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Old 04-06-2017, 05:04 AM
Bill In Texas Bill In Texas is online now
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Default Speer SB .357 135 Grain

HI Everyone!

This might fall under the category of a dumb question, and I may already know the answer after researching a little bit. But, I'll ask anyway as I'm probably just looking for validation.

So, here goes. I picked up a few boxes of Speer Short Barrel 135 grain .357 magnums a couple of weeks ago to try out. Mostly these are meant for possible carry ammo in my 640-1 and 60-15 Pro, but I got to wondering about shooting them out of my 66-2 with a 2.5" barrel.

I know that these rounds are really just .38 special +p+, and not full magnums, so I assume that there wouldn't be any problem with my 66, but I wanted to get more knowledgeable opinions than my own.

What concerns me of course, is everything I've read about the forcing cone in old K frames and full power .357's. I certainly don't want to harm my 66-2.

Thanks in advance for responding!
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Old 04-06-2017, 05:17 AM
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murphydog murphydog is offline
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They are rated at about 900-1000 fps in a short barrel, compared to the full 125 gr .357 that will probably do 1200 fps. Extra stress over a +P .38 Special but should be fine.
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Old 04-06-2017, 05:54 AM
629shooter 629shooter is offline
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Originally Posted by murphydog View Post
They are rated at about 900-1000 fps in a short barrel, compared to the full 125 gr .357 that will probably do 1200 fps. Extra stress over a +P .38 Special but should be fine.
I agree.

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Old 04-06-2017, 07:35 AM
Double-O-Dave Double-O-Dave is offline
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The "troublemaker" ammo that caused all of the hub-bub with the K-framed .357 Magnum revolvers was the 125 gr. JHP in .357 Magnum chambering. During the days of the wheel gun, that was considered "a", if not "the" premium manstopper round. The same ammo loaded in .38 Special was considered fine, and in fact, any .38 Special ammo in a .357 Magnum revolver was considered okay for use. As I recall, the heavier bullet weights were okay for use without problems.

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Dave
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Old 04-06-2017, 08:48 AM
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If they would be safe in your "J" frames they certainly would be safe in the "K"
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Old 04-06-2017, 01:16 PM
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They are NOT Plus P Plus, which S&W reps told me caused as much trouble in K-frame .357's as did those very hot 125 grain smokers. Those were basically .357 loads in .38 cases, so cops could tell the media and political troublemakers that they issued .38 ammo. This was mainly in liberal cities where that was a factor. Plus P Plus was not offered to the public and departments had to sign waivers acknowedging that the ammo would cause extra wear on guns.


The Speer SB loads are mild, and in .357 cases, if for a .357. They also make SB ammo in .38 Special.


Both are considered to be about as good as it gets for their purpose. BTW, I called Speer and they said these are okay for up to four-inch barrels. After that, bullets may expand excessvely at the higher velocity, limiting penetration.


SB is what I keep in my three-inch guns, if not using the lead HP Plus P 158 grain load.


They can be hard to find. You're very lucky to locate three boxes.


One of the most effective loads in a three-inch .357 is Winchester's 145 grain Silvertip, which hits about 1200 FPS in a three-incher. A detective who checked local shootings with it said it proved VERY effective on felons. It was issued to both Dallas PD and FBI personnel wanting Magnum ammo. It was used mainly in K-frame guns, of course, with three and four-inch barrels. Recoil would be a bit smart in a J-frame or Ruger SP.


Bear in mind that NO .357 ammo is really "range ammo" for routine practice and plinking. It was never intended for that purpose. It is to kill things and people. Excessive use will shorten gun llife and accelerate the need for repairs. Particularly now that S&W no longer makes the fine revolvers they once did, you don't want to wear one sooner than need be.


Practice enough with .357's to remain proficient, but otherwise, shoot it at coyotes, deer, javelina, and such. Or at people trying to kill you. Shoot normal pressure .38 ammo for routine range loads.

Last edited by Texas Star; 04-06-2017 at 01:26 PM.
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Old 04-06-2017, 01:29 PM
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If they would be safe in your "J" frames they certainly would be safe in the "K"

Probably not. The location of cylinder locking notches on the five-shot J's makes the cylinder stronger than on K-frame guns, or so I've read.


But the Speer SB loads are nowhere near maximum for either size gun.
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Old 04-06-2017, 03:59 PM
at_liberty at_liberty is offline
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<snip> Shoot normal pressure .38 ammo for routine range loads.
Or reload and use 357 cases and a load between 38 +p and 357 Magnum minimum. I actually load two steps, one for J-frame size 357s like my Model 60-10 and 60 Pro, and another for K or other carry guns like the Ruger Security Six. My K is a 19-4. The real deal is reserved for big guns like my 686 or Ruger GP100.

Yes, my carry ammo is Speer Short Barrel.

Last edited by at_liberty; 04-06-2017 at 04:00 PM.
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