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.
Also consider which ammo seems to be more well kept in stock wherever you are. And how much you can carry with easily.
Both have their places.
Matter of preference, I guess.
I still prefer the .45 for PDW, 'cause most encounters are going to be within 10 yards.
I do like the performance of my .357 Carbine, though.
Reach out and touch something, with 1800 fps.
To each his own, and I own several of each, so..., your mileage may differ.
.357 mag 125grn JHP, Muzzzle Velocity of 1500 (fps) and 1314 (fps) at 50yds. 624 Energy at Muzzle.
.45acp 230grn JHP, Muzzle Velocity of 900 (fps) and 859 (fps) at 50yds. 412 energy at Muzzle.
Different horses for different courses.
Ive killed all mannerof things with a 357 at range...
45 is awesome at what its made for but past 50 yards i would have concerns about its usefulness
Trump #45 — 45 it is.
Tokarevs rock! The bullet has a flat trajectory, gets there yesterday and penetrates like crazy. I love my Romanian Tok.
CC
50 yards? Probably 99% of modern day shootings/shootouts come no where near that distance in regards to pistols. In fact, most happen with a few feet. In that case being that close, you want the threat down and out of the game as fast as possible.
My BFF took the head off a cottonmouth at about 70 feet with one shot from a .357. She was protecting one of her cats.
There is always plenty of both.
Sold all my 45 cal and kept the .357’s. For 20yd practice you can use .38 and the ladies like that too. If I were a cop and had to choose one or the other I’d pick a .45.
SHTF it’s .357 all the way. Combination Rifle, pistol and .38 capable it can’t be beat.
Lever carbine? Henry?
This is SHTF, not your daily shooting.
The .357 is a lot more powerful.
The main difference is the guns which use them tho technically there have been .357 autos and .45 ACP revolvers.
One of the finest guns I ever owned was a S&W model 27. It had an 8-3/8ths inch barrel, target trigger, grips and hammer. It truly was accurate.
On the other hand, the 1911 is a really good defense pistol. 8 or 9 rounds are adequate for most any situation and a fast reload if they aren’t.
Own both and all I’ll say is this. I’m headed out for a hog and Javalina hunt in the AM. We’ll be bow hunting but it’s thick south Texas brush that I’m not a big fan of tracking in. I’ll be using a 7 shot 357 magnum for a back up loaded with 160 grain CORBON’s. I’ve shot hogs well over 200 lbs with this combo.
Like you I like my .357 carbine. I’ve clocked loads out of mine (94 Winchester) and they consistently give 400fps more than my 4” Highway Patrolman. Basically that means it will hit as hard at 125 yards as the pistol will across a card table. Extremely useful combination using one cartridge, and I’m amazed that more people don’t know about it. That said, I’ve got a very genuine affection for my .45’s too.
Or stated another way: is it really a SHTF situation in this context if they are yet 50+ yards out?
SHTF not defense
If the 45 was good enough for decades in a military war environment, I'm sure it would pass the audition in a SHTF hit the fan scenario.
Having both would be best, but if not, take your pick.
Have both, Like both. No reason to choose.
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