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.357 SIG

{{short description|Pistol cartridge designed by SIG Sauer and Federal Premium Ammunition}}

{{Infobox firearm cartridge

|name= .357 SIG

|image= 357 SIG - FMJ - SB - 1.jpg | image_size = 300px

|caption= .357 SIG jacketed flat point cartridge

|origin= Switzerland
United States

|type= Pistol

|designer= SIGARMS / Federal Premium Ammunition

|design_date= 1994

|manufacturer=

|production_date= 1994–present

|number=

|parent= 10mm Auto

|case_type= Rimless, bottleneck

|is_SI_specs= yes

|bullet= 9.02

|land= 8.71

|neck= 9.68

|shoulder= 10.77

|base= 10.77

|rim_dia= 10.77

|rim_thick= 1.40

|case_length= 21.97

|length= 28.96

|case_capacity= 1.27

|rifling= 406 mm (1 in 16 in)

|primer= Small pistol

|max_pressure=305.0

|pressure_method=C.I.P.

|max_pressure2=275.8

|pressure_method2=SAAMI

|bwunit= gram

|bw1= 8.1

|btype1= Federal FMJ

|vel1= 1350

|en1= 506

|bw2= 8.1

|btype2= Doubletap FMJ-FP

|vel2= 1450

|en2= 583

|bw3= 5.83

|btype3= Grizzly JHP

|vel3= 1900

|en3= 721

|bw4= 8.1

|btype4= Underwood TMJ

|vel4= 1475

|en4= 604

|bw5= 6.48

|btype5= Cor-bon PB

|vel5= 1600

|en5= 568

|test_barrel_length=

|balsrc= 4.5" barrel for [http://www.doubletapammo.net/index.php?route=product/category&path=303_332 DoubleTap Ammunition], NO BARREL LENGTH GIVEN BY [http://www.grizzlycartridge.com/?app=ecom&ns=prodshow&ref=GC357S1 Grizzly Cartridge] and [https://underwoodammo.com/shop/handgun-ammo/357-sig Underwood Ammo] m and 4.0" barrel for [https://shopcorbon.com/PB357SIG100-20 Corbon PB]. See also C.I.P.

}}

The .357 SIG (designated as the 357 Sig by the SAAMI{{cite web|url=http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC_Drawings/Pistol/357%20Sig.pdf|title=SAAMI 357 Sig cartridge and chamber drawings|website=saami.org|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714212802/http://www.saami.org/PubResources/CC_Drawings/Pistol/357%20Sig.pdf|archive-date=2014-07-14}} and 357 SIG by the C.I.P.{{cite web|url=http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/tdcc/tab-iv/tabivcal-en-page53.pdf|title=C.I.P. TDCC datasheet 357 SIG|website=cip-bobp.org|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804073827/http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/tdcc/tab-iv/tabivcal-en-page53.pdf|archive-date=4 August 2016}} or 9×22 mm in official metric notation) is a bottlenecked rimless centerfire handgun cartridge developed by the Swiss-German firearms manufacturer SIG Sauer, in cooperation with ammunition manufacturer Federal Premium. The cartridge is used by a number of law enforcement agencies.The Gun Digest Book of Sig-Sauer: a complete look at Sig-Sauer pistols. Massad Ayoob. 2004. pp. 51–53.

History

The .357 SIG is based on a necked-down .40 Smith & Wesson case, forgoing the large pistol primer utilized by the 10mm Auto in favor of the small pistol primer used in many common self-defense rounds, such as .40 S&W, .38 Special, 9 mm and other similarly-sized cartridges. Excluding specialized wildcat cartridges used in competition shooting — e.g., the 9×25mm Dillon, which necked a 10mm Auto case down to a 9 mm bullet — the .357 SIG was the first modern bottlenecked handgun cartridge to become commercially available since the 1961 introduction of Winchester's now-obsolete .256 Winchester Magnum, a .257 caliber round based on the .357 Magnum. Later the same year Remington and Smith & Wesson began jointly developing a similar round and, before the year's end, introduced the .22 Remington Jet, a .357 Magnum case necked down to accommodate a .22 caliber bullet.

