Model 627 Ammo choices

2chill7 · Jan 2, 2021

Hell S&W forum members,

I am a new gun owner and had a question relating to ammo for my 357 Magnum model 627 Pro Performance revolver. I know it can fire 357 and 38 special but my question is related to the 38 special ammo. S&W states you can fire 357 and 38 S&W +P. Does this mean I can't fire 38 special, just plus P? Or can I use 38 special (non plus p).

Also, does it matter the grain? I have been sticking with 158 but it is practical to use 125 or some other grains?

Thank you in advance - I look forward to hearing anyone's thoughts.

505Gibbs · Jan 2, 2021

Any commercially made 38 or 357 ammo is fine!
IF you use a lot of 38 Spl and do not give the cylinder a good scrubbing you may have insertion or extraction issues with the 357 ammo due to the carbon and the shorter 38 Spl ammo.

2chill7 · Jan 2, 2021

Thank you Gibbs505

Jeff97223 · Jan 2, 2021

I'm very fond of the 125 grain load for the 357. In the 38 special I tend to favor 158 grain bullets. Since you are new to gun ownership you should know that shooting unjaketed lead bullets can leave lead in the barrel and can be difficult to remove. I recommend using copper jacketed bullets, especially in 357 magnum loads.

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

2chill7 · Jan 2, 2021

Thank you Jeff97223 - much appreciated

LCC · Jan 2, 2021

As a new gun owner, suggest starting with .38 to develop good shooting mechanics, able to consistently place close groups on target, than move up to .38 +P. When able to close group +P rounds time for the magnum rounds. Enjoy your new revolver, what a great choice for a first handgun.

2chill7 · Jan 2, 2021

Thank you for the great advice LLC.

Nightowl · Jan 3, 2021

2chill7: The .357 Magnum is a lengthened .38 Special case that is loaded to much higher pressure than any .38 Special cartridge. It was designed .125 inch longer to prevent high pressure loads from being fired into older, weaker, .38 Special guns.
So, you can fire any .38 Special cartridge in a .357 Magnum revolver, from wadcutter target loads to the hottest .38 Special loads. However, a debris ring can build up in the chambers when firing .38 Special loads, as it is shorter, that needs to be cleaned after firing. This ring, if left, and is bad enough, can prevent the insertion of .357 Magnum cases.
I have shot thousands of .38 Special rounds through .357 Magnum guns with not problems, just good cleaning. In fact, I have some .357 guns that have less than a box of .357s shot through them, but thousands of .38 target loads. Welcome to the revolver world!

2chill7 · Jan 3, 2021

Thank you for that great explanation Nightowl.

I am happy to have joined the world of gun owners!

jack the toad · Jan 3, 2021

I believe your inquiry has been addressed. So since you're new here, I'll advise you that we like pics, especially of your S&W's.

Model 627 Ammo choices

2chill7

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505Gibbs

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2chill7

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Jeff97223

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2chill7

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LCC

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2chill7

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Nightowl

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2chill7

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jack the toad

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