357 sig vs 357 mag - How Many Paper Plates? [VERY SURPRISING RESULTS] 

Deals and discounts HERE: linktr.ee/whoteewho Which one is your favorite???

Huge .357 Sig fan here. The Glock 31 was one of the first Glocks I ever bought, the Glock 32 is prolly one of my favorite handguns ever, and I just picked up the Glock 33 to complete the trifecta. The .357 Sig results from this test didn't surprise me, but the magnums seemed a bit weaksauce

It amazes me how many people hate on the 357sig round. I researched it back in 1997 before buying it and was amazed at the ballistics and how they got it to perform. I went with a 226 and it's still my favorite semi-auto. After thousands of rounds down range, I still love the feel, power and ballistics of that round.

.357 Magnum all day for me, have a Colt Python 6 inch barrel in blue steel from 1992!

During the .357sig test, the two stacks of plates were tight against each other, during the Magnum test there was a good 2 or 3 inch gap. This would drastically effect the test in favor of the sig round. I call, "do over".

The Sig was using a jacketed bullet going significantly faster. The magnum was using a plated bullet with the plating being much, much thinner than the Sig's jacket allowing it to deform and slow faster than the harder jacketed bullet. I am with you on liking both, although I don't have a 357 Sig.

I appreciate you doing this video. I love 357 mag but my daily is a Glock 32 gen 4 in 357 SIG. Awesome content 👍🏽

I hoped for years that 357sig would take off in popularity, but it never really did. It is a fantastic round that has some way better than average ballistics.

Equaling out the bullet weights would have been better. A more accurate comparison of velocities. 125gr on both or 110gr. Both are available. Although the Sig would still have greater velocity as it's a rifled case, the 357 MAG is still the favorite for most as versatility. I load for myself 357 MAG, Still haven't made the commitment to go with the SIG. Next to do. Three-way with the SIG, MAG, and 9mm. Great Video!!! Been waiting to see more of this content again. 👍👍👍😉😉👍👍👍

That’s not surprising based on the faster velocities of the .357 Sig compared to the .357 magnum rounds used. Had you fired some 125 grain bullets out of the .357 magnum it may have been even with the .357 Sig.

I agree, the plate stacks should be retained with no gaps. This isn’t a carefully controlled, scientific test, but I’m certain you’d like to approach the test with a modicum of consistency. I shoot 7-1/2” Ruger Super Black 44 REM Mag & a Glock 23 with multiple barrels, including a 357 Sig. So this is a comparison I can’t make, but do relate too. I find the wrong choice of 357 Sig ammo can result in a delayed expansion, yielding over penetration. I think a great experiment would be several 357 Sig factory and hand-loads with different 125 grain bullets. Love your channel! It reminds me of me, 30 years ago…. Thanks!

I have an eight-point buck on my wall with a .357 Sig. (G32) A good cartridge. I wished it'd become more popular. But I believe you should have run both with the same grains of bullet weight. It would have changed the outcome.

When you shot the 357 sig the back stack pushed back and you never put them back together for the 357 mag so the first stack of plates moved back exorbing the energy from the 357 Magnum so it was not as stiff for the 357 Magnum as it was for the 357 sig

This is a highly appreciated video from me too! These paper plate test videos are great! That House of Payne ammo is slow. My hand loads are faster. Maybe we need to try a different brand.🇺🇲✝️🇺🇲

As a sort of wild-ass guess (WAG), the House of Payne .357 Mag round featured a softer plated lead bullet which flattened easily at a slow for the cartridge speed. The Winchester .357 Sig round’s full metal jacket bullet was probably harder, therefore less susceptible to deformation and capable of greater penetration. This WAG is, of course, only tenable so long as the missing bullet remains in an undetermined either squashed or pristine state (Schrødinger’s bullet, if you will).

Both of these would be a fine caliber to have in a time of need. These videos show us all good information, even when boo lots are different we still get a idea of what is going on here. Thanks again WTW for great videos every day. 🎥👍💯🙏🏻

Fun test, but to be accurate, you would need the the ammo to be from the same manufacturer and the same projectile (weight and construction). Last but not least...the paper plates should have a backing that prevents them from moving. When you shot the .357 sig the two stacks of plate were together and when you shot the .357 mag they were separated which allowed the first stack of plates to slide into the second stack absorbing some of the energy.

