342PD jacketed only?

[JonF]

My wife has a nice centennial 342PD with the titanium cylinder. I have interpreted the legend on the side of the barrel as;
.38spl +P jacketed. To mean any +P load needs to be jacketed.

I have been shooting target reloads for her weapon and my mod642. I load a 148gr (hornady) lead HBWC in front of 2.8 grs of Bulls-eye. This gives me about 600/650 fps. Certainly not a 'hot' load by any means.

Anyone one have some first hand knowledge about this situation?

By the way the load works very nicely at self defense distances.

 

[Maximumbob54]

I think the worry is you need enough bullet to prevent flame cutting and erosion and that the weight is enough that the less friction with a lead bullet may allow the bullet to jump free from crimp.

 

[Rule3]

Nice revolver!. Do not think I ever saw a SW with "Jacketed" printed on it?? Certainly the +P I have seen. I would either call SW and ask, or post in the revolver section.
Lots of smart people there that know all these things. Click on the little triangle on the right to report this post and ask to have it moved.

S&W Revolvers: 1980 to the Present

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

I believe that Maximumbob54 is correct that the concern is that lead bullets in +P loads may jump their crimps. S&W specifically recommends testing any loads by loading the cylinder with five rounds, firing four (if you can), and checking the 5th round for whether the bullet backed out much, or at all. I have tested Federal Nyclad 158gr HP +P, and there is no problem. There are perhaps others that will NOT pass.

That is a VERY light revolver. Before carrying you should test ANY load as described above.

 

[JonF]

Well, it looks like two possible situations could cause the cautionary labeling on the 342. The lighter cylinder and frame combination could be sensitive to partial powder burning.

The HBWC and the other BBWC that Hornady produce(d), are seated just flush with the case lip. I do not crimp as the bullet diameter is .358 and makes for a very nice fit.

Both the 342 and my 642 do need cleaning after a range session. I expected this and have no problem cleaning my guns.
A cup of coffee and the smell of Hoppes #9 are comforting sensations when you are 74 and retired.

Food for thought gentlemen, many thanks

 

[Rule3]

I believe that Maximumbob54 is correct that the concern is that lead bullets in +P loads may jump their crimps. S&W specifically recommends testing any loads by loading the cylinder with five rounds, firing four (if you can), and checking the 5th round for whether the bullet backed out much, or at all. I have tested Federal Nyclad 158gr HP +P, and there is no problem. There are perhaps others that will NOT pass.

That is a VERY light revolver. Before carrying you should test ANY load as described above.

I like that "if you can" I was testing FBI loads and some Buffalo Bore loads in a regular 442/642 and those were brutal. In a even lighter gun I can imagine how much fun that would be.