Despite its favorable ballistics and performance, the .357 SIG has not achieved the widespread adoption seen with similar cartridges. One factor preventing the round from achieving greater popularity could be the cost of the ammunition, which frequently reaches double the expense of 9 mm, .40 S&W or .45 ACP ammunition. Because of this, as well as availability issues, some law enforcement agencies that previously adopted the cartridge have reportedly began to move away from the .357 SIG in favor of more common rounds with comparable performance.{{Cite web|url=https://jm4tactical.com/blog/ammo-showdown-357-sig-vs-40sw/|title=Ammo Showdown: .357 Sig vs .40S&W|website=JM4 Tactical|date=25 October 2017 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/357-sig-whats-the-point/|title = .357 Sig: What's the Point of this Cartridge?| date=23 August 2018 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.luckygunner.com/lounge/happened-357-sig/|title = Why .357 Sig Never Caught on| date=28 March 2014 }}{{cite web | url=https://www.militarytimes.com/off-duty/gearscout/irons/2019/08/02/the-secret-service-is-ditching-357-sig-for-9mm/ | title=The Secret Service is ditching .357 SIG for 9mm | date=2 August 2019 }}

Cartridge dimensions

The .357 SIG has 1.27 ml (19.5 grains H2O) cartridge case capacity.

400px

.357 SIG maximum C.I.P. cartridge dimensions. All sizes in millimeters.

Several sources have published contradicting information regarding .357 SIG headspacing.{{Cite web|url=http://www.realguns.com/archives/001.htm|title=Real Guns - .357 SIG handloads...controlling headspace|date=November 17, 1999|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991117202441/http://www.realguns.com/archives/001.htm|archive-date=1999-11-17}} This is due to the cartridge having been originally designed as a .357 (9.02 mm) round, but then rapidly adapted to the .355 (9 mm) bullet. According to the official C.I.P. (Commission Internationale Permanente Pour L'Epreuve Des Armes A Feu Portatives) 2008 revised documents, the .357 SIG headspaces on the case mouth (H2).{{cite web|url=http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/tdcc/tab-iv/tabivcal-en-page53.pdf|title=Tables of Dimensions of Cartridges and Chambers - Tab IV - Pistol and revolver cartridges|page=Note 6|author=|date=2008-09-23|website=cip-bobp.org|publisher=C.I.P.|access-date=2016-02-11|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304031347/http://www.cip-bobp.org/homologation/uploads/tdcc/tab-iv/tabivcal-en-page53.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-04}} Some US sources are in conflict with this standard.{{Cite web|url=http://www.realguns.com/Commentary/comar25.htm|title=Real Guns - The return of the giant .357 SIG headspace Part I|date=December 7, 2000|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20001207022400/http://www.realguns.com/Commentary/comar25.htm|archive-date=2000-12-07}} However, the cartridge and chamber drawing in the ANSI/SAAMI American National Standards also clearly shows the cartridge headspacing on the case mouth.{{cite book|author=|title=American National Standard Voluntary Industry Performance Standards for Pressure and Velocity of Centerfire Pistol and Revolver Ammunition for the Use of Commercial Manufacturers|location=New York, NY|publisher=American National Standards Institute|url=https://saami.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/ANSI-SAAMI-Z299.3-CFP-and-R-Approved-2015-12-14-Posting-Copy.pdf}} Likewise, US reloading supplier Lyman has published that the .357 SIG headspaces on the case mouth.

According to the C.I.P. rulings the .357 SIG case can handle up to 305 MPa (44,236 psi) piezo pressure. In C.I.P. regulated countries every pistol cartridge combo has to be proofed at 130% of this maximum C.I.P. pressure to certify for sale to consumers.

