As a point of early 1960's historical interest: A recent discussion with txshooter about .357 ammunition used by the Texas DPS reminded me of this by Kent Bellah in the 1965 edition of WHB Smith's Book of Pistols and Revolvers. Starting on p 730 in my copy.

Bellah wrote in the manufacturer's section that Colt's with frame mounted firing pins - Python and .357/Trooper - didn't have the misfire and primer flow problems.

I found the .38 special-only rule being evaded with hot .38 handloads interesting.

I have a vague recollection of having read another reference to Texas DPS forbiding .357 in S&W's, but can't find it. Anyone have other information?

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"...Both makes [Winchester & Remington, plus earlier mention of same with Norma] gave misfires and primer setback in nearly new postwar S&W revolvers. When primer setback occurred the cylinder had to be driven open with a mallet, or turned with both hands, to shear off primer extrusion in the firing-pin hole.
As handloading editor of GUNS Magazine, I had complaints from readers, police agencies and individuals from all over the nation on these serious troubles. The Texas Dept. of Public Safety called in all .357 ammo in the hands of the Texas Highway Patrol in January, 1964, ordering personnel to use .38 Specials until a solution was found. We had experienced these troubles for years. All ammunition we tested was within the Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) specifications.
SAAMI specs for .357 Magnum primers call for 30 inch ounces (io) of energy. Pre-1965 ammo ran around 24 io, which will certainly fire in a good weapon. Some S&W revolvers tested as low as 18 io. No doubt the short postwar action contributed to the light hammer blow. No doubt some individuals had lightened the hammer blow to “limber up” the actions to nearly equal the fine prewar actions.
Remington-Peters and Super-X at long last revised their ammo. Our tests in May, 1965, with various lots indicated better overall quality than ever before, with greater sensitivity in revised primers, in our own drop tests it fired 100% where older ammo gave about 18% misfires. We consider it dependable, even in arms with a slightly marginal firing-pin blow.
...

When the Texas Highway Patrol had misfires and primer setback in .357 S&W guns, they wanted .38 Special loads with .357 ballistics. We supplied loads developed to their specifications, a H&G No. 51 bullet with 12.2 grs. 2400 and CCI Magnum primers, for 30,000 psi at 1140 fps in 4” barrels, compared with 1140 fps for R-P lead bullet loads. This won’t damage a .38 Special gun if fired in an emergency or by accident, but is higher pressure than recommended. It should be used in .357 Magnums only."

Kent Bellah, 1965