Quote:
Originally Posted by rwsmith
Didn't the flat that was machined into the bottom of the forcing cone contribute to the cracking problem?
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Yes it did. That's where the barrel will usually crack, if it does at all. This is why the L frame was developed. it is just enough larger to eliminate the flat on the barrel.
I carried a M-19 from 1978 to 1983 (Department issue) and our duty load was the Federal .357 125gr JHP and it was hot. Allegedly 1450 fps out of a 4" barrel. Any way we were issued a new box every 3 months so the old ammo was shot off at quals. So about 200-250 rounds of the hot stuff per year. I switched departments in '83 and when I tuned in that 19 the only noticable wear was the start of some flame cutting. I did shoot a lot of hand loads out of that gun also but not near as hot as the federals.