New Benjamin Bulldog M357 First Look
HAM readers have read about the new Benjamin Bulldog M357, it’s part of the 2023 Bulldog Magnum series. Now an M357 has arrived in the HAM offices and so we can take a close look at it for the first time.
Velocity Outdoor engineers have increased the .357 caliber Bulldog’s power by 50%. The Muzzle Energy specification is now up to 300 Ft/Lbs, compared to the 200 Ft/Lbs of the original model.
In preparation for our shooting tests, the HAM Team mounted a Hawke Sidewinder 6-24 x 50 FFP scope using Hawke 30 mm High Tactical Match Rings.
With its’ 24x magnification and sharp optics, the Sidewinder gives plenty of “reach” for long-range shooting. The rings are definitely sturdy, too, with their six screw top fixing.
The M357 Owner’s Manual indicates that 37mm, high, Absolute Co-Witness Rings are required for scope mounting – obviously due to the “straight line” design of the gun.
However, we have found that using a 0.75-Inch high Leapers UTG Super Slim Picatinny Riser between the rings and gun achieved the right result for us.
Although – at 36-Inches overall – the Benjamin Bulldog M357 is not long, it’s definitely a chunky airgun. With scope mounted, the all-up weight was 10 Lbs 14 Oz. That’s a fairly substantial weight and thoughts immediately turn to a bipod for accurate, long-range shooting.
Now, to provide additional air for the M357 the HPA tube is the 440 cc capacity tube from the Bulldog .457. This means that the lower forward Picatinny rail of the previous generation, .357 caliber, Bulldog is no longer present.
Given the “world’s longest” Picatinny rail incorporated in the top of the Bulldog, however, this is not a problem. The solution is an over-bore bipod.
HAM found the Leapers UTG TBNR Over-Bore Bipod to work well and be compatible with the first-model Bulldog. So that was our “go to” choice again for the M357. Unsurprisingly, it works well with the new model, too.
There’s a pretty good variety of .357 (9mm caliber) ammo available, as a glance at Pyramyd Air’s website shows. However, HAM will be testing the Benjamin Bulldog M357 with the company’s “home grown” 147 Grain Benjamin .357 Airgun Ammo. We’ll also try the “Benjamin by Nosler” Ballistic Tip Extreme Air Rifle Bullets.
It’s going to be interesting!
