340PD Silvertip 357 bullet unseating under recoil

[bonjorno2]

I have seen the warnings but never had experienced it before until now. This weekend I was trying a few different types of ammo in my 340PD to include some fmj 38 spl, 38 spl 158 grain nyclads and Winchester silver tips 145 357. Did the test with the silver tips and after firing 4 rounds the 5th was noticeably moved forward then the new ammo in the box. It's important to test your ammo and what you want to carry before putting it in a pistol. I didn't check the nyclad 38's but I will make sure to take a look next time I can get to the range. Just thought I'd see if anyone else has a 357 mag load that works in their 340PD so I can try it. Thanks and I hope this helps someone out there with one of these little snubbies.

 

[Erich]

Thanks for the photos - bummer, uomo. Hey, I'm sort of surprised to see this, as the .357 STHPs I have are majorly crimped (way more than that one you have on the right).

 

[bonjorno2]

^^^ yeah I didn't think they would move this much after 4 shots fired. I want to carry 3 38SPL nyclads and 2 mags in my 340. I have to find the right 357, and I hope that this prevents someone from really hurting themselves with this type of load or damaging their gun!

you think I might have a bad box of ST's?

 

[Erich]

Honestly, I don't know . . . I haven't bought any in over a decade. If it were me, though (and I'm not suggesting that you do this - I'd only do it because I have exemplars of the proper crimp for which I'd be aiming), I'd be tempted to run those through a Lee Factory Crimp Die.

 

[bonjorno2]

I have a buddy that reloads I'll have him take a look at them next time I see him. Any suggestions on another 357 to try?

 

[joonbis]

I fired 14 rnds of Speer gdhp-sb 357 last weekend thru my 340pd. They seemed to be good, but my accuracy was not good and 14 rnds was all I wanted to do in one session. The 38special was alot easier to get back on target and more accurate. 38s was actually fun to shoot.

 

[slabside2]

I shoot Reminton full power 125 SJHP 357 mag. In my 340pd all the time and never had a problem only pain in my hand when I'm done shooting.

 

[Autococker07]

Did that chip in the rim of the right hand one come from pushing the bullet back in?

 

[bonjorno2]

Did that chip in the rim of the right hand one come from pushing the bullet back in?

I did a double take of the 357 on the right and it must of been something with the photo. It doesn't have anything on it like a chip or scratch. I can see what you are talking about from the picture though!

it may be a reflection off my lens of the camera but not sure

 

[s3dcor]

I bought a 340PD a couple of years ago and on my first shooting session the cylinder jammed after firing 2 rounds. The bullets pulled out far enough to
lock it up. It was just too light, hurt to shoot it and with the bullets coming out I didn't think it was dependable. I sold it within a week and bought a 19.

 

[SAFireman]

This very same thing happened to me with Remington Golden Saber rounds. You can see the whole thread (and pictures) here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/168749-updated-again-8-18-2013-holy-bullet-jump-batman.html

Let me know if you find something that is working better...currently, I am leaving the 340 at home and carrying the worlds ugliest model 38

 

[MikeyB]

So far I haven't had any issues using the Speer GD 135gr .357 loads for short barrels.

 

[bonjorno2]

Thank you all, I wrote Winchester and will let you know what they say!

 

[Eliakim]

So far I haven't had any issues using the Speer GD 135gr .357 loads for short barrels.

The Speer GD 135gr .357 loads for short barrels is a nice load for the lightweight 340 revolver. It is in between a +P 38 special and a full power .357 magnum.

 

[bonjorno2]

^^^ thank you I will try and get my hands on some to try it out! I carry GD's in my glock 40, 45 and beretta 9mm so I have always like their performance all around.

 

[luangtom]

I have experienced Remington Golden Saber .357-mag rounds doing the crimp-jump, as well as the Winchester Silver-tips in .357-mag. I have never had it occur with the Speer GoldDot in .357-mag for the short-barrel. That is what I carry in my 340PD or M&P340, or the .38-Spl+P for short-barrels.

Keep us posted if you fire any other rounds and let us know the results. Shoot safe.

 

[bonjorno2]

Great to hear it and thank you very much! I will def do that!

 

[junglefighter]

I have a 340PD and have shot only 38spl. and 38spl.+P.I finally bought Win. PDX-1,357 mag.125JHP and Hornady Critical Defense 357 mag.125FTX.Any experience with these two brands?It will be awhile before I get range time.Thank you in advance for any advice.

 

[slabside2]

Yes, the PDX-1 shot fine in my 340. The Hornady ammo I never tried.

 

[amd6547]

Well, it shouldn't be a problem for me...I have not seen a round of Winchester Silvertip 357 mag for sale for years. I would like to get some to try in my new Ruger GP100 3".
I did buy some Hornady Critical Defense 125gn, but I have not shot any yet...maybe tomorrow.