340PD and bullet weight

[CMD-KY]

I bought a 340PD used (no book) and on the barrel there is marked "No less than 120 grain bullet". I have become comfortable with a 110 grain .38 Spl bullet in another J-Frame. There has been mention in other threads that the weight limit only applies to using the .357 Mag. Is this true? What is the reason for the minimum weight?

 

[MgoBlue]

With .357 magnum, the lightweight revolver's recoil is too great and could cause bullet set back in the remaining rounds in the cylinder. That's why there is a minimum bullet weight when shooting .357. That just isn't an issue with the .38 special rounds.

 

[Rangerpat]

I shoot Speer Golddot 357MAG 135 gr. GDHP out of my 340PD with no problems, they're designed for short barrel revolvers.

 

[off road]

There have been several posts along this line lately. What I gather is, that if it says do not use less than 120 grain bullet, they are worried about flame cutting of the titanium cylinder by hot .357 loads. A .38 with a light bullet, should not be a problem.

If the gun says jacketed only, then they are worried about lead bullets jumping crimp in lightweight guns.

Anybody ever seen one that said both (???).

 

[balin]

i have a 340pd, and flame cutting with magnum rounds is the reason for the bullet weight warning. i have had bullets pull out and lock up the cylinder with lead bullets if they are of a very stout load.

 

[CMD-KY]

Thanks to you all, this has been very helpful.

 

[bimmerland]

So can I use Glasers?

 

[ENH]

38 spl yes, 357 mag no. I carry 110 gr 38spl Corbon DPX+P

 

[shadow1]

I shoot Speer Golddot 357MAG 135 gr. GDHP out of my 340PD with no problems, they're designed for short barrel revolvers.

This is what I have settled on also

 

[Packard]

My understanding is that the lighter bullets (from .357) accellerate so quickly and leave the chamber so quickly that the powder is still burning and that burning damages the Scandium frame.