I just bought a model 19-5 from my lgs that I am quite tickled with. 3-T's, 6" barrel, RR, WO and its pretty, probably 98%.

So far I shot some 38 special wadcutters through it and I was pleased with the results.

Now I know you are not supposed to shoot 110 and 125 grain .358 magnum loads for fear of cracking the forcing cone, but can I shoot 38 special 125 grain +P loads without fear of damage?

Thanks for your input!

All day long, an for the next umpteen decades.

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NRA Instructor

This .38 load is rated at about 900 fps, and the .357 with the same bullet weight about 1400 fps. The latter is a lot harder on the gun (and the target). No problems with shooting the .38 in your model 19, as John noted.

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Alan
SWCA LM 2023, SWHF 220

Agree with above...but what is a .358 Magnum?

SHHHHH, dammit, that's supposed to be a secret!

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Oh well, what the hell.

Thanks for the responses, including those making fun of my typing. Luckily, I can shoot better than I can type.

kas

The .358 Magnum load is one of the wildcat, revolver only, loads that is still in the "beta" testing stage. It was not going to be released to the public until the 2014 mega trade show. You know the one held in Las Vegas with the full glasses of free liquor and lots of not free half-dressed babes

I've all ready booked my flight and hotel room, who else is planning on attending?

That's "beta", brother, but I'm with you. My room is already booked.

kas

I've lately been considering going back to my Model 66 revolvers for carry. I have a 2 1/2" and a rare Ashland 3" model.
This is because the lack of 9mm practice or even carry ammo due to the shortage and hording that makes it hard to get.

What I've been re-thinking is that I aways carried them with .357 125 grain jacketed hollow points.
Recently a friend at the range let me try some Buffalo Bore .38 +P, 158 grain, lead, semi-wadcutter, hollow point ammo. (He's a good friend, this stuff is expensive).
This uses a soft lead bullet with a gas check to prevent leading and permits driving the bullet at near .357 Magnum velocities, and still get the FBI mandated 13 inches of penetration.

This stuff is HOT, but has less blast, flash, and recoil then the .357 Magnum.
Over the years most of the ammo factories seem to have been reducing the power of the +P loads until they're not much hotter then the older standard .38 loads were.
The Buffalo Bore stuff is about as hot as you can run .38 Special, and I wouldn't use it in a small frame revolver.

If i do go back to the Model 66's, this is what I'm going to carry them with.