I just upgrade from a 38 airweight to a M&P 340, mainly for the better sights (old eyes). Was firing it today with .357 ammo and the bullets were coming out on the fourth and fifth round. Even had a fifth round come out so far as to bind the cylinder. What ammo is everyone using in these guns, that is reliable? I think S&W states that you have to use over 120 grain bullets in these guns and I was firing 158 grain loads, having this problem.

Had the same problem with my old 360PD (sold it). .357 was too much for my gun (unseating problem) as well as for my hand.

I started using Speer Gold Dot "Short Barrel" ammo, .38 spl +P ammo. Only about 150 fps slower than the .357 ammo without the huge kick and no problems with unseating.

I now have a 342 M&P and I still use the same ammo.

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Man of Steel

I use 158 hydra shocks for SD. For practice I use whatever 158 is the cheapest and have never had a problem. Normally CCI blazer or Sellier & bellot.

I have the same revolver, but I am actually carrying some Speer Gold Dot .38+p's in it. I had a 340PD that I had the cylinder bind up a few times due to cheap ammo also. On the M&P it doesn't specify a grain count for the bullet, that's on the PD guns.

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Mike C

I use Speer Gold Dot 135gr +P 38 Specials in it and don't have that problem. Good thing you tested yours, and when I change loads, even plinking loads, I also check mine.

The 340 is the ONLY firearm I have owned that I hated to shoot with any kind of 'warm' loads. Sold it and got a 649. A LOT heavier but fun to shoot and the flinch is gone.

When I had my M&P360, I shot Speer short barrel ammo. Never had any crimp jump with either their 357 or 38+P stuff.

Ok, I went out and bought some Speer Gold Dot for short barrels to try out. One other question. My gun has a factory laser grip which is too thin and too close to the trigger and I think it makes the recoil seem greater since it doesn't fit my hand. I don't really care about the laser because I bought the gun for the night sights and weight, which I am happy about. What grips do you all recommend as a replacement?

I carry a 340PD daily with Speer 135gr. SB 357s, and have never had an issue with bullet pull.

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Join the NRA

I use Remington UMC 125gr JSP and Speer Gold Dot 135gr short barrel in mine and have not had a problem with either one.

Speer 357 Gold Dot short barrel 135's.

Just picked up a 340 MP the other day.
Anyone tried the 129 .38 Special +P Hydra shok?
Thoughts? Speer is hard to come by in the sb version here in Chattanooga

Speer Gold Dot 135.

357 Magnum Hornady 140 XTP-HP is what I currently carry, shoot and qualify with

W-W 110gr JHP .357. Selected the M&P over the PD version for it's steel cylinder and ability to use these 110gr loads. Also the Blazer .357 158gr JHO "medium load." Never been happy with my 360Sc model of 2001 with its titanium cylinder.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

Most of the time I carry Remington 110 gr.

Speer 357 Gold Dot short barrel 135's seems to be the consensus for the 360pd for everyday. Mostly I use the 125 +P Rem. seems a bit of a waste not to use Magnum loads in a life situation.
Bought two boxes 20 each recommended also by cheaper than dirt.com to range compare for CC defense. Let's see which seems appropriate for real life. Don't do much range shooting just for functionality.

In my experience, the only 357 MAG load that I have found that DOES NOT come unseated or jump the crimp after the first 4 pulls is the Winchester Silver Tip...

Haven't yet tried the boutique ammo manufacturer's that offer rounds specifically for these pocket rocket Titanium / Scandium pistols...

All the best!

I have not handled the laser so I can't offer a comparison between it and the ones I've grown to like. I have a pretty good sized paw, and I hate grabbing a revolver as if I'm having afternoon tea out of a demitasse with my little finger raised. I want a handful of stock or grip.

Here are shots of my M&P 340 with Hogue's Centennial Tamer and my 640 Pro with Karl Nill stocks especially for S&W Centennials. The third shot is both guns, but the 340 has a pair of Altamont rosewood stocks (not high enough on the back strap for my liking). The last shot compares the 340 with the Tamer to a 360PD with a Hogue Monogrip -- the Tamer offers a more compact package, and it does what its name implies.

Hope this helps a bit.

Bob

Attached Images

	M&P 340, Hogue Centennial Tamers.jpg (113.5 KB, 61 views)
	640 Pro, Karl Nill Centennials.jpg (114.8 KB, 49 views)
	M&P340 & 640Pro left quarter.jpg (105.6 KB, 49 views)
	Centennial Tamer vs MONOGRIP.jpg (85.5 KB, 51 views)

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Wrangler of stray Chiefs
Bob

Bought two boxes .357 Speer for short barrel 360pd, shot one round, never again.
Went back to +p for sd. Saving the remaining for range disposal with one of their heavier revolvers. Shot over a few hundred thousand rounds from M-60 USMC, numerous rifles and pistols, nothing like that .357 recoil, not functional in real life.

Even lead .38 spl #P will back out of the cases after 3-4 shots.Stick with mild stuff or use jacketed bullets if looking for speed.