACP in autos. Carry based on the type of gun.
I know now....
THANKS to You!
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