357 hot loads?

[beng]

I have a quick question about my S&W 357 mod. 66-4. I was told not to use a hot load or "not to use a hot load always" I use win 296 with 15gr. with a 158 JHP most of the time or 158 SWC with 231 at 6 gr. now and then. Was told a K frame will not take the 296 loads. WHY?

 

[HAWKEYE10]

I think using the 158 gr. bullet is most important. The 125 gr. bullet is not good on the forcing cone. I don't think shooting a normal amount of 357 mags. will hurt the gun. If you go shooting every day and shoot 100 rds. yes you will loosen it up. I never liked shooting all 357's while at the range. Just can't see punching holes in paper with expensive 357 rds. If all I wanted to do is shoot magnum rds. and shoot a lot of them I would get a N frame. IMO Don

 

[MacGuffin]

There will always be concerns about magnum loads being shot through K frames. ALWAYS! My absolute favorite gun I own is a S&W M66 2.5". Not to get too sentimental, but it holds a special place in my heart. Although it was a personally owned weapon, I was authorized to carry it on duty for the first two years of my career. We were required to qualify each quarter with hot 110 gr. .357 ammo. In between qualifications, I practiced fairly often with the same ammo. My M66, to include the forcing cone, shows very little signs of wear, all things considered. Please understand that I am rather anal about cleaning my weapon after each range session.

I once read that the M19s were MUCH more likely to have issues with hot ammo than M66s were, due to the metallurgy involved.

Like Hawkeye implied, it's much more feasible to practice with .38s than .357s at the range. And, I don't think anyone can argue that it's easier on the gun. That being said, I just haven't personally seen any M66s adversely affected by a reasonable diet of magnum ammo (of any weight).

You own a classic firearm. Just keep it clean. And, keep shooting!

Regards,

MacGuffin