Man I love your channel cause it’s not over the top like a lot of gun channels! You keep it simple and to the point! Much respect from this ol west Tennessee boy!

I like both as a multi-caliber shooter. I know both are hard to find and pricey. My preference is still .357 magnum since it can shoot both .357 and .38 spl. A G23 can be converted to .357 Sig and 9mm. Thats the beauty of a Glock - barrel & spring conversion.🎩♠🏁🎯🏵🇺🇸

Hell yeah! glad to see an old school paper plates video again!

The problem with this test is this was obviously a weak 357 mag round vs a good 357 Sig round. The 357 Sig was made to produce the stopping power of the 357 magnum in the 125 grain bullet and it does that well but being in an auto this is the best it will ever be while the 357 magnum has much hotter rounds because it can be loaded way hotter than this round was.

Besides jacket variations if you were to take the 357 sig and shoot it into the top portion of the plate you will probably find the top section reveals to sig less effective in the top section as well though not quite as much as the difference of the 357 mag and 357 sig. At the lower level the plates are firmer than the top add in that the "stack" of plates was broken by the effect of the first shot on the bottom. The "flex" of the plates would reduce penetration at the top as the resistance from a rigid vs a flexible platform is more piercing. For instance in a straight chop (not slicing) hit a 4" branch with a hatchet at a foot and a half of the tree trunk and then at an inch of the tree trunk. The flex of the limb will rob penetration of the hatchet blade at the longer distance. I know the distances are not the same as what you had on the plates but the principle is the same.

Tough to do any compassion test with today’s ammo availability. Naturally the same bullet weight and type will get you a better result. Still, any day at the range is a fun day and the result surprised me. Keep up the great work.

I have a SW model 60-14 in 357 magnum and I just love my J frame.

That 357 sig is a pretty hot round I used to have one it's a 40 cal case with a 9mm lead

You need to test both 125gr in both cartridges to have a equivalent test.

I love all .357's but the test wasn't fair to the 357 mag. The significantly lower velocity, heavier mass, & softer projectile would guarantee less penetration than a faster & harder round. The 357 mag would have done better against the Sig round in a test of knock-down power. What would be cool is to have a test rig that can measure actual impact power. I'd like to see one designed like those carnival games where you swing the heavy hammer down to see if you can ring the bell.

The Winchester load seemed pretty weak for a Magnum

I own a few .357 mags and a few .357 sigs. That being said I love both rounds. The .357 sig is superior in my humble opinion. My custom p320 chambered in .357 sig has a capacity of 18 and fires at a much higher velocity. Its a 3.9" and still manages to push higher velocitys with simaler rounds than my .357 mag. Its honestly a none comparasson. I love .357 mag but unless you are talking about a coonan or something its antiquated compared to its younger brother. I also own a smith and wesson 2.0 in .357 sig a glock in .357 sig and my .357 mags are a taurus and a smith and wesson also a colt python. All great handguns. Honestly you are better off buying a 10mm and a .357 sig over a .357 mag but im just a random dumbass so take it with a grain of salt.

I said to you I just got that colt trooper 357 mag from the 70s (ish)

Very interesting brother. Glad to see you back on the air.

If you had better .357 magnum, it may have come out on top. That ammo was rather slow and inconsistent. .357 magnum FMJ with decent power is rather hard to find, though.

We need a redo on this one. There was a significant gap between the bags for magnum round that wasn't there for sig round causing a weight reduction of the target by half resistance. Also we seen actual hole for magnum and not for sig. I don't think impact tearing counts as penetration.

I'm hearing that House of Payne ammo is very inconsistent in terms of velocity from a number of personal friends as well as some Tubers. I know you only chrono'ed two rounds, but those did show roughly 100 FPS in variation. Did you measure any more to confirm?

Broader cross section on the magnum and friction slowed it considerably. It was going slower anyway. NM State Police chose the Sig because they thought it would blow an engine block on a semi. That was years ago and I don’t know if they stuck with it. Sure sorry about the camera Adam. If I had money I would definitely donate to the cause. The economy has gone nuts and disability benefits don’t go very far. But I’m digging the content man!

