PolyCase Ammunition announced the release of their latest round in the Interceptor Preferred Defense line of ammo: the ARX in .357 Magnum.

The traditional powerhouse load is known for its recoil and muzzle blast in addition to its near legendary status as a man stopper. PolyCase uses its ARX bullet in the new load, which is light for the caliber: 86 grains. Historically, self-defense .357 Magnum loads use bullet weights ranging from 110 grains to 158 grains. As heavier bullets tend, but not always, to generate more felt recoil, the lighter ARX bullet suggests that the load may be easier on the hand than other loads.

A light bullet can often be driven at much faster speeds than a heavier one, and PolyCase added a little mustard on this fastball. The advertised muzzle velocity is 1,650 fps. Many of the 125 grain Magnum loads are advertised around 1,450 fps. With the lighter mass and increased speed, the approximate muzzle energy is 520 ft-lbs.

Frankly, I don’t know how the increased velocity will impact the performance of the ARX bullet. If you are not already familiar, the bullet is a polymer-copper projectile that is shaped in a way that it appears to “screw” into the target. The bullets are not designed to expand or fragment, yet are designed to not over penetrate either. It is an intriguing concept, though one that I am not willing to bet my life on at this time.