We have all read the reliable info that steel J Frames can take +P loadings, just not all the time. I verified that yesterday with both Speer Lawman 125g JHP +P, and Speer 235g GDHP+P. One each, the 125g was a hotter load. They both destroyed water filled milk jugs rather satisfactorily, while 4g 231 158g LSWC just punched a hole but felt strong enough to jar the small revolver unnecessarily. I don't intend to use this 649 for a shooter but a carry piece, which has been trained with. Can someone recommend a practice load using 231 or Unique and 158g LSWC that will be kind for a long life? Ten foot point blank distance is not a concern for pinpoint precision.

__________________
"Don't Give Up the Ship"

5.4 gr. Unique with a 158 gr. powder coated SWC is what I shoot in my 357's for practice (in 38 Sp cases). Nice accurate load that won't damage your pistol over the long run.

__________________
What could possibly go wrong?

In my M49 snub nose I only use Unique for full or +P loads.

With a 125 JHP I have used 5.7 grs of w231 with a F100 that does around 830fps.

With a 158 LRN, 4.0 grs of w231 does from 555-611 for a ave of 587.
However Bullseye,SR4759, Trail Boss & HS-6, gave me better groups at 15 yards.

Have fun.

How old is your M649? As far as I know the M649 is a stainless revolver chambered in .357 Magnum so if it is shooting the .38 Special +P ammo is safe to shoot without a doubt.

I don't have my book handy so I can't check if the M649 was made in .38 Special like the M60 was. Check the barrel to see which cartridge it's chambered for. If I'm incorrect I apologize in advance.

__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437

Quote: Can someone recommend a practice load using 231 or Unique and 158g LSWC that will be kind for a long life?

After 50 years reloading .38 Special and shooting them in everything from airweight J-frames to large-frame .357 magnums, I have settled on 3 basic loads:

1. .38 Special +P, cast 158-SWC with 5.4 grains Unique.
2. .38 Special "field load", cast 158-SWC with 5.0 grains Unique.
3. .38 Special "range ammo", cast 158-SWC with 4.5 grains Unique.

Load #1 (+P level) is stout and I recommend using that only in steel-framed K-frame or heavier revolvers.

Load #2 is at the upper end of standard velocity and pressure limits. Recoil is sharp in the J-frames and alloy-framed revolvers. Accurate and very effective on small to medium game animals.

Load #3 is relatively mild, suitable for range sessions when shooting 100 rounds at a time, much easier on the shooter in the smaller and lighter revolvers.

Based on the parameters of the OP's request, I recommend Load #3 for regular practice use in the 649.

__________________
Life of the party until 8:00PM

My Model 649-2 which shipped May 1, 1996, is rated for limited use of Plus P ammunition according to the instruction manual. This same instruction manual, REV 2/95 states that the 649-1 is not rated for Plus P.

[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]
[IMG][/IMG]

__________________
Dave Brown
SWCA #3279

I assumed your 649 was chambered for 357 mag when recommending the above load. If you have the 38 Sp version, LoboGunLeather is correct that a lower charge of Unique serve you better in the long run.

__________________
What could possibly go wrong?

It's those 235gr GDHP+Ps I'm scratching my head about...?

Cheers!

As noted, the S&W 649 came in 38 Spl. and a 357 Magnum, model.
My M49 is identical with the above 649 , 38 special, except for the "Mod 49" stamp on my crane.

Cylinder length, is the only quick give away, if you can't see the cal. markings.

A good practice load is the one you mentioned using 231 powder and 158 LSWC. It may only "punch a hole" (not sure what you're looking for) but it's accurate in most guns and a safe load for any modern .38 Special revolver in good shape.

Any load in a J-frame can have significant felt recoil for some persons. Familiarization and frequent practice using good shooter technique will alleviate the condition.

I've shot a 158 SWC over 4.5 grains of Unique in an alloy frame Colt Agent for years without harm. The Colt is not as strong as your 649. The load that I just mentioned is also very accurate.

For less recoil, drop down to one of the 125 gr cast bullets. Any 158 gr load will kick a bit in the J frame.

With a little luck, this friday I might go to the indoor range with the kids.

One of my test is with a J frame M49 with 8-9 target to +P loads.
It will let me know how felt recoil is again, since it has been a while since
I shot this light 38 special.

( Changed to the 20th ? )

Thanks for the many replies. Pics of my 649-2, 38 Special would be identical to Nevada Ed's. Years ago when I got my first S$W, a mod 10 tapered in fresh show room condition, old timers at the range warned me to not shoot +p in order to keep it tight. I intend to follow that advice in my new "Precious". I like to have my cake and eat it too, but gently.

Next upcoming will be a 586 4" in also near mint ( according to the photos ). My luck is I just cannot find a working revolver other than the ones I have already mastered. Well I have seen a couple m14's recently. Thankfully I love my Shield .45 which does not gain a turn line or any other marking from use.

__________________
"Don't Give Up the Ship"

I have a 649-1 that I purchased new. I have carried it more than any other gun that I own. I have never loaded it with anything hotter than standard velocity .38 Special ammo. I have other guns for that. Maybe I'm missing something, but I consider .357 Magnum in a J-frame a bit overkill. No desire to own or shoot such a firearm.

__________________
'Merica!