45 ACP and 357 Magnum

[grizz]

Hello all!

I have quick question. Can you guys give me a quick run down on the differance between these two ammos? I have a XD45 4''. I understand the .45 bullet is larger in size but, why do people say the .357 magnum is more powerfull?? Or is the .357 not more powerfull?? Thanks.

[carcassxd]

http://ammoguide.com/?tool=bcompare&it=37%7c30

[grizz]

Muzzle velocity....Muzzle Energy? Those are terms I don't fully understand.

Hypothetical Question. Let's say I'm camping and a small Black bear 300 lbs is causing some problems for me and my family. I find the need to defend myself from death. Considering I'm an average shot what is more suited for this situation. 45ACP OR .357 Magnum or something ells???

I'm a backpacker so I need something light and powerfull. I can't carry a heavy rifle with me on the trail which I understand is my best option.

[rwilson452]

Muzzle Velocity is how fast is that pill going when it exits the bore.
Muzzle Energy is how many foot pounds does it generate at the bore.
Formula Mass times the velocity squared divided by 7000. you divide by 7000 because your looking for pounds and the bullet is measured in grains.

Originally Posted by grizz

Muzzle velocity....Muzzle Energy? Those are terms I don't fully understand.

Hypothetical Question. Let's say I'm camping and a small Black bear 300 lbs is causing some problems for me and my family. I find the need to defend myself from death. Considering I'm an average shot what is more suited for this situation. 45ACP OR .357 Magnum or something ells???

Of the two I would pick the .357. a 300 lb bear is likely to have a good layer of fat to get past. the 357 should do that better. The real answer is the biggest gun you can carry and hit accurately with.

I'm a backpacker so I need something light and powerfull. I can't carry a heavy rifle with me on the trail which I understand is my best option.

[carcassxd]

i dont think it would matter too much in your case. both have very good stopping power. I would shoot both and see what you are comftorble with.

[JD McDorce]

To derive energy in "english units":

m = (bullet weight in grains)/(7000 grains/pound)/(32.1740 pounds per slug) = (bullet weight in grains) / 225218

To simplify E = 1/2 mv^2, E = (bullet weight in grains) * (bullet velocity in feet per second)^2 / 450436

[Paul]

You need to weight the difference between a revolver and a semiauto. I don't think the .357 mag comes in a semiauto?

[DanTheEldest]

Originally Posted by Paul

I don't think the .357 mag comes in a semiauto?

It's certainly not common, but say hello to my little friend.



Available in .50 DE, .44 mag DE, and .357 mag DE.

As for the original question, I'd stick with a .357 for camping due to its versatility. You can put snake shot rounds, .38's for cheap plinking, and the full power load for anti-predator duties through it. The .45 is a good anti-human round, but something like a bear has such a thick skin and musculature, I'd stick with the .357 for it's penetration power.

[carcassxd]

Available in .50 DE, .44 mag DE, and .357 mag DE

one of these days i will own the 6-Inch Mark XIX package....oh yes, it will be mine

http://magnumresearch.com/Expand.asp?ProductCode=DEXIX6

[mullanman]

Originally Posted by grizz

Muzzle velocity....Muzzle Energy? Those are terms I don't fully understand.

Hypothetical Question. Let's say I'm camping and a small Black bear 300 lbs is causing some problems for me and my family. I find the need to defend myself from death. Considering I'm an average shot what is more suited for this situation. 45ACP OR .357 Magnum or something ells???

I'm a backpacker so I need something light and powerfull. I can't carry a heavy rifle with me on the trail which I understand is my best option.

Ugh.....


Good Luck. The least you could carry is a 44 mag, otherwise, 460, 4870 ruger, 454 casull, 500 S&W.