rifle and pistol caliber match - 9mm vs 357/38

[bugout]

Ok.. so I really want to get a rifle to match ammo with my pistol of choice for savings on ammo, standardization, possible SHTF... my debate is 9mmm (either cheap hipoint or sub2000) vs 357/38 (ruger 77/357 or marlin 1894c)... I will add that for some unknown reason I am very good/ accurate w my LCR at the moment vs 9mm (but practice could resolve this)....

Also... my 9mm is not currently one I can share mags w/ sub2000 so keep that in mind

Thoughts?

[priell3]

I like the idea of sharing calibers between hand and long guns.

I have a Ruger P95 and a JR Carbine, both in 9mm. While they can't share mags it is nice buying one caliber for both guns. I also have two 22LR pistols and two 22LR rifles.

I have a Ruger GP100 357 Magnum and I plan to get a second barrel in the same chambering for my NEF single shot shotgun. My first idea was to get a 77/357 but I could save around 500 dollars by just getting a barrel. The saved $$ can go to ammo.

Eight firearms, only 3 calibers.

[Delkal]

Depends on what you want it for. A .357 combo can be used for hunting too.

[crazywolf]

if this is all you'll have to grab.I'd go with 357
1 you can hunt with it as said before
2 I believe in haveing a cal I can get almost any where so with the 357 you can also shoot 38 special in it.doubleing your chance of finding ammo.
3 if you have auto pistol that is real common replacement mags could be hard to get with the 357 set no mags needed
if you want a 9mm get a glock and a carbine that uses the same mag's
hope this helps.crazywolf

[priell3]

A .357 combo can be used for hunting too.

That is one of the prime reasons I want to pick up an extra barrel in .357 Magnum.

[frankski]

I like the .38/.357 right now. MY Ruger LCR and two S&W 686+ all eat .38 Special happily, and there is negligible recoil with the 686+. Of course, the 686+ guns shoot full house .357 mag as well.

They pair up with a Henry leveraction that shoots all the same bullets, just 20% to 40% faster due to the longer barrel. I reload for the whole litter. Today, for example, I'm cranking out some 125g plated bullets for target that will just break 1000 fps, as well as some gas checked 158g hollow points that nudge 2000 fps.

I've been thinking about buying a 9mm semi carbine that could feed on the same gruel I cook for the Glock 19s, but that needs a bit more research. The downside of the 9mm/semiauto choice, in my view, is that you have to find ammo that will cycle reliably in the pistol and carbine. And that is necessarily a narrower range than is possible with the .38/.357 revolver/levergun combo.

Also, in PA, the semiautos can't be used for hunting.

[ungawa]

Depends on what you want.

+P+ 9mm is the same as most .357 loads. You just get semi-auto, larger mags, and cheaper ammo.

If you really plan to push the .357 to the limit by rolling your own or buying true hot stuff then you will get a somewhat faster round but you are back to wheel- and lever-guns at higher ammo cost.

If you are going to shoot lots of .38s out of your .357 to save money and recoil then you should have bought the 9mm. If you are going to want every last fps out of your .357 or you just like .357 and are willing to pay double for all ammo (including .38) then go .357.

[Delkal]

If you reload......for .357 (especially in a rifle) try a heavy flat tipped hard cast lead bullet over a max load of of H110. Check exact load in a manual and work up slowly.

You will be surprised what it can do.

[frankski]

If you reload......for .357 (especially in a rifle) try a heavy flat tipped hard cast lead bullet over a max load of of H110. Check exact load in a manual and work up slowly.

You will be surprised what it can do.

True dat! I've been working up slowly with Cast Performance 180g GC and Rim Rock 180g GC bullets and H110. Thumpers, for sure.

At the top end, as other have noted, the .357 approaches 30-30 ballistics. In pistols, the heaviest Buffalo Bore 9mm +P ammo is a 115g JHP generating 500 ft lbs at 1400 fps. The stoutest Buffalo Bore .357 magnum is a 125g JHC at 802 ft. lbs. and 1700 fps. The 9mm isn't even close. And this is in pistols, not a rifle length barrel. http://www.ballistics101.com/357_magnum.php#

[frankski]

I like the idea of sharing calibers between hand and long guns.

I have a Ruger P95 and a JR Carbine, both in 9mm. While they can't share mags it is nice buying one caliber for both guns. I also have two 22LR pistols and two 22LR rifles.

I have a Ruger GP100 357 Magnum and I plan to get a second barrel in the same chambering for my NEF single shot shotgun. My first idea was to get a 77/357 but I could save around 500 dollars by just getting a barrel. The saved $$ can go to ammo.

Eight firearms, only 3 calibers.

How do you like the JR? I've been thinking about that as well as the CMMG MK-9 T if I were to add a 9mm carbine. Haven't done more than read reviews when I see them.