Also known as 357 Smith & Wesson Magnum, 357 Magnum is a smokeless powder cartridge with a 9.07mm bullet diameter. Smith & Wesson and Winchester introduced it in 1934 as a successor of 38 Special Ammo. This handgun cartridge is an ideal example of extremely effective terminal ballistics.
357 Magnum Ammo Specifications:
Cartridge case: .38 Special
Case type: Straight Rimmed (R),
Bullet diameter: 9.07 mm (.357 inch)
Neck diameter: 9.6 mm (379 inch)
Base diameter: 9.6 mm (379 inch)
Rim diameter: 11.2 mm (.440 inch)
Rim thickness: 1.5 mm (.060 inch)
Case length: 33 mm (1.29 inch)
Overall length: 40mm (1.59 in)
Case capacity: 26.2 gr H2O (1.70 cm3)
Primer type: small pistol magnum
Maximum pressure: 35,000 psi (240 MPa)
Maximum CUP: 45,000 CUP
357 Magnum ammo is available in weights ranging from 110 to 200 grains. The case of the cartridge is 1.155 inches long that allows more space for the propellant to hold three grains of powder. Due to the higher powder charge, this cartridge can fire a 125-grain bullet at a velocity of about 1450 feet per second which is more powerful than its competitors. It is an ideal choice for plinking, self-defense, target shooting, and hunting. This handgun cartridge delivers excellent stopping power without creating much recoil to support the easy handling of a handgun. The excellent ballistic performance makes it an ideal choice for shooting practice and serious competitions. It is manufactured by several brands including Federal Ammunition, Federal American Eagle Cartridge, Fiocchi Cartridges, Hornady, Winchester, CCI Blazer Rounds, and Remington.
45 ACP
45 ACP (Automatic Colt Pistol) Ammo is a popular handgun cartridge that is perfect to use in legendary 1911 pistols. These hard-hitting rounds are well-known around the world for both stopping power and reliability. The muzzle energy of 45 ACP ammo ranges between 300 and 500 ft. which is higher than most 9mm cartridges. Introduced in 1904 by John Moses Browning, this rimless straight-walled handgun standard cartridge operates at a low chamber pressure rating of 21,000 psi.
Ballistic Properties of 45 ACP Ammo:
Bullet Weight / Type
Velocity
Energy
185 grain / Bonded Defense
1,225 feet / second
835 Joules
185 grain / Jacketed Hollow Point
1,050 feet / second
614 Joules
200 grain / Jacketed Hollow Point +Pressurized
1,080 feet / second
702 Joules
230 grain / Federal Hydra-Shok
900 feet / second
561 Joules
230 grain / US Army Ball Full Metal Jacket
830 feet / second
477 Joules
45 ACP Ammo is available from 68 grains to 300 grains. Rounds under 100 grains and over 260 grains are specialty rounds. 186-grain and 230 grain are the perfect for reloaders and target shooters. A 230 grain round travels at about 830 ft/second when fired using a 1911 pistol.
45 ACP Ammo Specification:
Case type: straight, Rimless,
Bullet diameter: 11.5 mm (.452 in)
Neck diameter: 12.0 mm (.473 in)
Base diameter: 12.1 mm (.476 in)
Rim diameter: 12.2 mm (.480 in)
Rim thickness: 1.2 mm (.049 in)
Case length: 22.8 mm (.898 in)
Overall length: 32.4 mm (1.275 in)
Case capacity: 1.73 cm3 (26.7 gr H2O)
Rifling twist: 406 mm
Maximum pressure (CIP): 19,900 psi (137 MPa)
Maximum pressure (SAAMI): 21,000 psi (140 MPa)
