Smith & Wesson does not recommend use of reloaded ammunition in any of their firearms. If an ammunition related incident occurs, it will not be covered under warranty.
That said, I use reloads for practice in short-barreled pistols similar to the Shield, which I don't own. I have found that the chambers have a short throat, and are intolerant of ammunition loaded too long.
You must do a "plunk" test with the dismounted barrel. Drop a cartridge into the chamber. The lip of the cartridge should rest solidly on the step in the chamber. If you press firmly on the base of the cartridge with your thumb, it should drop out freely when the barrel is upright. If it sticks, similar loads may misfire and be exceedingly hard to clear (imagine using a hammer rather than your thumb to drive it in place).
If you reload, exercise due diligence, and use the components and powder charge recommended on published loading charts. The correct OAL may vary from the published value, based on the test above. It is usually a maximum value, and the correct load should be approached from below with caution.
Last edited by Neumann; 09-11-2016 at 09:56 PM.
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