How much better is the .357 mag than the .38 special?

Edwin Sarkissian takes us to the range to compare the performance of the .357 magnum against the .38 special.

While many revolvers accept both rounds, the rounds themselves are far from equal.

In this comparison video, Sarkissian loads up with 125-grain Underwood .357 magnums and Winchester white box 130-grain .38 specials both FMJ.

Take a look at the load data and there’s no question who’s going to win. The .357 has a whopping 1,700 fps and 802 foot-pounds against the .38’s mere 800fps and 185 foot-pounds.

The video below uses a series of sheet metal targets to help viewers visualize what those numbers mean.