I have a 340PD and I know you aren't supposed to shoot less than a 120gr 357 mag bullet, but I was wondering if a 110gr Hornady Critical Defense in a 38+P would also damage the gun? Does anyone have a "go to bullet" for personal defense for the 340, since it is so light weight and I am old and have arthritis in my hands.

I have the M&P but from what I read up on your PD, 110 grain in .38 is ok. It's only in .357 magnum that the weight restriction applies. As far defensive rounds go in .38+P, I like the Hornady round as well as the Speer Gold Dot.

Just a suggestion but you might try addressing this question to S&W via email. I've had good experience this way and they usually get back to be within a week.

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Old Cop
LEO (Ret.)

Thanks I didn't know you could email Smith & Wesson. I have emailed them and they said they should get back to me in 3 to 5 days.

It is only on the magnums. Too much powder still burning when the bullet clears the chamber is my understanding. The +p burns more completely.

You still MAY have a problem with "crimp jump," even in a .38 load. My early (2001) 360Sc, kissing cousin to your gun with its titanium cylinder, showed c-j with a 110gr Norma .38 load. Bullet weight itself in these extremely lightweight guns is no guarantor of proper function. The R-P 125 grain .357 "medium load" (can't remember the designation) also jumped its crimp. In fact, the bullet pulled completely out of the case.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

I received this email back from Smith & Wesson and some of you all were correct about it being only for the 357 Mag I will copy their response
Dear Customer,

That rule only applies to the .357 ammo as lower than 120 gr .357 mag ammo can be corrosive. As long as this 110 gr 38 spl +P ammo meets SAAMI spec, then you shouldn't have any issues using it in your 340PD revolver.


Smith&Wesson values its customers and we are happy to have served you today. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require further assistance.

I contacted them to see if that would be an issue with the 327PC. I heard back from them today and same response, in .357 magnum nothing under 120 grains. I like 110 grains and enjoy shooting it in my 340 M&P. I don't presently own the 327PC but I am interested in it. I guess you have to accept the trade off of ammo restrictions and what you use to clean titanium cylinders for the benefit of lighter weight.

I have a 342PD and it has no problem with that bullet weight.

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John
S&WCA Life Member

Has anyone tried any heavyweights? I ran some underwood 180 grain solids through my 327 and they ran faster than the underwood 158 grains.
I found that interesting. I have some Doubletap 200 and 180 grainers I'm gonna try as well.

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627 5", 327 PC, 640