Can You Shoot .357 SIG Out of a .40 S&W? A Deadly Mistake
Absolutely not. Attempting to fire a .357 SIG cartridge from a .40 S&W firearm is incredibly dangerous and could result in serious injury or death. These two cartridges, while seemingly similar in size, are fundamentally different and incompatible.
Here's why:
Key Differences Between .357 SIG and .40 S&W
The .357 SIG and .40 S&W cartridges share a similar overall length, leading to the dangerous misconception that they are interchangeable. However, crucial dimensional differences make them incompatible:
- Case Diameter: The .357 SIG has a smaller case diameter than the .40 S&W. This means the .357 SIG round will chamber in a .40 S&W pistol, but it will not be properly supported.
- Case Head: The case head dimensions, where the bullet meets the casing, are also different. This improper fit can lead to catastrophic failure.
- Pressure: While both are high-pressure rounds, the pressures generated differ. A .357 SIG round fired in a .40 S&W pistol will not be contained correctly, leading to dangerously high pressure inside the gun.
What Happens When You Try?
Attempting to fire a .357 SIG cartridge in a .40 S&W pistol will likely result in one or more of the following:
- Kaboom!: The most severe outcome is a catastrophic failure of the firearm. The excess pressure can cause the barrel to bulge, burst, or even separate from the receiver. This can send shrapnel flying, causing serious injury to the shooter and bystanders.
- Damage to the Firearm: Even if the firearm doesn't completely explode, significant damage to the internal components, such as the slide, breech face, and barrel, is almost guaranteed. This renders the weapon unusable and potentially unsafe to repair.
- Incomplete Ignition: The round might not even fire completely, resulting in a squib load. A squib load is a partially burned powder charge which can result in a dangerous obstruction in the barrel. Trying to fire another round over this obstruction is extremely dangerous and can cause the barrel to burst.
Identifying Your Cartridge
It is crucial to always double-check your ammunition before loading any firearm. Pay close attention to the markings on the cartridge case to ensure it matches your firearm's caliber. Never rely on visual estimations of size alone. Even seemingly similar cartridges can have critical differences.
Conclusion
Never, ever attempt to fire a .357 SIG round in a .40 S&W handgun. It is a reckless and potentially deadly action. Always exercise extreme caution when handling firearms and ammunition, ensuring you always use the correct ammunition for your specific firearm. Your safety and the safety of those around you depend on it.