1) The .357 Mag bullet looks to be plated - which means it's rather soft and so it deformed and slowed the penetration. 2) the .357 Mag velocity was no where near max while the .357 Sig was right at the top. Interesting though.

I was surprised at the results. I would have thought it would be the 357 mag. You might get a different result with the same bullets weights; maybe…. Great video! I like the paper plate demo…

A revolver has a gap between the chamber and the barrel that allows gas to escape and therefore, less efficient. The loss of energy may mean the sig will penetrate better. Either way, I don't want to be shot with either. Also different weights makes a difference. I noticed the 357 mag shot had a gap between the stacks. This would mean the plates had less inertia and therefore absorb more energy. This means the 357 mag was a false result.

I normally don’t nit pick these videos because I love them, but this one was bogus from the get go. Plated soft lead low power reloads vs hard jacket hard lead factory Ammo. Of course the sig came out in top of this test. Do it again with real 357 mag Ammo with similar bullet construction and weight. I own both calibers and equal for equal, they are almost identical in expansion, penetration and velocity.

Should've straightened the plates after the first round. Had space in between the 2 bags of plates.

Fun video. Was buying 357 Sig. For 13.99 a box. 18 months ago. Now it’s 57.99 a box. Outrageous. Price gouging by ammo companies. Love that 357 sig

Should make a post of every one tested so far to date ! Side by side comparison of different ammo !

That sig round had roughly 120 ftlbs more energy over the chronograph. Thanks for the great vids.

Soft point bullet on 357 magnum meant it would expand and stop sooner like a parachute opening.

That's actually slow for 357 mag most are 1500fps now days they are watering ammo down it's rediculas

I think to be fair you need not only the same barrel length, but same weight and same type of bullet! And since we don’t use FMJ nor PLATED bullets for self defense, JHPs ( 125 grains in this case ) should be used for both by the same manufacturer! Be consistent. We don’t test which chili powder tastes better in two different recipes !!

🤯👀 What!!??? Awesome video! Keep em coming brother!!

I carry (daily) g31 gen 4 and I absolutely love it!!

When I became of age where I was able to walk into my local gun store and purchase handguns I noticed the Taurus line. Always assumed that people were buying them because they are less expensive. I don't buy a gun everyday I decided to go with a brand that I know and that was the Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum. I got it in the 4-inch Barrel and went with Pachmayr grips as I found the wood grips to be a little big for my hands. I pose the question. Why would anybody look to save a few dollars when it comes to self defense, protecting one's family ? As I got older and my income increased every time I went in to purchase a rifle, shotgun, or handgun I always looked at the most expensive that money could buy. Again guns and not purchased everyday, is it really worth the savings? I don't think so.

I love the plate test!!!! Glad u brought it back .

As for me I'd go with the .357 sig because out of a 4" barrel it has better velocity compared to a .357 magnum out of a 4" Barrel. The reason why is because the sig has no extra gases escaping before it leaves the bore; unlike the 357 magnum. I still like the 357 magnum though. Edit: Another plus for the 357 sig is you have 16+1 shots compared to 6-8 shots in .357 magnum revolver.

Ive watched guys at the range fire that Payne ammo and its not consistent in muzzle velocity and was always WELL under advertised FPS. Fun test would be rounds with the same bullet, maybe a copper solid or a hardcast buffalo bore loading. Something consistent.

Nice video thanks, but I want to see 357 Mag with 125 grain bullet same as 357 sig and see the different?!?

That's interesting, I always wear paper plates inside my vest for additional stopping power.

A velocity of 1051 fps for a .357 magnum of 158 grains in a 4 inches barrel revolver is very low, most of the load of that weight with a revolver of 4 inches normally be at 1250 fps. 1050 fps is a normal velocity of the 158 grain load in a 2 inch barrel revolver.

Well, that was an accurate comparison between a 2wd shortbox pickup with a 383 stroker, versus a 1 ton 4x4 with a tired 350 in it - if you catch my drift What the hell is so tuff about getting 2 boxes of Winchester white box with the same bullet weight? One for the sig and one for the magnoony

I think with the 357 Sig going first it separated some of the plates making it harder for the magnum to penetrate. I say we try shooting them into separate stacks of plates and the results reverse.

