I just picked up a 649-3 in 357 Magnum and was wondering what 357 ammo you all are using in your 2 1/8" J frames. I have a couple AirWeight 38 Special +P rated guns (638 & 642) that I use with +P 38's, but this is my first 357 Mag J frame. I shot a box of 357 mags through a J frame (model 640?) some years ago, that is the extent of mt 357/J frame experience

My plan for the 649 was something to carry with Magnum loads when I felt like it. So what 357 Magnums are you using with these little J frames? Have you had a chance to run them over a chronograph? How is the felt recoil & muzzle blast?

I was thinking of the Winchester 110gr Magnum loads, in part because I have a few boxes on hand. Any suggestions?

Bill

I'm sure you could do much worse than those Winchesters. I keep Remington 125 gr. SJHP sizzlers in my 2 1/4" taurus 605, as well as my L frames. The Remingtons are loud and snappy in that gun. They're not for the timid, but they shoot well in every .357 I have. My 360 PD gets fed Speer SB .357s.

I think if you chrono those 110-grainers out of your short tube you'll find that you're delivering less oomph than a standard velocity 9x19 from a compact pistol, but with the added downsides of more flash, noise and blast.

Personally, I'd see what the STHP .357s did from the gun if you want to stick with factory, but I'd probably myself carry the gun with THE LOAD (the starting 158-grain .38 Spl loading using SR 4756 from the Speer # 8). This gives me a controllable 1030 fps from a snub .357, with a heavy bullet.

Sabre,

My primary carry is 2 1/8" 640 loaded with Remington 158 gr. SJHP factory load (R357M2). Bullet clocks 1110 fps from this gun. Takes practice to control it but it is doable.

Downside of this load is a nuclear size muzzle flash. My next reloading project is a duplicate load based on SR4756 instead of 2400 or H110 (whichever is used in R357M2) and Speer 158 GD.

Just like Erich I am not a fan of light bullets in snubbies. In fact I may have picked it up from him.



Mike

I carry 125gr Remington Golden Sabers in my 649. At 1220fps/413 ft. lbs. I consider it a decent compromise between .38 +p and the more powerful .357 loads.

Thanks for the input, I'm thinking about some heavier bullets now. The 145gr Silvertip sounds like it might be just the thing

Bill

My M640 which is almost the same revolver as your M649 shoots unbelievable well with Winchester 145gr Silvertip .357 Magnum rounds. POA=POI and it's not too heavy a load so accurate follow-up shots are easily achievable. I tried many different .357 Magnum rounds and the Win 145gr Silvertip rounds seem to be the most accurate.