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Which Caliber would you use for SHTF? .357 or 45ACP
Am Shooting Journal ^ | 12/20/2017 | J Hines

Posted on 12/20/2017 5:39:31 AM PST by w1n1

Some debates between the .357 users against the .45 ACP lovers about its place in a SHTF scenario.
Most gun enthusiasts already understand the differences between the two calibers, such as the .45ACP power at close range, while the .357 performing better at longer distances.

But, is it good enough for SHTF?
Figuring out the logic of using one of these two calibers isn't easy. (this isn’t a scientific answer)
One factor will be your location and preferences.
For example someone that lives in Alaska will probably go with a .44 Magnum, but someone in Michigan would use a Ruger GP100 .357. Also, this caliber is better for longer range than a .45ACP.
.45 ACP users are mostly EDC personal defense carriers and those that love the big bores. For the availability of these rounds unfortunately, not as likely as a 9mm. Read the rest of the story and see the .357 vs 45acp SHTF video here. How about you all, which caliber would you use?


TOPICS: Hobbies; Outdoors
KEYWORDS: 357; 45acp; 762nato; banglist
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1 posted on 12/20/2017 5:39:31 AM PST by w1n1
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To: w1n1

If I had to choose between the .357 and the .45 ACP, I’d choose the 9MM Parabellum.


2 posted on 12/20/2017 5:40:39 AM PST by Yo-Yo (Is the /sarc tag really necessary?)
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To: w1n1

Where’s a NOT AGAIN graphic?


3 posted on 12/20/2017 5:40:57 AM PST by Reno89519 (PRESIDENT TRUMP, KEEP YOUR PROMISES! NO AMNESTY AND BUILD THAT WALL.)
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To: w1n1

I would think that availability would trump stopping power. I’d go with whichever looked more likely to be findable, because no matter how big your stockpile is, you’re going to run out eventually.


4 posted on 12/20/2017 5:41:18 AM PST by Little Pig
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To: w1n1

Which Caliber would you use for SHTF? .357 or 45ACP?

Whatever gun is closest at the time.


5 posted on 12/20/2017 5:41:42 AM PST by mountn man (The Pleasure You Get From Life, Is Equal To The Attitude You Put Into It)
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To: w1n1

45 ACP, I HAVE 2 AND I RELOAD,A LOT.


6 posted on 12/20/2017 5:42:11 AM PST by spincaster
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To: w1n1

Why would i shoot at long range with my pistol anyway?
That is what my Fal .308 is for.


7 posted on 12/20/2017 5:46:05 AM PST by spincaster
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To: w1n1

357 SIG


8 posted on 12/20/2017 5:46:12 AM PST by Broker (All bills come for collection)
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To: w1n1

Besides being great for defense, you can use the .357 as an effective hunting round, the .45 not so much.


9 posted on 12/20/2017 5:46:22 AM PST by semaj (Audentes fortuna juvat: Fortune favors the bold. Be Bold FRiends.)
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To: w1n1

For when the SHTF? The closest thing I can grab!


10 posted on 12/20/2017 5:46:28 AM PST by 48th SPS Crusader (I am an American. Not a Republican or a Democrat)
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To: w1n1

Own both. And we’ve stacked components deep.

One one hand the .357 gun has a lot of advantages. It can chamber two cartridges and either has plenty of power for defensive use.

On the other hand .45 ammo is plentiful and most, if not all, the pistols chambered for it have higher capacity.

I’d be perfectly comfortable with either.

L


11 posted on 12/20/2017 5:47:03 AM PST by Lurker (President Trump isn't our last chance. President Trump is THEIR last chance.)
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To: w1n1

.22LR


12 posted on 12/20/2017 5:48:17 AM PST by Lee'sGhost ("Just look at the flowers, Lizzie. Just look at the flowers.")
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To: w1n1

If you are stuck after SHTF with only a pistol, you are screwed.

I’ll be totin’ my Springfield Arms SOCOM16 M1A (7.62x51 NATO)with a bunch of hi capacity magazines. You won’t get close enough to use the .45ACP you are so proud of.

But if you do....I have a full size Springfield Arms XD in a holster on my hip (9mm, 16+1 capacity) and a nasty little Charter Arms Bulldog (.44 special) in my coat pocket.

I ain’t afraid of no ghosts.....


13 posted on 12/20/2017 5:49:30 AM PST by RepRivFarm ("During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." -George Orwell)
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To: Yo-Yo
People get shot with 9mm and don't even know it. It is a sucky girly round perfect for a coed military. It is BS. Same with .556 ammo.

Both .357 and .45 are good rounds with stopping power.

14 posted on 12/20/2017 5:52:17 AM PST by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)
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To: Yo-Yo

15 posted on 12/20/2017 5:53:10 AM PST by central_va (I won't be reconstructed and I do not give a damn.)
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To: w1n1

I would use the gun I could most accurately hit my target, at varying distances.

I am quite good with the old army .45 longcolt cowboy gun, the Beretta 9mm and the S&W .38 special.

I am less good w/ the 1911 or the .357 mangle ‘em.

But I am certain that hitting the target is to be considered above all else.


16 posted on 12/20/2017 5:53:10 AM PST by Migraine ((A smartass who is right can be downright funny. A smartass who is wrong is just a smartass.))
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To: Yo-Yo

I have a nice little .40 I really like.

However, My Griz gun... S&W.460 loaded with .454 Casull loads in 300 gr. hardened lead would take out 3-6 Zombies at a time. :) Just saying.

Perhaps a AR platform, 30 round magazine with Magpul trimmings and a 11 inch barrel is more of a utility all round choice in such operations.

OR all of the above. Yeah I think I like that choice...


17 posted on 12/20/2017 5:53:36 AM PST by VRWCarea51 (The Original 1998 Version)
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To: w1n1

In Nam, if u have to use the .45, it’s time to leave. You only have an 8 round mag and usually 2 extra mags.


18 posted on 12/20/2017 5:54:19 AM PST by DownInFlames
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To: w1n1

I’m a .357 guy. Smith & Wesson 686.


19 posted on 12/20/2017 5:55:27 AM PST by MNnice
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To: w1n1

357 Ruger pistol for me and my wife a 22 mag.


20 posted on 12/20/2017 5:56:09 AM PST by Grampa Dave (Build Kate's wall! Keep illegals and illegal murderers/criminals out of America! MAGA! SLAP ACT!,)
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