Given the same FMJ type and weight of bullet, the higher velocity (higher energy, KE=1/2M×V2) cartridge should penetrate further.

Cool vid! Perhaps an apples for apples comparison with 125gr FMJ's on both sides would give a different result? The first shot on the .357Mag was on the low side, but that was likely a lighting issue with the chronie. I was very pleasantly surprised by the WWB 125gr .357Sig velocity, consistent and in the range of where .357Sig should be. I carry a Glock 32 Gen 4 with 125gr WW Ranger Bonded in the mags for EDC btw. Greets and best wishes from South Africa.

I LOVE my .357Sig... I had a bad time and needed cash back in the day and sold everything EXCEPT my .357Sig, glad I still have it since I can't get a new one in Commiefornia. The ammo isn't that hard to find LAX ammo is just 15 mile north of my house and they carry it (Thank God)

Crazy i really thought the 357mag would of went further i own a ruger black hawk 357mag six and half inch barrel, but i didn't go to gun range very often with covid.

I’ve seen a couple different videos featuring that House of Payne ammo. It seems like they load their rounds on the weak side. I wonder if you had some main brand ammo for the magnum if they wouldn’t be a bit more even.

WTW, Another good video comparison. I agree with others that the same bullet's weight would have been ideal BUT with ammo shortages that is almost impossible. FYI, I have a 357 Sig in my Sig 229. I did test 125 gr weight in both in gell. The 357 sig did better and penetrated farther. The 357 sig is my CCW and I know it would do the job to eliminate the threat!

Where the heck that bullet go! 😂 Great video I really like the SIG. Has some good speed on them and those weren't even carry loads.

The first shot (sig) was on plates that were pressed together, so you are seeing forward projection of force of the impact, not the bullet path. The second shot (mag) was on plates already separated by the first shot and did not project the impact force forward of the bullet path. Since you did not find the sig, you cannot make the assertion that it travelled farther. In fact, it probably didn't.

I have 357 Mag in a S&W PD 360 and 357 Sig in an Sig SP2340 with a conversion barrel for 40 S&W. Interesting results from you test. Thanks for the comparison.

I’m so happy I found .357 Sig content! It’s expensive but the best ever for me .

When I need handgun protection in the wilderness, I rely on a 357 magnum loaded with 200 grain flat-nose hard-cast lead ammo. Can the 357 sig provide me with similar protection from back bears, feral hogs, and wild dogs?

The paper plate test is my favorite from your channel. Runner up would have to be the time you shot your truck bed.

I have a mid 90s p229 in 357 Sig that is my absolute favorite EDC. Just ordered a "Battle Axe" alligator leather holster for it from Southern Trapper. Little gift to myself courtesy of Uncle Sam!

I'll never understand why everyone hates .40 but faint over .357 sig. Power wise, capacity wise, they're essentially the same. The sig can more readily go faster and don't more aerodynamically, but at pistol defense range the aerodynamics(BC/drag) doesn't matter much. If bullet designs are the same, 357 sig penetrates more and 40 expands more, but variances in bullet design essentially make this a wash, and 40 can more readily load heavier bullets. Most 10mm loads are almost te same as 40. But the fickle internet haters have spoken, 40... booooo.

Use underwood, corbon or double tap full power 125/124 grain ammo fmj for both. I'd like to see that test.

Just got a G31 357 sig love it and like how I came across this video to see how it performs

That house of pain ammo seems to be really inconsistent. I’m yet to see any testing that shows it’s loaded with any consistency

Just love my 357 sig glock gen 3 . Its snappy but dam it's a great gun .

Good video also looked like the 357 Sig had less recoil, maybe not that much since I didn’t hear you comment about it.

Interesting observation I load for 9 mm , 10mm, 357 sig , 357 magnum , 44 magnum , 45lc and a couple of rifle cartridges. One thing I’ve noticed is how consistent 357 sig is with most ammo manufacturers. Many of the other Calibers under perform their specified performance. Most ammo manufacturers definitely under perform on their loadings ! 10 mm is loaded very weak with most manufacturers.

357 sig from TNW AERO SURVIVAL RIFLE... phenomenal results! MY favorite combo in a AR Style rifle.

