357 MAGNUM AMMO

357 Magnum Ammunition For Sale


At Target Sports USA, we proudly offer a wide selection of 357 Magnum ammo for sale, trusted by recreational shooters, handgun hunters, and professionals alike. Known for its power, precision, and versatility, the .357 Magnum remains a top choice among revolver owners and law enforcement for its proven performance in both range and real-world applications. Whether you're training at the range, stocking up for defense, or seeking 357 magnum hunting ammo, you'll find high-quality options from top brands like Federal, Winchester, and Remington. 357 rounds and more, we've got it all!

Read Our 357 MAGNUM AMMO Guide (Bottom of Page)
# 1 of 3
13
# 1 of 3
13

A QUICK "PRIMER" ON .357 MAGNUM AMMO

Developed in the 1930s by Smith & Wesson in collaboration with firearms legends like Elmer Keith and Phillip Sharpe, the .357 Magnum was the first true Magnum cartridge. Designed to outperform earlier revolver rounds, the 357 Magnum ammo became an instant success due to its unmatched velocity, energy, and versatility, making it ideal for law enforcement, self-defense, and hunting applications.

Typical 357 magnum rounds range in bullet weight from 125 to 158 grains, with lighter 110-grain options available for target shooting and concealed carry, and heavier loads up to 200 grains designed for 357 magnum hunting ammo. Lighter bullets provide faster velocities and flatter trajectories, while heavier ones deliver deeper penetration—perfect for medium-sized game.

One of the most common questions from shooters is about interchangeability with .38 Special. Because 357 Magnum is essentially a lengthened .38 Special loaded to higher pressures, revolvers chambered in .357 Magnum can safely shoot .38 Special ammo. This makes practice more affordable and manageable due to reduced recoil. However, the reverse is not true—never fire 357 magnum rounds in a .38 Special firearm, as the pressure levels are unsafe.

If you’re searching for reliable options, customer favorites include Federal Hydra-Shok 130-grain JHP, known for its expansion and stopping power, and Remington Golden Saber 125-grain BJHP, which features a bonded brass jacket for consistent performance in both defense and hunting scenarios.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS WHEN BUYING .357 MAGNUM AMMO

When selecting 357 Magnum ammo, it’s essential to match the right load to your shooting purpose. From self-defense to range training to hunting, understanding bullet type, weight, and firearm compatibility can help you get the best performance.

Purpose: For training and target shooting, Full Metal Jacket (FMJ) or Semi-Wadcutter (SWC) rounds are economical and offer consistent accuracy. For self-defense or 357 magnum hunting ammo, opt for Jacketed Hollow Point (JHP) or Soft Point (SP) bullets, which expand upon impact for increased stopping power and terminal effect.

Bullet Weight: Bullet weight directly impacts velocity, recoil, and performance. Lighter bullets (110–125 grains) offer faster speeds and are ideal for personal protection. Heavier bullets (158–200 grains) provide deeper penetration and are favored in 357 magnum ammo for hunting, especially when targeting larger or tougher game.

Choosing a Manufacturer: Stick with trusted brands known for quality and consistency. Federal and Remington deliver solid all-around performance for defense and practice. For specialty loads, Winchester and Hornady offer excellent options tailored for both tactical and hunting use.

Firearm Compatibility: Ensure your revolver or lever-action rifle is chambered for .357 Magnum ammunition. These firearms can also safely fire .38 Special rounds, offering greater versatility and reduced recoil for range sessions. Always consult your owner’s manual to verify ammo compatibility and +P rating, if applicable.

Recoil Management: The .357 Magnum is powerful, and recoil can be intense—especially in lightweight or snub-nose revolvers. If you're recoil-sensitive, start with lighter loads or use .38 Special in your .357 Magnum gun for more comfortable practice.

.357 MAGNUM AMMO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is the most powerful 357 Magnum ammo?
The most powerful 357 Magnum rounds are typically 158 to 200-grain loads with high velocity and deep penetration, such as Buffalo Bore Heavy .357 Mag or Underwood Ammo. These loads are favored by hunters and outdoorsmen for stopping power against tough game.
Is 357 Magnum ammo good for hunting?
Yes, 357 Magnum hunting ammo is effective for medium-sized game like deer or hogs, especially when using heavy soft-point or bonded hollow point bullets. Use firearms with longer barrels (e.g., lever-action rifles or 6" revolvers) for optimal velocity and energy.
What is the best 357 Magnum ammo for self-defense?
Top defensive options include Federal Hydra-Shok, Speer Gold Dot, and Hornady Critical Defense. These JHP rounds are designed for reliable expansion, penetration, and stopping power in real-world scenarios.
Can a 357 Magnum shoot 38 Special ammo?
Yes, 357 Magnum firearms can safely shoot .38 Special rounds, offering a softer recoil option for training or casual plinking. However, the reverse is not true—never fire 357 Magnum ammo in a .38 Special revolver, as the pressure is too high.
What rounds can a 357 Magnum shoot?
A .357 Magnum revolver can fire both .357 Magnum ammo and .38 Special ammo. Some can also safely handle .38 Special +P, but always consult your firearm’s manual before using high-pressure loads.
How does 357 Magnum ammo compare to 9mm?
357 Magnum offers significantly more energy and deeper penetration than 9mm, making it more powerful for hunting and defense. However, it also produces more recoil and is generally used in revolvers, while 9mm is popular in semi-automatics.
Are there different types of 357 Magnum ammo?
Yes, 357 Magnum ammo types include FMJ (for range use), JHP (for defense), SP (for hunting), and SWC (for accuracy-focused shooting). Bullet weights typically range from 110 to 200 grains, each tailored for specific uses.
What is the recoil like with 357 Magnum?
357 Magnum rounds have noticeable recoil, especially in compact or lightweight revolvers. Heavier guns or longer barrels help mitigate the kick, and using .38 Special for practice can ease new shooters into the caliber.
What is the typical velocity of a 357 Magnum round?
Velocity varies by bullet weight and barrel length, but most 357 Magnum rounds travel between 1,200 and 1,500 feet per second (fps). Lighter bullets tend to be faster, while heavier ones maintain momentum over longer distances.
Is 357 Magnum ammo suitable for lever-action rifles?
Yes. Many lever-action rifles are chambered in .357 Magnum, offering increased velocity and effectiveness compared to revolvers. These rifles are excellent for hunting, home defense, and general-purpose shooting.
Is 357 Magnum a good choice for home defense?
Yes. With the right load, such as a 125-grain JHP, 357 Magnum ammo offers excellent stopping power for defensive use. However, recoil and muzzle blast should be considered when choosing it for home protection.

OUR TOP .357 MAGNUM AMMO RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Use Cases for .357 Magnum Ammunition

    • Target Practice
    • Self-Defense
    • Hunting
    • Law Enforcement Training

  • Popular .357 Magnum Ammo Brands

  • Common .357 Magnum Ammo Caliber Name Variations

    • .357 Mag
    • .357 Magnum
    • 357 Magnum

THE .357 MAGNUM AMMO "ROUND UP"

Whether you're heading to the range, hunting in the field, or building out your self-defense setup, our selection of 357 Magnum ammo delivers the power, precision, and performance shooters demand. With a wide range of 357 magnum rounds from top brands like Federal, Winchester, and Remington, we offer options for every scenario—plinking, protection, or pursuit. Known for its unmatched versatility, the .357 Magnum remains a trusted choice for revolver and rifle shooters alike. At Target Sports USA, you’ll find the right load to match your firearm, your goals, and your expectations.

Back To Top
Home → AMMO → HANDGUN AMMO → 357 MAGNUM AMMO