Best 18 357 & 38 Special Ammunition: Forged to Last

Handguns chambered in 357 38 Special offer a compelling blend of power and reliability. This comprehensive guide examines the most noteworthy models, comparing their performance, durability, and value to help you select the perfect firearm.

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Reviews

Lyman Double Cavity Pistol Mold

Hand-casting your own bullets is a rewarding way to ensure precise reloads for your favorite firearm. The Lyman double-cavity mold makes it simple to create both 38 Special and 357 Magnum bullets with consistent results. While it requires a bit more patience to heat up compared to aluminum molds, the quality of the finished product makes it worth the effort. The classic design has earned high praise from reloaders who appreciate its accuracy and reliability.

Lyman 2-Cavity .38/.357 Bullet Mould

The Lyman 2-Cavity #358429 . 38/357 Caliber Bullet Mold produces excellent accuracy with either light loads or magnum velocities, thanks to its Elmer Keith design. Users appreciate its ability to cast clean, well-defined bullets with consistent weight ranging from 166.6 to 168.2 grains. While some report minor issues with alloy compatibility, the mold consistently delivers accurate 10-ring groups at 30 feet with both. 38 Special and. 357 Magnum revolvers.

Dr Martens 1461 Women’s Shoes

Crafted from premium soft leather in a rich muted olive color, the Dr Martens 1461 Women’s Shoes blend classic elegance with durable construction. These comfortable lace-ups feature the brand’s signature yellow stitching and AirWair sole, providing both style and support for all-day wear. The premium craftsmanship ensures these shoes will become a lasting wardrobe staple.

Nike Air Jordan 38 FIBA

The Nike Air Jordan 38 takes flight with a lightweight mesh upper that combines breathable comfort with strategic support. The FIBA-inspired design pays homage to international basketball while keeping you lightweight and responsive on your feet. The low-profile Zoom Air unit responds explosively with every movement, complemented by durable rubber traction that holds up through intense game situations.

Dillon RL550 Conversion Kit

This versatile conversion kit lets you switch between. 38 Special and. 357 Magnum on your RL550 reloading press, with a compact design that includes a shellplate and locator buttons for quick changes. While some users have noted minor quality control issues like rust spots, many praise its ease of use and reliability for changing calibers.

Redding 3-Die Set

This Redding three-die set handles both 38 Special and 357 Magnum cartridges, featuring a full-length sizing die with decapping rod and neck expander, an expanding die with neck plug, and a seating die complete with crimping ring and seating plug. The decapping rod helps maintain straight wall reliability during the sizing process, while the built-in crimping mechanism ensures consistent case positioning for optimal powder capacity.

38 Special 357 Magnum Premium Expander Die

Made in the USA, this precision-engineered die ensures consistent performance with your favorite cartridges. The heat-treated construction and strict tolerance controls mean you’ll get reliable results every time you sit down at the bench. Trust these quality-built dies to help you achieve match-winning accuracy in your handloads.

The S&W .357 Magnum Phenomenon

Diving into this book feels like flipping through a well-maintained photo album of America’s. 357 Magnum heritage. The author gives special attention to those rare pre-war guns, showcasing them like prized family heirlooms. The detailed serial number database adds an extra layer of excitement for collectors, though the price tag makes it a bit of a splurge.

Wrangler Men’s Retro Relaxed Boot Cut Jean

Wrangler’s Retro Relaxed Boot Cut jeans combine classic American craftsmanship with durable 11.75 oz denim. The mid-rise fit and slightly relaxed silhouette make them comfortable for any activity, while the zipper closure adds a modern touch to the traditional rodeo-inspired design.

Lee .38 Special/.357 Magnum 4-Die Set

The Lee Carbide Breech Lock Bushings 4-Die Set handles both 38 Special and 357 Magnum cartridges with precision. The set includes full-length sizing, bullet seating, expanding, and factory crimp dies, along with essential shell holder and instructions. It’s worth noting that while it performs excellently, you’ll need to refer to your own sources for load data.

Redding Micro-Adjustable Profile Crimp Die

Redding’s precision-engineered crimp die features a micrometer-adjusting profile that eliminates the need for multiple set-ups. The die’s free-floating hardened steel sleeve ensures consistent crimp formation, while the knurled head provides fine-tunable adjustment in 0.001-inch increments. The result is uniformly concentric cartridges with minimal downtime, perfect for high-volume progressive reloaders.

Timex Weekender Watch

This stylish 38mm watch pairs a silver-toned case with a brown leather strap, while its indiglo light-up dial makes it easy to read in low light. The durable mineral crystal lens protects the timepiece from scratches, and it’s water-resistant up to 30 meters. The included strap makes it simple to switch between different styles depending on your outfit or mood.

Redding Titanium Carbide Die Set

For serious reloaders who demand the finest tools for their craft, this Redding die set combines exceptional durability with precise sizing for both 38 Special and 357 Magnum cartridges. The titanium carbide construction delivers unparalleled wear resistance and smooth case feeding, while the accurate taper and generous 0.001” adjustment increments ensure your loaded ammunition meets the highest standards.

