I heard that Mdl 66's would crack a cylinder if .357 ammo was used a lot in them. Is there any truth to this or did the person have his information wrong ? Was it,perhaps, the first model 66's ?
What you heard was probably a reference to the forcing cone (the rear projection of the barrel, toward the cylinder) cracking, usually reported with use of hotter 125 gr .357 ammo. If someone is shooting heavy-enough loads to cause cylinders to crack they are risking life and limb, and as you might imagine S & W is not in the business of selling time bombs . Hope this is helpful.
The only time I have seen cylinders break is when they were subjected to reloads which were over charged (too much powder). The 66 (and all K frames) are subject to eventual forcing cone failure if light grain magnums are shot frequently. The K is a perfect gun for people who want to train with .38 ammo and carry .357 for defense.
I have a early 66-2 that has had approximately 20K rounds through it. Mostly 158 grain .357 hand loads and .38 special rounds. Wad cutters and +P rounds. No sign of cracks or failures of any kind. If I had known when I bought this for $200 in 1984 that it was this great of a gun I would have a bought a dozen more of them! Kyle
Model 66-2
. Hope this is helpful.
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