357PD on the way, anything I need to know?

[pacecars]

Just bought a 357PD .41 mag and also ordered a Simply Rugged Pancake holster for it. Anything I need to know other than it might kick just a smidge with full power hunting loads? I plan to carry it while deer and hog hunting. How bad do you think a DoubleTap 250gr WFN hard cast at 1200 fps out of a 6 inch barrel would kick? I am thinking I need to find a 210gr load at 1000 fps. That should do all I want and then some.

 

[pacecars]

Anyone with any opinions?

 

[BKDinTexas]

I believe you are on the track with the second load. In any caliber over .40, a hardcast semi-wadcutter at 240 gr. or more, traveling around 1000-1100 fps, will kill anything in North America. On hogs or deer, you should get full body penetration easily with that load.

There is not much gain in beating up yourself and your gun with hotter loads than that for your purposes. There is a threshold when you actually lose penetration pushing hardcast bullets too fast, although I don't' think you could reach it in a handgun.

 

[MTKTM]

I cannot speak to the gun, but can to the holster. I recently bought a Simply Rugged Pancake Sourdough holster for a 629 and am very pleased with it. For hunting I like the fact that I can wear it either as a strong-side rig, or a cross-draw. I like cross-draw carry when I am also packing a rifle so that the butts of the guns aren't klunking into one another when carrying the rifle slung. I think you'll find that light-weight gun in the Pancake Sourdough to be quite comfortable.

 

[S&W forever]

Not to bust your bubble, but the S&W 357 PD has a problem with cracking frames. Mind lasted two months before cracking.

http://www.thegunzone.com/sw357pd.html

 

[44Steve]

Hi,Steve here. Watch for bullet walk . Depending on what you shoot out ot it. The first time you shoot a new round or load through it , shoot 3 rounds and make sure none of the last bullits are not pulling out of the case.

 

[pacecars]

Not to bust your bubble, but the S&W 357 PD has a problem with cracking frames. Mind lasted two months before cracking.

The Gun Zone -- S&W 357PD frame cracks

How was S&W's customer service? Did they replace the gun or give you a refund?

 

[44Steve]

Customer Service

Had a problem with my 329PD. S&W seemed like they went out of ther way to take care of the problem. I was impressed.There was a chip missing out of the frame next to the firing pin. They replaced the frame .

 

[desertdweller]

I have an opportunity to trade for a 329 Night Guard in the 44 magnum. Is there problems with this caliber also?
Thanks!!

 

[S&W forever]

How was S&W's customer service? Did they replace the gun or give you a refund?

Got a refund, I wanted a replacement.