When I bought my 642 a little over two years ago they had Winchester 158gr LSWCHP +P on sale for $7.99 a box (of 50). I bought several boxes and have about half a box left. My 642 has shot a couple hundred of those and at least a hundred 158gr +P FMJ with absolutely no ill effects whatsoever.
are 442 and 642 J frames really +P strength?
- Thread starter marine2541
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.38 is 17500 psi. .38+P is only 20,000 psi (or 18500 depending on who you read). +P isn't much over standard pressure.
642/442 are not even close to being on the ragged edge, and +P isn't going to push them over. If they couldn't survive much +P, they couldn't survive much standard pressure either.
I've shot plenty of both standard and +P through my 642, and there isn't much of a difference.
642/442 are not even close to being on the ragged edge, and +P isn't going to push them over. If they couldn't survive much +P, they couldn't survive much standard pressure either.
I've shot plenty of both standard and +P through my 642, and there isn't much of a difference.
Pioneer461
US Veteran
S&W puts that on the barrel to let you know that it is safe to shoot +P loads. Firearms are machines, and as such, subject to wear out faster with harder use. As with .357's it is a good idea to practice with .38 spl loads, but carry the hot stuff for self defense.
shooter429
Member
I disagree. Practice with the same ammo (or at least equivalent) to what you use for duty/defense. If you shoot light target loads all the time, especially in these little guns) and then use hot ammo, you will not be accustomed to the recoil, poi etc. I shoot heavy +ps for practice and defense. Goes along the same lines as not policing your brass during defensive practice etc. You want to practice exactly how you intend to play, IMHO.
Shooter429
Gearhead Jim
Member
S&W is willing to Lifetime Warranty the new guns even with +P. When they put their money where their mouth is, that means they are confident it's ok. Sure, the gun will wear out a little sooner when using +P, but your hand will be worn out before that.
HarrishMasher
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Greg Bell over at M4Carbine.net has fired over 5,000 rounds through his 642. Many of the 5K rounds fired are +P. Every round fired is documented in the thread. The gun still looks and shoots like new. So the answer is no.
Project: Break my J frame.
Given the advancements in modern ammo, you don't need +P. The Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Low Flash 38 loads expand down to low velocities and have excellent penetration. Speer and Hornady offer loads in standard pressure 38 that are comparable.
Project: Break my J frame.
Given the advancements in modern ammo, you don't need +P. The Buffalo Bore Standard Pressure Low Flash 38 loads expand down to low velocities and have excellent penetration. Speer and Hornady offer loads in standard pressure 38 that are comparable.
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Edmo
US Veteran
The data in the linked article appears to be a little dated and at times based on opinion.
Although there is some good info there, remember what they say about opinions.
Additionally, we J-frame owners shouldn't get so upset when someone picks on our little aluminum framed friends. We know what they are capable of and that's all that counts.
Be safe out there.
Edmo
Although there is some good info there, remember what they say about opinions.
Additionally, we J-frame owners shouldn't get so upset when someone picks on our little aluminum framed friends. We know what they are capable of and that's all that counts.
Be safe out there.
Edmo
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eveled
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Mine was $399 brand new. I don't need it to last 100 years to get my money's worth. I think it will rot away from being in a sweaty pocket long before it breaks.
I believe S&W the frame cracks are from a manufacturing flaw. It either happens or it doesn't. Ed
I believe S&W the frame cracks are from a manufacturing flaw. It either happens or it doesn't. Ed
Any S&W revolver labeled 'S&W .38 Spl +P' is meant to be carried and fired with said ammunition. My 642-2 has stood up to hundreds of rounds showing no real wear.
Taurus Ultra-Lite revolvers don't seem to like +P loads. My wife bought one and had it blow the threads off two screws within 200 rounds. Took nearly six months to get back from Taurus, then we traded.
Taurus Ultra-Lite revolvers don't seem to like +P loads. My wife bought one and had it blow the threads off two screws within 200 rounds. Took nearly six months to get back from Taurus, then we traded.
Cal44
Member
I have a M642 current production model (no lock). I bought it new, and I wouldn't hesitate to use +p -- that's what it's rated for, and if it loosens up I'll just send it back under warrantee.
I also have an old M37 (1970's) and I won't use +p in it. Too many posts about cracked frames on the Internet.
I think the tradeoff in favor of high quality standard pressure loads like Critical Defense or the standard pressure SWC hollow cavity Buffalo Bore make +p unnecessary for me.
Besides, I have my Ruger LCR 357 and my M60 if I want to use +P or magnum rounds.
I also have an old M37 (1970's) and I won't use +p in it. Too many posts about cracked frames on the Internet.
I think the tradeoff in favor of high quality standard pressure loads like Critical Defense or the standard pressure SWC hollow cavity Buffalo Bore make +p unnecessary for me.
Besides, I have my Ruger LCR 357 and my M60 if I want to use +P or magnum rounds.
Boogsawaste
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