125 gr 357 mmagnum gets up near 1550 fps (handloads) 357 sig is 1350 both within safety limits

Brother, I would love to see a comparison between the WWII .30 cal. carbine round vs. the 350 LGD in similar barrel lengths. My mind is exploring the similarities and differences of the two. What say Ye Brother Hootily Hoo? Love your work, and God bless you and yours!

The revolver (.357mag) was shot through a vented barrel and was .28 grains heavier. Whereas the .357 sig which is really a .355 cal. was lighter and faster. Also .357 sig at 40,000 psi And .357 mag at 35,000 psi So I wasn't at all, surprised by your results . I really enjoy and appreciate your work! I wish we were neighbors! Greetings from Redondo Beach, California.

We’re the bullets both plated bullets or was the sig loaded with a true full metal jacket because the plated bullets will deform faster dumping it energy faster

Test "apples-to-apples", like 125-grain Gold Dots out of both. Same bullet weight & construction.

I love my Glock 31 in .357 sig! It was my EDC for years. I still like carrying it in a chest rig for the Oklahoma woods. Great content 🙏🏿🇺🇸

Glad you're back at Heavy Metal!

Sig had substantially more energy and was a jacketed bullet vs plated. Payne ammo, don't use that for a comparison. Find WWB .357 mag FMJ or something equivalent in 125gr. FMJ isn't common for .357mag but there are some loads out there

Congrats on the 500,000 subscribers.

As a practicing rocket surgeon for over 15 decades I really like this type of comparison. One bit of info I think is applicable; using the same bunch of plates after the first test fire isn’t a perfect test. The first bullaht could separate the plates a bit and create a possibility for more friction on the second test fired bullaht. Also I deduced that the Sig pushed the second stack of 300 plates back a few inches that creates a buffering effect for the next round to have to make up for. Again, practicing rocket surgeon here, I know what I’m taking about. Don’t even try to say I’m wrong, it’s science. 🧠

The 357 Sig bullet fell down the center hole in the spool (you were using for a table) when you opened up the plate stack.

You should see the performance of the 357 Sig from a 16 in carbine. With the right ammo you are pushing a pistol cartridge to near rifle velocities. Most likely my next pickup will be the TNW Aero Survival Rifle in 357 Sig. And yes, it uses Glock mags. Good presentation. Did you get your camera replaced?

Much faster, lighter and jacketed bullet vs a slower plated projectile. Plating is pretty soft. I bet the 357 sig jacketed bullet didn’t deform near as much as the plated 357 mag.

HEY MR. SHOOTER,YOU ARE MISSING ONE THING,THE SEMI AUTO 357 SIG ROUND WILL GO FURTHER BECAUSE THERE IS NO FORCING CONE GAP.ALL THE EXPLOSION FROM THE POWDER STAYS BEHIND THE BULLET.THE REVOLVER HAS A GAP BETWEEN THE CHAMBER AND THE FORCING CONE,SOME OF THE PRESSURE FROM THE EXPLOSION ESCAPES WHILE THE MAJORITY OF THE PRESSURE PUSHED THE BULLET THROUGH THE RIFLING TO ITS TARGET.I KNEW THAT A LONG TIME AGO..

I didn't think this would be the result. good information.

Those 357 mag. velocity readings are some the lowest that I've ever seen, with the first one equivalent to some manufacturer's 38 Special +P rounds.

I have guns in both calibers (Sig Saure SP2022 3.9" barrel in 357sig, and a Taurus 7 shot Tracker 4" barrel .357 magnum), and love them both. My only issue with both calibers is availability of the ammo. I can find some of both, but they aren't the best. I can only find Remington semi jacketed HP for the .357 mag and FMJ remans for the 347sig right now.

You can't take too much from this given the differences in the ammo. I suspect house of pain is being careful about pressure when making those reloaded rounds.

ive been waiting patiently for this video!

That song at the end of your videos, Adam if that is you singing, you have got a GOOD SINGING VOICE!👍

1000 fps +/- is 38 +p velocity not 357 mag! Some of the lower FACTORY loadings are 1250 fps and generally go up from there. So this was more like a 38 split vs 357 sig comparison. BTW I carry and use all 3 flavors and each have there pros and cons.

E=MV^2. Energy equals mass times velocity squared. The velocity is generally more important than the mass in regards to penetration.