hello all , I recently found a box of .357 magnums I loaded

some time ago with 12.5 grs of 2400 using Lyman 357446 ,

I plan on shooting this load in a model 19 and a couple of other

medium non n frame .357 revolvers is load too hot ??

please post, many thanks, robbt

My normal magnum load is 14.0 gr. of 2400. 12.5 should be good to go.

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Hal
S&WCA #3549

12.5 grains of 2400 and a Lyman 357446 bullet (approximately 162 grain SWC) in a K frame magnum is a good load. I would not exceed that in a K frame gun.

When I loaded .357, I used the H&G #51 SWC weighing about 160 grains along with 12 grains #2400; accurate and about 1100 - 1150 fps from 6" barreled revolvers. While likely not a maximum load, I'm pretty sure it would do all anyone expected from a .357 without being harsh on gun or shooter.

13.5 grs of 2400 has always , for years been my go to load using 158-173 gr cast bullets in K-frame 357's . Don't get too caught up in internet myths about K-frame 357's being " weak sisters " . Yes , they have their problems , esp w/125 gr bullets using full loads of H-110 / W 296 (over 21 grs ) . My K-357's are as tight as the day they were made . Regards Paul

I load 158gr bullets at 14.0 grs and 14.5 grs 2400. And though they do feel a bit stout, factory loads produce more recoil and blast than either one of those loads.

You can use the 2400 powder for the lead bullets but I save this slow burning powder
for my 158 XTP or heavier copper jacket bullets for top fps.


In my 686 6" I can get 1320 fps with Unique or Universal and any medium powder can get a load around 1150 fps for a nice medium load.

In a "K" frame, a 158 lead bullet at 1200 fps is a healthy load and you might enjoy
a target load that is around 1050~1100 fps for all day plinking or even some Trail Boss for a super light load at 788 fps.

The answer is no.

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Joshua 1:9

My std. load is 13.5 of 2400 behind my cast 168 gr bullet.....As reported here elsewhere I did crack the forcing cone on my 19 with cast bullets and Unique.
The 125 gr hot bullet is a myth. The thin forcing cones on the 19 was/is the problem with most any load that was shot a lot.

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S&W Accumulator

The problem with the .357 Magnum, was that it had a weak spot.........
that caused a lot of cracked, forcing cones, using full powered loads.

One reason it should be used as a 38 +P weapon.

Back in the day, 12.5 gr of 2400 would have been just a mild 357 load with 160 gr projectiles.

I shot a lot of 357 hand loaded ammo that significantly exceeded that load without issue in M19’s.

Loading manuals are MUCH more conservative now.

12.5 grains of 2400 and a 158 LSWC is the staple load of 357s for J frame, Kimber K6s, SP 101 and K frame Model 19s. Thousands of rounds downrange in 19s since 1971 and no cracked forcing cones on the rear o the barrel. 1100-1160 fps out of various bbl lengths, superbly accurate and pleasant to shoot. Forcing cones cracked on Model 19s, because of 125JHPs built by Federal and Remington in the 70s and 80s. H110 or WW296 ball powders were the culprits. Keep a clean forcing cone and cylinder and cut down on debris that adds to the problem. Enjoy your 19 more many more years to come.

The vast majority of 19s do not suffer cracked forcing cones

Unfortunately for me, my Model 19 was one of the small minority.

Were there specific Remington & Federal bullets of the era you mentioned: were there not also some 110gr JHPs identified as possible culprits?

R/E the whole model 19 forcing cone issue - Back in the day, the model 19 / 66 was the issue handgun for my department, the CSP. 125 grain SJHP Remington .357 ammo was standard issue.

As much as I like my S&W's, the K frames did not hold up well to heavy use of this load. I seen several with cracked forcing cones, and quite a few more that were out of time, and in general, "loose".

These guns had seen a lot of rounds, but still did not seem to hold up as well as other K frames I have been acquainted with that were shot with a steady diet of milder, or heavier bullet magnum ammo. I happen to think that 125 grain Remington load is one of the best available as a self defense stopper in a handgun, but would use it sparingly in a K frame.

Larry

I am of the opinion that the 357446 is more accurate when pushed out the barrel fast than at medium velocities. I don't care for it as a plinker but it should do better at those velocities.

As to forcing cone cracks, I personally would not shoot anything lighter than a 150 gr bullet in a K frame.

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Front sight and squeeze

This load is about a .38/44 load. Very handy, and won't beat up the shooter or the gun

14.0 gr 2400 + 160 gr cast bullet here. I forget which Lyman mould. It feels warmer than a lot of factory loads but not all.

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Common sense isn't so common.