The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - For a .357Mag to reach full potential

raindog · October 10, 2012, 04:54 PM

I've read that a .357 Magnum revolver with a 2" barrel is not long enough for the round to reach its full potential. I'm not sure I understand why. When the charge ignites, the bullet starts moving forward. Does this mean that it escapes the barrel before the full force of the charge pushes it?

And on that note - how long is long enough for .357 Mag? 4"? 6"?

October 10, 2012, 04:54 PM	#1
raindog Member Join Date: August 29, 2009 Posts: 69	For a .357Mag to reach full potential - how long a barrel? I've read that a .357 Magnum revolver with a 2" barrel is not long enough for the round to reach its full potential. I'm not sure I understand why. When the charge ignites, the bullet starts moving forward. Does this mean that it escapes the barrel before the full force of the charge pushes it? And on that note - how long is long enough for .357 Mag? 4"? 6"?