Lyman 38 Special 357 Magnum 3 Die Set

These precision reloading dies simplify the process with a one-piece hardened steel decapping rod and extra seating screws for consistent bullet alignment. The durable steel construction, including the carbide-tipped sizing die and two-step expander die, ensures clean, accurate results every time you sit down at your reloading bench.

Hornady Expander Die .357 38 Special

Get precise case expansion with these USA-made Locking Ring dies. The single die works great with both. 357 and. 38 Special ammo, though you’ll need to grab a separate shell holder too. The included storage box keeps everything organized for your next reloading session.

Hornady 38-357 Full Length Sizing Die

This USA-made reloading die features Titanium Nitride sizing rings that prevent case sticking and reduce wear, while the Zip Spindle system ensures smooth operation and easy adjustments. The package includes a durable plastic storage box to keep the die protected when not in use.

Denix 1008N Model 1869 .45 Caliber Revolver

This highly detailed non-firing replica lets you appreciate the classic design of the Smith & Wesson 1869 Army Revolver, from its distinctive nickel finish to the practical “top break” loading mechanism that made it a favorite of Old West cowboys. The carefully weighted replica captures the feel of the real gun, though it’s important to note it’s just for display and doesn’t have the automatic features of the original.

Denix FD1280L Engraved Army Revolver

This detailed 45 caliber replica captures the authentic weight and feel of a vintage army revolver. The engraved brass finish and wooden grip create a striking display piece that’s nearly identical to the real thing. Whether you’re a collector or just appreciate classic firearms, this handmade replica delivers the authentic look and heft of a true frontier six-shooter.

Buyer’s Guide

The. 357 Magnum (also known as 357 38 Special) is a powerful cartridge favored by many shooters for its combination of performance and versatility. Understanding the key aspects of this cartridge will help you choose the right ammunition and firearm configuration for your needs.

Load Characteristics and Velocity

. 357 Magnum ammunition typically delivers bullet velocities ranging from 1,100 to 1,400 feet per second, depending on the specific load and barrel length. Understanding the velocity profile of different cartridges will help you select appropriate ammunition for your intended use, whether it’s self-defense, hunting, or competition shooting.

Firearm Requirements and Compatibility

The. 357 Magnum fires in standard. 38 Special chambers but requires a longer throat in the barrel to accommodate the longer, heavier bullets. When selecting a firearm, ensure it’s chambered for. 357 Magnum and has the proper barrel length and throat dimensions to cycle the cartridge safely.

Ballistic Considerations and Performance

Ballistic performance varies significantly among. 357 Magnum cartridges, with factory loads offering a wide range of options from moderate hunting rounds to high-velocity personal defense loads. Understanding the ballistic characteristics of different loads will help you choose ammunition that matches your specific shooting requirements.

Storage and Handling Safety

When storing and handling. 357 Magnum ammunition, always follow proper safety protocols. Keep cartridges away from moisture and extreme temperatures, and use only firearms specifically chambered for this cartridge to prevent damage to your firearm and ensure safe operation.

FAQ

What is a 357 38 Special?

The 357 38 Special is a type of revolver cartridge that has been in use since the late 19th century. It’s distinguished by its 357mm diameter case and produces a muzzle velocity of approximately 500 feet per second.

Developed from the. 38 Long Colt, this cartridge saw significant use during World War II and remains popular for both target shooting and personal protection.

What firearms chamber this cartridge?

The 357 38 Special is commonly chambered in revolvers, including classic models like the Smith & Wesson Model 29 and modern variants like the Kel-Tec RBS 92.

While some autoloaders can fire this cartridge, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s specifications as only certain models are chambered for it.

What are the key differences between 357 38 Special and similar cartridges?

Compared to the. 38 Special, the 357 38 Special typically produces higher pressures and velocities, making it more powerful. The. 357 Magnum, on the other hand, uses a longer case and produces significantly more power.

The 357 38 Special sits between these two in terms of performance, offering good balance between recoil and effectiveness in various shooting scenarios.

What are the main applications for this cartridge?

Due to its moderate power and versatility, the 357 38 Special is used for hunting small to medium game, personal protection, and competitive shooting. It’s particularly popular in regions where stronger cartridges like the. 357 Magnum are restricted.

The cartridge’s reliability across various firearm platforms makes it suitable for both new shooters and experienced practitioners.

What are the typical velocity and energy characteristics?

At the muzzle, a 158-grain lead bullet from a 357 38 Special typically achieves a velocity of 500-550 feet per second, with kinetic energy ranging from 250-300 foot-pounds.

These characteristics make it effective for stopping power in close to medium-range encounters, suitable for self-defense and varmint hunting.

What are the legal considerations when using this cartridge?

The 357 38 Special is legal for use in most jurisdictions, including several states where the more powerful. 357 Magnum is restricted. It’s advisable to check local regulations, particularly if traveling or transporting the firearm and ammunition.

Due to its relatively mild performance, the 357 38 Special often falls under less stringent carry restrictions than more powerful cartridges, making it a practical choice for concealed carry in many areas.

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