The 357 Sig is a centerfire handgun cartridge standardised by SAAMI in ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3. SAAMI sets its maximum average pressure at 40,000 psi, and measures its reference velocities in a 4.000 in standard test barrel rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in. This guide sets out SAAMI’s published reference velocity for each bullet weight, computes the muzzle energy each one carries, and compares the 357 Sig with the 9mm Luger on the same basis.
357 Sig ballistics chart: SAAMI reference data
SAAMI publishes one nominal mean instrumental velocity for each reference bullet weight, measured at 15 feet from the standard test barrel. It does not publish energy, so the ft-lb column is computed. Where SAAMI lists more than one velocity for a weight, both ends of the span are shown.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| Bullet weight | Reference velocity | Computed muzzle energy |
|---|---|---|
| 100 gr | 1,450 fps | 467 ft-lb |
| 104 gr | 1,345 fps | 418 ft-lb |
| 105 gr | 1,350 fps | 425 ft-lb |
| 135 gr | 1,210 fps | 439 ft-lb |
| 147 gr | 1,225 fps | 490 ft-lb |
| 150 gr | 1,130 fps | 425 ft-lb |
What the numbers mean for a shot
SAAMI lists 6 reference bullet weights for the 357 Sig, from 100 to 150 grains. The lightest, 100 grains, is listed at 1,450 fps, which computes to 467 ft-lb. The heaviest, 150 grains, is listed at 1,130 fps, which computes to 425 ft-lb. The most energetic reference load is the 147-grain at 1,225 fps: 490 ft-lb computed.
None of this is a downrange figure. SAAMI measures at 15 feet, so retained velocity, energy and drop depend on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient, which SAAMI does not publish. Each product in our 357 Sig ammo range lists whatever its maker publishes for that item.
Barrel, chamber and pressure
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 357 Sig is 4.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in, with a .355 in groove diameter. That is the barrel every reference velocity above was measured in, not a statement about your handgun: handgun barrels vary widely in length, and a shorter barrel gives lower velocity. The maximum average pressure is 40,000 psi. Fire 357 Sig ammunition only in a firearm chambered for it. Several unrelated cartridges share a number, so match the full designation on the box to the marking on your barrel.
357 Sig vs 9mm: the SAAMI comparison
A figure from one maker’s catalogue cannot be laid beside a figure from another’s: each picks its own test barrel, zero and bullet, and many publish no test barrel at all. SAAMI is the shared basis, because it fixes one standard test barrel and one way of measuring velocity for every cartridge it lists.
Scroll the table sideways for the remaining columns.
| SAAMI specification | 357 Sig | 9mm Luger |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum average pressure | 40,000 psi | 35,000 psi |
| Maximum average pressure, +P | No +P standard | 38,500 psi |
| Standard test barrel length | 4.000 in | 4.000 in |
| Test barrel twist rate | 1 turn in 16.00 in | 1 turn in 10.00 in |
| Test barrel groove diameter | .355 in | .3550 in |
| Lightest reference load | 100 gr — 1,450 fps / 467 ft-lb | 88 gr — 1,500 fps / 440 ft-lb |
| A weight both list | 135 gr — 1,210 fps / 439 ft-lb | 135 gr — 1,010–1,060 fps / 306–337 ft-lb |
| Heaviest reference load | 150 gr — 1,130 fps / 425 ft-lb | 150 gr — 900 fps / 270 ft-lb |
SAAMI standardises the 357 Sig at 40,000 psi and the 9mm Luger at 35,000 psi, so the 357 Sig runs 5,000 psi higher. At 135 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 357 Sig reference velocity is 1,210 fps (439 ft-lb computed), against up to 1,060 fps (337 ft-lb) for the 9mm Luger. On that row the 357 Sig carries the more energy. Their standard test barrels differ (4.000 in, 1 turn in 16.00 in for the 357 Sig; 4.000 in, 1 turn in 10.00 in for the 9mm Luger), so compare the reference rows with that in mind.
What SAAMI cannot settle is anything past the muzzle. It publishes no ballistic coefficients and no downrange data, so it cannot say which cartridge shoots flatter at distance; that depends on the bullet. We stock the other side of this comparison too: 9mm ammo.
357 Sig ballistics questions
What is the maximum pressure of the 357 Sig?
ANSI/SAAMI Z299.3 sets the maximum average pressure for the 357 Sig at 40,000 psi.
What twist rate and barrel length does SAAMI use for the 357 Sig?
SAAMI’s standard test barrel for the 357 Sig is 4.000 in long and rifled 1 turn in 16.00 in. Your own handgun may differ.
What bullet weights does SAAMI list for the 357 Sig?
SAAMI lists 6 reference weights, from 100 to 150 grains: 100, 104, 105, 135, 147 and 150.
Is the 357 Sig more powerful than the 9mm Luger?
Power is not a SAAMI measure, but reference muzzle energy is a fair proxy. At 135 grains, a weight both list, SAAMI’s 357 Sig reference velocity is 1,210 fps (439 ft-lb computed), against up to 1,060 fps (337 ft-lb) for the 9mm Luger.
What is the effective range of the 357 Sig?
Effective range is not a SAAMI specification and it is not a measured figure. SAAMI measures velocity at 15 feet, so it says nothing about performance at distance; that depends on the bullet and the shooter.
How much does the 357 Sig drop at 100 yards?
SAAMI publishes muzzle velocity only, so it cannot give a drop figure. Drop depends on the bullet’s ballistic coefficient and on the zero range. A drop figure is unusable without its zero, so use the figure a maker prints for the specific load.
Where to buy these loads
Hilltop Armory carries 357 Sig ammunition from Underwood, Winchester, Buffalo Bore, Federal, Grizzly Cartridge Company and Hornady. Browse the full 357 Sig ammo range.
