Can a 19-4 handle a steady diet of factory 357?

[dddddmorgan]

I'll cast my vote for a regular diet of "healthy" 38 loads.

I like to shoot my magnums with magnums but it gets old after a while. Whether it's my 44 or my 357, I like a warm special load. I can't think of anything I'd come across in the woods that my 44 special with a 250 grain cast bullet going @ 1000 fps couldn't handle (I live in Idaho not Alaska).

The same applies for the 38 special. A good cast bullet at 1,000 fps or so is going to do most of what you need and will be a good practice round that isn't so sedate as most 38 special loads so the transition to full magnum is more natural.

And I agree with the wiser ones, clean is crucial.

 

[kbm6893]

I asked the S&W authorized service center armorer that very same question. He told me to not shoot .357 out of a k frame magnum if I didn't absolutely have to. Said there are no more barrels for them.

I don't see the point in punching paper with a .357 anyway.

 

[flagman1776]

Let's all accept that the M19 / 66 is best used with 158 grain bullet weights. I doubt you'll ever wear a barrel out by shooting it.
Back in the day... when certain officers trained at the highest levels... it was widely known that the combat magnum would shoot loose with extensive use (many thousands of rounds) with hot duty ammo & require tune ups periodically. Some kept multiple guns... one in use, one in reserve & one at the gunsmith. (Cooper reported this at Gunsite.)
Given the parts availability situation, I would limit my use of full power loads... but your typical shooter today is unlikely to shoot that much full power loads anyway.

 

[Jack Flash]

...
Everybody just do what you want. I am really, really tired of this discussion.

And then he goes on to post twice more in this thread.

Anyone else miss SP?

 

[murphydog]

Guys, the OP asked the question over 3 1/2 years ago and hasn't been back in nearly that time. Sorry that SP hasn't been back .

 

[JohnRippert]

Guys, the OP asked the question over 3 1/2 years ago and hasn't been back in nearly that time. Sorry that SP hasn't been back .

He's too busy shooting full power .357's in his Model 19.

 

[Jersey Doug]

When asking here about the M-19's "that didn't hold up" was told only the basics about the forcing cone. Since then hadn't shot any magnums in this recently purchased gun. NOW that this subject is fully understood feel confident to use them as I only fire about 6 mags for every 50 38s in my M-27.

In the photos, mines a M-19 with a M-14 barrel

 

[Gearhead Jim]

I bought a slightly used 66-6 (stainless 19) and sent it to S&W for their action tuneup about 5 years ago.

It came back with the business card of someone in the Performance Center (can't recall his name), written on the back it said:

"Sir-
Practice with .38, carry with .357"