The SAAMI pressure limit for the .357 SIG is set at 275.80 MPa (40,000 psi), piezo pressure.{{cite web |publisher=Accurate Powder |access-date=2009-06-09 |url=http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Handgun/Standarddata/35738Cal(9.2mm)/357%20SIG%20pages%20103%20and%20104.pdf |title=.357 SIG |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090327130930/http://www.accuratepowder.com/data/PerCaliber2Guide/Handgun/Standarddata/35738Cal(9.2mm)/357%20SIG%20pages%20103%20and%20104.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-date=2009-03-27}}

Conversions

File:357SIG ammo.jpg, .40 S&W]]

While it is based on a 10 mm case necked down to accept {{convert|0.355|in|mm|adj=on}} bullets, the .357 SIG cartridge case is slightly longer than the .40 S&W by {{convert|0.009|in|mm|abbr=on}} to {{convert|0.020|in|mm|abbr=on}} total. Most .40 S&W pistols can be converted to .357 SIG by replacing the barrel, but sometimes the recoil spring must also be changed. Pistols with especially strong recoil springs can accept either cartridge with a barrel change. Magazines will freely interchange between the two cartridges in most pistols. .357 SIG barrel kits have allowed this cartridge to gain in popularity among handgun owners.

Performance

The table below shows common performance parameters for several .357 SIG loads. Bullet weights ranging from {{convert|115|to|150|gr|1}} have been offered. Loads are available with energies from {{convert|488|ftlbf}} to {{convert|583|ftlbf}}, and penetration depths from {{convert|9|in}} to over {{convert|16.5|in}} are available for various applications and risk assessments. Underwood now also offers a standard pressure 65 gr .357 SIG Xtreme Defender (XD) round with a muzzle velocity of 2,100 fps, muzzle energy of 636 ft. lbs. and a penetration depth of 17.5 inches.

class="wikitable"
Manufacturer

! Load

! Mass

! Velocity

! Energy

! ExpansionMarshall and Sanow, Stopping Power, Paladin 2001, p. 75.

! Penetration

! PC

! TSC

Triton

| Quik-Shok

| {{convert|115|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1425|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|518|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| frag

| {{convert|9.0|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|4.1|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|43.2|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)

Winchester

| Ranger T

| {{convert|125|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1385|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|532|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|0.75|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|11.5|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|5.1|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|45.0|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)

Federal

| Premium JHP

| {{convert|125|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1430|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|568|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|0.62|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|12.7|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|3.8|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|49.5|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)

Speer

| Gold Dot JHP

| {{convert|125|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1385|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|532|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|0.68|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|16.5|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|6.0|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|45.0|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)

Remington

| JHP

| {{convert|125|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1350|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|506|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|0.57|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|14.3|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|3.6|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|41.7|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)

Federal

| Premium JHP

| {{convert|150|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1210|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|488|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|0.60|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|15.0|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|4.2|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|39.4|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)

Underwood

| Gold Dot JHP

| {{convert|125|gr|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|1450|ft/s|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|583|ftlbf|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|0.75|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|16.5|in|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|6.0|cuin|1|abbr=on}}

| {{convert|45.0|cuin|1|abbr=on}} (est)


Key:


Expansion – expanded bullet diameter (ballistic gelatin).


Penetration – penetration depth (ballistic gelatin).


PC – permanent cavity volume (ballistic gelatin, FBI method).


TSC – temporary stretch cavity volume (ballistic gelatin).

Because of its relatively high velocity{{cite web|url=http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357sig.html|title=BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Sig Results|website=ballisticsbytheinch.com|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014200926/http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357sig.html|archive-date=14 October 2017}} for a handgun round, the .357 SIG has an unusually flat trajectory, extending the effective range. However, it does not quite reach the performance of the .357 Magnum with bullets heavier than {{convert|125|gr|g}}. Offsetting this general slight disadvantage in performance is that semi-automatic pistols tend to carry considerably more ammunition than revolvers.

The Virginia State Police has reported that attacking dogs have been stopped dead in their tracks by a single shot, whereas the former 147 grain 9 mm duty rounds would require multiple shots to incapacitate the animals.Ayoob, Massad. (2002). The Gun Digest Book of Combat Handgunnery, 5th edition: Krause Publications. {{ISBN|0-87349-485-7}} Proponents of the hydrostatic shock theory contend that the energy available in the .357 SIG is sufficient for imparting hydrostatic shock with well-designed bullets.{{cite arXiv | eprint=0803.3051 |title=Scientific Evidence for Hydrostatic Shock | author1=Michael Courtney | author2=Amy Courtney | class=physics.med-ph | year=2008}}Sturtevant B, Shock Wave Effects in Biomechanics, Sadhana, 23: 579–596, 1998.Courtney A, Courtney M: Links between traumatic brain injury and ballistic pressure waves originating in the thoracic cavity and extremities. Brain Injury 21(7): 657–662, 2007. Users have commented, "We're really impressed with the stopping power of the .357 SIG round."

