Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Ammo
o

Notices

Ammo All Ammo Discussions Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 02-21-2017, 04:30 PM
Tennessee Jed Tennessee Jed is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Music City USA
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts
Default S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets

Hi Everyone,

I've got an S&W 65-8 Ladysmith. The 65-8 has a two-piece barrel, like the new 66's, and does not have the flat spot at the bottom of the forcing cone.

I'd like to shoot 125 grain bullets at 357 magnum velocities (1300+ fps) out of the Ladysmith if I can do so without risking damage to the forcing cone. I know that regular use of 125 grain jacketed bullets in a k-frame should be avoided. My question is, does the risk of cracking the forcing cone go down if you shoot lead 125 grain bullets instead of jacketed?

My understanding is that, with the two-piece barrel, the risk of forcing cone cracking is reduced, but I'm wondering if using lead bullets reduces the risk further.

Thanks for your help.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 02-22-2017, 01:07 PM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is offline
US Veteran
S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

Why practice with full load 125gr lead bullets at 1,300 fps?

Second, do you have access to 125gr LHP bullets.

Third, do you reload?

Good day.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 02-22-2017, 03:20 PM
Tennessee Jed Tennessee Jed is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Music City USA
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts
Default

The reason for practicing with this ammo is that I prefer 125 grain JHPs in my 357 magnums, if possible. And I prefer to practice with something equal to or similar to my carry ammo.

I handload all of my target range ammo, and do have access to 125 JHP's and 125 JSP's. I've fired a lot of both through different revolvers (mostly an N-frame and a GP100). I've also loaded and fired a lot of plated 125 grain bullets at this velocity.

In the k-frame I've used 158 grain bullets (almost exclusively lead) to avoid the k-frame curse from 125 grain magnum ammo. However, I just recently bumped into some lead 125 grain bullets and started wondering if shooting lead 125's, instead of jacketed 125's, would make a difference with forcing cone problems and erosion.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 02-22-2017, 08:10 PM
Nevada Ed's Avatar
Nevada Ed Nevada Ed is offline
US Veteran
S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Reno Nv
Posts: 13,376
Likes: 3,183
Liked 12,712 Times in 5,669 Posts
Default

Understand now..........

The 125gr lead that they have now is usually for the 38 special and is also in 800fps "Cowboy" loads.

These 125gr lead bullets if factory or reloads at 1300fps might lead the barrel?
I have had a 158 Lswc in my 686 6" up to 1320fps but just 5-10 for testing and not a lot to know if they lead the barrel, since I usually
fire a few JHP at the end of my shooting to take some lead out of the barrel. ?

There are tapered and RN 125gr lead bullets out there but at that high speed I might look at coated bullets.

Good shooting.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 02-22-2017, 08:41 PM
Tennessee Jed Tennessee Jed is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Music City USA
Posts: 28
Likes: 2
Liked 10 Times in 6 Posts
Default

I appreciate your help sir. Thanks so much.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 02-23-2017, 08:44 AM
Goblin Goblin is offline
Member
S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets S&W 65-8 and 125 grain LEAD bullets  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: North Texas
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 2,455
Liked 1,148 Times in 608 Posts
Default

The gas pressure and flame cutting would likely be about the same with lead or jacketed bullets pushed to the same velocity, so I don't think there's any benefit. As Ed stated, the bullets may not be hard enough to prevent excessive leading, and some 158s aren't either. I'd stick with the 158s, if you've found a hard bullet you like.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Coated lead bullets-Precision Bullets Jamie Reloading 7 07-04-2017 01:14 AM
Missouri Bullets 357 140 grain Zinger bullets muddocktor Reloading 2 09-08-2016 05:07 PM
150 Grain Round Nose Lead Same Data as 150 Grain #2 Alloy? kbm6893 Reloading 5 06-24-2014 06:55 PM
WTS:38 Caliber .357 158 grain RN lead bullets 75 In Box L1A1 Accessories/Misc - For Sale or Trade 3 04-30-2014 12:14 AM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:22 PM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)