.357 Mag Ammo Question

[Dadsnugun]

I think I just learned the answer to this from other members in a different thread. It is my understanding that the forcing cone on K-Frame .357's can be a weak point. It is said that the 158 grain rounds are longer than the 125 grain rounds (or other lighter rounds). I think the idea is that the longer 158 grain rounds don't have to move as far before entering the forcing cone after being fired as the lighter rounds do. This lessens the force of impact on the forcing cone. I'm not 100% sure about my explanation, I am copying what was explained to me in a thread about K-Frames to the best of my understanding. I have no experience of this in practice as I have never even held a K-Frame in my hand let alone shot one.

Thanks Naby, that makes sense to me...I've got feelings about this, if it is a common issue, but this is the wrong thread for that discussion. I appreciate your help in understanding this better.

 

[Naby]

Thanks Naby, that makes sense to me...I've got feelings about this, if it is a common issue, but this is the wrong thread for that discussion. I appreciate your help in understanding this better.

You're welcome. I often come up with questions not related directly to a threads topic when reading various threads. Here's the link to the thread where I got my information, I should have posted it with my original response: http://smith-wessonforum.com/s-w-revolvers-1980-present/220719-k-frame-357-magnum.html.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I don't think the length of the bullet has anything to do with not battering the forcing cone, it's the bullet velocity that does the damage. A 158gr bullet won't be driven as fast as a 125gr bullet in the .357 Magnum.

Even though both bullet will have a different length the COAL of both in loaded ammo is the same. (in most cases) I took out some Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum ammo in both 158gr and 125gr and both had the same exact OAL as does the Winchester 145gr Silvertip and Remington UMC ammo.

 

[Naby]

I don't think the length of the bullet has anything to do with not battering the forcing cone, it's the bullet velocity that does the damage. A 158gr bullet won't be driven as fast as a 125gr bullet in the .357 Magnum.

Even though both bullet will have a different length the COAL of both in loaded ammo is the same. (in most cases) I took out some Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum ammo in both 158gr and 125gr and both had the same exact OAL as does the Winchester 145gr Silvertip and Remington UMC ammo.

Ok, thanks for that info.