.357 SIG vs .40 S&W
Part of our full caliber comparison chart — energy, drop and recoil for every handgun caliber side by side.
The .357 SIG vs .40 S&W debate centers on two law enforcement calibers with different approaches to terminal performance. The .357 SIG (125gr JHP at 1350 fps) trades higher velocity for a lighter bullet, producing 388 ft-lbs at 50 yards. The .40 S&W (165gr JHP at 1175 fps) uses a heavier projectile at moderate velocity for 413 ft-lbs at the same distance. Both achieve optimal FBI penetration depths: the .40 S&W reaches 14.9-15.3 inches while the .357 SIG hits 14.4-14.8 inches. The two recoil figures below are not directly comparable: the page models the .40 S&W in a 2.5-pound pistol at 5.94 ft-lbs and the .357 SIG in a 2.0-pound pistol at 7.14 ft-lbs. In the same gun, and these two normally share a frame and a magazine, the .357 SIG and the .40 S&W kick within about half a ft-lb of each other. Performance varies with ammunition selection and firearm platform.
Ammunition Parameters
.357 SIG Parameters (Self-Defense Load)
.40 S&W Parameters (Self-Defense Load)
.357 SIG vs .40 S&W Ballistics Chart
Comparing bullet drop at various ranges between .357 SIG and .40 S&W.
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.357 SIG vs .40 S&W Energy Comparison
Comparing the muzzle energy and energy retention at various distances between .357 SIG and .40 S&W.
.357 SIG vs .40 S&W Bullet Penetration
Comparison of estimated penetration depth in 10% ballistic gel between .357 SIG and .40 S&W at self-defense distances.
Self-Defense Ammunition Penetration
Notes:
- FBI standard for optimal penetration is 12-18 inches in 10% ballistics gel
- These penetration figures come from a model of sectional density, velocity and expansion, not from gel tests. Use them to compare the two calibers, not as a measured result.
- Actual results may vary depending on clothing barriers and other factors
.357 SIG vs .40 S&W Recoil
Comparing recoil energy and impulse between .357 SIG and .40 S&W.
.357 SIG Recoil (Self-Defense Load)
.40 S&W Recoil (Self-Defense Load)
Notes:
- Recoil calculations based on bullet weight, velocity, powder charge, and firearm weight
- Recoil energy indicates the felt force when firing the weapon
- Recoil impulse represents momentum transfer during firing
- Actual felt recoil can vary based on grip, stance, and firearm design
.357 SIG vs .40 S&W Velocity
Velocity decay from muzzle to 50 yards for .357 SIG and .40 S&W.
.357 SIG vs .40 S&W Average Cost
Comparing cost per round and training affordability between .357 SIG and .40 S&W.
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