The bottleneck shape of the .357 SIG cartridge makes feeding problems almost non-existent.Gun Digest Buyer's Guide to Concealed-Carry Handguns By Jerry Ahern. 2010. p. 35.

The Accurate Powder reloading manual claims that it is "without a doubt the most ballistically consistent handgun cartridge we have ever worked with".

Characteristics

File:9mm 7,62mm 357sig 10mm 45SW 45GAP 50AE 002.jpg, 7.62×25mm Tokarev, .357 SIG, 10mm Auto, .40 S&W, .45 GAP, .50 AE]]

The goal of the .357 SIG project was to offer a level of performance equal to the highly effective {{convert|125|gr|adj=on}} .357 Magnum load.recorded results in Street Stoppers pg 173 .357 Magnum and Handgun Stopping Power by Marshall & Sanow{{cite arXiv |eprint=physics/0701266 |author1=Michael Courtney |author2=Amy Courtney |title=Relative incapacitation contributions of pressure wave and wound channel in the Marshall and Sanow data set |year=2007}} Measurements of standard factory .357 SIG cartridges loaded with {{convert|125|gr|adj=on}} bullets showed approximate muzzle velocities of {{convert|1450|ft/s|m/s}} out of a {{convert|4|in|mm|0}} barrel, which is essentially identical to the .357 Magnum with the same bullet weight and barrel length.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357sig.html|title=BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Sig Results|website=www.ballisticsbytheinch.com}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357mag.html|title=BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: .357 Mag Results|website=www.ballisticsbytheinch.com}} These measurements were performed with a Thompson Center Encore 1842 break-action, single-shot pistol-rifle, preventing differing barrel length definitions between semi-automatic pistols and revolvers giving revolvers a potential muzzle velocity advantage.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/scope.html|title=BBTI - Ballistics by the Inch :: Scope of the Project|website=www.ballisticsbytheinch.com}}

With a simplistic approach to physics, recoil being directly proportional to "muzzle velocity × bullet mass" (due to conservation of momentum), the recoil of the .357 SIG is equal to or slightly less than that of the .40 S&W, and less than that of the full-power 10mm Auto loads or the original .357 Magnum.{{cite book|last1=Marshall|first1=Evan | last2=Sanow | first2=Edwin|title=Street Stoppers: The Latest Handgun Stopping Power Street Results|date=May 1, 1996|publisher=Paladin Press|isbn=0873648722|pages=142}} This simple approach to recoil is, however, incomplete, since the properties of the bullet alone do not determine the felt recoil; the rocket-like blast of propellant gases exiting the barrel after the bullet leaves the muzzle also plays a role.{{cite web|url=http://38super.net/Pages/Recoil.html|title=Recoil|website=38super.net|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=usurped|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120305063513/http://38super.net/Pages/Recoil.html|archive-date=5 March 2012}} A more accurate view on recoil is that it is proportional to the mass of all ejecta × velocity of ejecta.{{cite web|url=http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=69535|title=Auto-loader vs Revolver recoil...|website=thehighroad.org|access-date=24 April 2018}}

In comparing the energy levels of premium self-defense ammunition, the muzzle energy of {{convert|584|ft·lbf|J|abbr=on}} of the {{convert|125|gr}} {{convert|1450|ft/s|m/s}} .357 SIG load is greater than either the {{convert|475|ft·lbf|J|abbr=on}} generated by a {{convert|155|gr}} {{convert|1175|ft/s|m/s}} Speer GoldDot .40 S&W load or the {{convert|400|ft·lbf|J|abbr=on}} generated by a {{convert|180|gr}} {{convert|985|ft/s|m/s}} Speer GoldDot .40 S&W load.{{cite web|url=https://www.midwayusa.com/|title=MidwayUSA - Shop Shooting, Hunting, & Outdoor Products|website=MidwayUSA|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180422051345/https://www.midwayusa.com/|archive-date=22 April 2018}}

Implementation

File:357 SIG - FMJ - SB - 3.jpg view of a .357 SIG FMJ cartridge.]]

