Does Smith specify a range of bullet weights that can or can not be used in the models, 296 or 396? I know the scandium j frame guns had a particular range of bullet weights that could and could not be used ( although I can not remember them). Does anyone know? Thanks.
.44 special SC bullet weight
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Does Smith specify a range of bullet weights that can or can not be used in the models, 296 or 396? I know the scandium j frame guns had a particular range of bullet weights that could and could not be used ( although I can not remember them). Does anyone know? Thanks.
RobO
Member
I'm not sure about the 396, but I know you are supposed to stay with jacketed bullets, 200 grains or less, in the 296.
Calaveras Slim
US Veteran
No experiance with these 2 models but I kinda wonder why? I know thst the 44 special is not really a magnum power round and a factory or moderately loaded handload wouldn't hurt it. Least, don't think so.
RobO
Member
I'm speaking from ignorance, as I do not own any sc/ti guns, but it probably has something to do with the lightweight frame, speed of recoil, and the possibility of bullets becoming unseated while in the cylinder. There are plenty of engineers on this forum; I slept through physics class.
rburg
Member
The ban on lead bullets, particularly heavy ones has to do with bullet pull. If you've got one or more of the guns, go test it. Its easy, and in my experience you won't destroy the gun on the first shot or two.....
Just take a pad of paper, a pen, and a measuring device. I use a micrometer, but a dial caliper will also work just fine. A permanent magic marker will help. Just number the cases from 1 to whatever, or letter them A to Z, etc. Then measure each and write them down. That part isn't difficult because commercially produced ammo is pretty darn consistent. Then load up the gun and fire a round. Open the cylinder and measure them again.
What I found even with +P 38s in my 337 was that after the first shot, all were moving. Even at a consistent rate, the OAL was increasing. After a 2nd shot, the remaining 3 were longer still. I stopped after the 3rd shot because they were far enough out I'd proved my answer.
I don't really understand the bullet weight issue because longer bullets should have a longer bearing surface for the case to hold. It also seems to argue against reloads using questionable cases. I would think once fired brass would still be OK, but if you comingle your cases, where one may be once fired and the next 20 or more cycles, you may have a problem.
Even the reloading dies may create a problem for you. If your sizing die or expander is a little out of spec, be it a manufacturing defect or wear, you may get cases that can't hold the bullet.
With the SC guns, or even with the Ti guns, like my 337 or 396 guns, the answer is you should be careful. Just take the ammo you plan on using and do your own tests. If you're using your own reloads, do the simple tests outlined above. It won't kill you, and you'll learn somthing about your gun and ammo.
What I've done is pretty simple. I restrict my target loads to 148 Wadcutters in .38 calibers. My carry ammo is factory jacketed within the recommended weight range.
With 44s, it was easy. At a gunshow last year (the events were reported by Charlie Sherrill) I located a guy selling down 44 Special self defense ammo cheap. I had to interrupt my Bull session with Charlie a couple of times to run off and buy the stuff. He's a known hoarder (he's infamous for it), he was a little shocked that I kept coming back with armloads of ammo. And he's never even seen my "tiny" stock pile of handloaded stuff! The prices I was paying a year ago was almost a giveaway compared with prices today.
We all enjoy stretching the rules a little. When you decide you want to do that with your firearms, you'd best test your grand theories before you cause yourself a problem.
Just take a pad of paper, a pen, and a measuring device. I use a micrometer, but a dial caliper will also work just fine. A permanent magic marker will help. Just number the cases from 1 to whatever, or letter them A to Z, etc. Then measure each and write them down. That part isn't difficult because commercially produced ammo is pretty darn consistent. Then load up the gun and fire a round. Open the cylinder and measure them again.
What I found even with +P 38s in my 337 was that after the first shot, all were moving. Even at a consistent rate, the OAL was increasing. After a 2nd shot, the remaining 3 were longer still. I stopped after the 3rd shot because they were far enough out I'd proved my answer.
I don't really understand the bullet weight issue because longer bullets should have a longer bearing surface for the case to hold. It also seems to argue against reloads using questionable cases. I would think once fired brass would still be OK, but if you comingle your cases, where one may be once fired and the next 20 or more cycles, you may have a problem.
Even the reloading dies may create a problem for you. If your sizing die or expander is a little out of spec, be it a manufacturing defect or wear, you may get cases that can't hold the bullet.
With the SC guns, or even with the Ti guns, like my 337 or 396 guns, the answer is you should be careful. Just take the ammo you plan on using and do your own tests. If you're using your own reloads, do the simple tests outlined above. It won't kill you, and you'll learn somthing about your gun and ammo.
What I've done is pretty simple. I restrict my target loads to 148 Wadcutters in .38 calibers. My carry ammo is factory jacketed within the recommended weight range.
With 44s, it was easy. At a gunshow last year (the events were reported by Charlie Sherrill) I located a guy selling down 44 Special self defense ammo cheap. I had to interrupt my Bull session with Charlie a couple of times to run off and buy the stuff. He's a known hoarder (he's infamous for it), he was a little shocked that I kept coming back with armloads of ammo. And he's never even seen my "tiny" stock pile of handloaded stuff! The prices I was paying a year ago was almost a giveaway compared with prices today.
We all enjoy stretching the rules a little. When you decide you want to do that with your firearms, you'd best test your grand theories before you cause yourself a problem.
Extremely good advice -- you need to test all ammo that you are going to bet your life on.
I've had problems with bullet jump using 158gr JSP MagTech factory ammo in a 386 -- once identified it was easy to correct by running the factory ammo thru my Lee Factory Crimp Die. Rem +P Factory 158gr LSWCHP (actual chrono at 750 fps from my 340)were also big offenders.
On the other hand, I've loaded/shot 185gr LGNGC at a chronoed 1,000 fps from 340/360s and 250gr Leadhead Keiths from a 396 at a chronoed 1,030 fps that don't have crimp jump issues. It took me a bit of effort to get the crimp right (Lee Factory Crimp Die). Now, if your dies don't give good neck tension, all the crimping in the world won't hold your bullet in place under severe recoil conditions.
Also, when I first bought the 396, I emailed S&W and asked if it was OK to use 250gr cast bullets in the 396. Email reply said it was OK. Of course, advice from S&W is kinda like calling the IRS for tax advice -- it's likely you won't get the same answer from differnt people, and if they are wrong, it's your problem.
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Here's a picture of the Mag Tech ammo.
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FWIW,
Paul
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