Howdy Mr. Wilsoncqb1911,
Well sir I suspect you will get some interesting responses to this one. You are asking for opinions so I will offer mine. Personally I feel the .357 magnum even from a 2 or 3" tube in the right load may still have as much or more "hootus" than a 9mm. But that one will probably generate some interesting opinions too.
I know you asked two basic questions in my reading - what magnum load for a short barreled revolver in .357 mag, and is a 9mm just as good. There are many excellent rounds for the .357 mag, and I hear only good things about the Speer load designed for short barrels. There are also many excellent rounds for the 9mm today, and many will give you high velocity. But velocity is not the only issue to consider, as you also want to think in terms of bullet weight, expansion, penetration, etc. All of these factors merge together in my view, to make a round that is effective, regardless of caliber. But yes sir, we are lucky to have so many good 9mm loads to choose from these days too.
If you are looking for a handgun primarily for self defense, why not take a long hard look at the 357 Sig round. To me it combines the virtures of both rounds - in good loads you get performance that equals a 125 gr JHP in a 4" .357 mag revolver. You also get extended capacity in a platform that will often offer a double row mag for increased capacity over a revolver.
But I will muddy the water a bit more here now sir. I grew up in NC and did a lot of hunting in the eastern part of the state where there were a lot of bears. The black bears that I normally encountered were not something I would want to shoot with either a .357 mag or 9mm. Personally I would want at least a .41 mag or .44 mag, if I were going to use a handgun. But again that is just me sir.
I am not sure where you live and might be likely to encounter black bears. So I have no idea what size they are around you. But again, if I think I may encounter a bear, I personally would want something with a bit more "hootus" on my side.
If I were going to go with a short .357 mag revolver, personally I would opt for the 3" as it will give you a bit more velocity from your rounds. I also think they balance better in my hands and help a bit in recoil as well. But again sir, that is just me.
I am not sure if I helped you are just muddied the water more for you. But these are my thoughts, and I felt that is what you were asking for anyway.
Good luck and when you make a decision and purchase something, please share your thoughts with us.
twoguns
Well sir I suspect you will get some interesting responses to this one. You are asking for opinions so I will offer mine. Personally I feel the .357 magnum even from a 2 or 3" tube in the right load may still have as much or more "hootus" than a 9mm. But that one will probably generate some interesting opinions too.
I know you asked two basic questions in my reading - what magnum load for a short barreled revolver in .357 mag, and is a 9mm just as good. There are many excellent rounds for the .357 mag, and I hear only good things about the Speer load designed for short barrels. There are also many excellent rounds for the 9mm today, and many will give you high velocity. But velocity is not the only issue to consider, as you also want to think in terms of bullet weight, expansion, penetration, etc. All of these factors merge together in my view, to make a round that is effective, regardless of caliber. But yes sir, we are lucky to have so many good 9mm loads to choose from these days too.
If you are looking for a handgun primarily for self defense, why not take a long hard look at the 357 Sig round. To me it combines the virtures of both rounds - in good loads you get performance that equals a 125 gr JHP in a 4" .357 mag revolver. You also get extended capacity in a platform that will often offer a double row mag for increased capacity over a revolver.
But I will muddy the water a bit more here now sir. I grew up in NC and did a lot of hunting in the eastern part of the state where there were a lot of bears. The black bears that I normally encountered were not something I would want to shoot with either a .357 mag or 9mm. Personally I would want at least a .41 mag or .44 mag, if I were going to use a handgun. But again that is just me sir.
I am not sure where you live and might be likely to encounter black bears. So I have no idea what size they are around you. But again, if I think I may encounter a bear, I personally would want something with a bit more "hootus" on my side.
If I were going to go with a short .357 mag revolver, personally I would opt for the 3" as it will give you a bit more velocity from your rounds. I also think they balance better in my hands and help a bit in recoil as well. But again sir, that is just me.
I am not sure if I helped you are just muddied the water more for you. But these are my thoughts, and I felt that is what you were asking for anyway.
Good luck and when you make a decision and purchase something, please share your thoughts with us.
twoguns