In 1994 Sig released the P229 pistol, the first production handgun chambered in .357 SIG, specifically designed to handle the higher pressures of that round.{{cite web |url=http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/6999/357-sig/ |title=.357 Sig|Shooting Illustrated |author=Wiley Clapp |publisher=Shooting Illustrated |date=2011-03-09 |access-date=2012-05-14 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131102115535/http://www.shootingillustrated.com/index.php/6999/357-sig/ |archive-date=2013-11-02 }}

However, in 2013 the Texas DPS decided to replace their .357 SIG handguns with 9 mm handguns.{{cite web|url=http://gunssavelives.net/blog/texas-state-troopers-dropping-sig-pistols-in-357-sig-for-sw-pistols-in-9mm|title=Texas Highway Patrol Dropping SIG Pistols in .357 SIG for S&W Pistols in 9mm|first=Dan|last=Cannon|date=13 April 2014|website=gunssavelives.net|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170823203808/http://gunssavelives.net/blog/texas-state-troopers-dropping-sig-pistols-in-357-sig-for-sw-pistols-in-9mm/|archive-date=23 August 2017}} The ability to carry more rounds per magazine (9 mm vs. .357 SIG) in a lighter gun were among the stated reasons for the change.{{cite web|url=http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/04/foghorn/texas-dps-ditches-sw-mp-handguns-reliability-issues-returns-sig-sauer|title=Texas DPS Ditches S&W M&P Handguns Over Reliability Issues - The Truth About Guns|date=11 April 2014|website=thetruthaboutguns.com|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711042546/http://www.thetruthaboutguns.com/2014/04/foghorn/texas-dps-ditches-sw-mp-handguns-reliability-issues-returns-sig-sauer/|archive-date=11 July 2017}} That transition was suspended after recruits in the A-2014 class, the first to train with the new S&W M&P 9 mm polymer handguns, experienced numerous malfunctions with those weapons.{{cite web|url=http://www.myhighplains.com/story/d/story/dps-suspends-use-of-new-handgun-over-concerns/19813/zwmkJGuhDkGJ8I5oPtMMvA|title=DPS Suspends Use of New Handgun Over "Concerns"|first=Terri | last = Langford | publisher = The Texas Tribune|date=17 April 2014|website=myhighplains.com|access-date=24 April 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725074054/http://www.myhighplains.com/story/d/story/dps-suspends-use-of-new-handgun-over-concerns/19813/zwmkJGuhDkGJ8I5oPtMMvA|archive-date=25 July 2015}}

The newer SIG Sauer P229 in .357 SIG has been adopted for use by agents and officers of the following national and state law enforcement organizations (LEO):

  • Federal Air Marshals
  • Delaware State Police{{cite web|url=http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2013/01/sig-sauer-p229/|title=Sig Sauer P229: The handgun that protects the President—and you!|date=January 2013 |url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810120215/http://www.personaldefenseworld.com/2013/01/sig-sauer-p229/|archive-date=2014-08-10}}
  • Texas Ranger Division{{cite web|url=http://www.texasranger.org/today/Equipment.htm|title=Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum - Texas Rangers Today - Standard Issue Equipment|year=2009|access-date=29 May 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120603160917/http://www.texasranger.org/today/Equipment.htm|archive-date=2012-06-03}}
  • Virginia State Police
  • Richmond Police Department
  • Rhode Island State Police
  • U.S. Secret Service prior to 2019

See also

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category}}

  • [http://www.ballisticsbytheinch.com/357sig.html Ballistics by the Inch .357 SIG results]

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{{DEFAULTSORT:357 SIG}}

Category:Paramilitary cartridges

357

Category:1994 establishments in Switzerland

Category:1994 establishments in the United States

Category:SIG Sauer cartridges

Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1994