Dimensions of 125 and 158 grain .357s?

[beekeeper]

I've been reading about the possible cracking issue with the model 19 and really don't want to jeopardized my recently acquired 19-2. When I got it it came with 50 rounds of my grandfather's lead semi-wadcutter "R-P 357 Magnum" bullets it had been put away with years ago. I have read recommendations to stay away from the 125 grain 357s. Can I measure these bullets to determine if they are 125, 158 or other?

 

[lebomm]

If they are older R-P LSWC, they are most likely 158 gr. That said, the only way to know for sure is to pull a bullet and weigh it.

Larry

 

[MichiganScott]

The lead bullets are 158gr. The 125gr. bullets were the hardest on the pistols because of the larger volume of high pressure gas released when the trigger was pulled.

I use either .38 Special equivalent hand loads or actual .38 Specials for 99% of my shooting. If you use .38's, just remember to clean the cylinder well before using .357 length cartridges.

 

[nipster]

The lead bullets are 158gr. The 125gr. bullets were the hardest on the pistols because of the larger volume of high pressure gas released when the trigger was pulled.

There are 158gr jacketed FMJ bullets, to say that all the 158g are lead shot or ball ammo is not true. There are also jacketed soft point (JSP) 158g by remington which is a partially jacketed target round.

 

[roaddog28]

If they are older R-P LSWC, they are most likely 158 gr. That said, the only way to know for sure is to pull a bullet and weigh it.

Larry

Like Larry said, the only way to know for sure is to weigh the bullet. But shooting a box of LSWC will not hurt your 19-2 4 inch. I have the exact same revolver. As long as you stay with 158 gr ammo and clean your revolver in the forcing cone well to remove lead deposits you should not have a problem.
The issue of 357 magnums in model 19 is overblown. Stay with 158 gr rounds and clean the revolver and the model 19 will out last you!
Regards,
Howard

 

[beekeeper]

I got a box of Remington/UMC 38 Special 130g FMJ at Dick's Sporting goods that I plan to use at the range (seemed like a great price at $18/50rds). I suppose those should be fine to start out with. Then try out my granddad's old 357s to feel the difference.

Please chime in if I'm off track.

 

[beekeeper]

I like hearing that the issue is overblown (thanks internet) but will be cautious by nature nonetheless.
I looked online and found CCI Blazer 158gr JHP 357 Magnums at $20/50 rds. Any concerns with this choice?

 

[Doug M.]

While it is possible to bash up a K frame .357 with hot light bullet loads, very few people or agencies shot enough to do that. I doubt most of us shoot that much or that seriously; with my increasing arthritis, I doubt I would shoot that much stout revolver ammo in the rest of my expected lifespan.

Generally speaking, Blazer is good stuff. I'd be comfortable with it. As for the LSWC, I am not aware of any factory loads in that configuration that would not be 158 gr.

 

[Jack Flash]

I don't think that you should have any concerns about shooting .38 Specials in it, no matter what the bullet weight.

It's only .357 Magnums that may possibly be a concern, and then only if you shoot a whole heck of a lot. I like to shoot .357s only in my .357s, and I sure don't worry about it. I do prefer the heavier bullets, so the 125 grain debate is irrelevant to me.

 

[zelda]

Dad says dont shoot 38 spcl in 357 guns. Cleaning problem solved:


He makes his own bullets and sells them to me real cheap.


Loads them for me too. Even cheaper. Aint Dads GREAT

 

[MichiganScott]

There are 158gr jacketed FMJ bullets, to say that all the 158g are lead shot or ball ammo is not true. There are also jacketed soft point (JSP) 158g by remington which is a partially jacketed target round.

Note that OP stated lead semi-wadcutter. I know full well that there are FMJ, SP, and JHP 158gr bullets, but I have never heard of a R-P 125gr lead semiwadcutter.

 

[notsofast]

I have a very nice M19 and was told lighter bullets 125gr. should be used only with a weaker charge; ie. 125gr 38spcl would be OK, 125gr 38+p NOT OK. Same for 357 mag rounds...nothing lighter than a 158gr on a plus or magnum charge. I've got two boxes of Winchester 38+P jhp 125gr, if and when I use these it'll be in my N frame 357 and not the 19.

 

[growr]

You don't need to pull the bullet....take known sample with a 158 grain bullet and weigh it....take yours and compare.....the difference between a loaded 158 and 125 will be readily apparent.

Randy
PS. a lead semi-wadcutter is most likely a 158....as mentioned above I have not seen a 125 LSWC from Remington.........

 

[JeremyFr79]

I've run Blazer through mine with no issue's, like other's said I keep my nice and clean and I run a variety of ammo through it at the range from standard .38 up to .357 magnum. Enjoy your 19, lord know's I love mine

 

[AZretired]

I have a 19-2 that was my duty weapon til my department "upgraded" to the 686 in '83. We qualified 4 times a year (day and nite) mostly with wadcutters in those days. However twice a year we would shoot a day qual with our duty load which was the Federal 125 JHP. My 19 has had a total of 500 rounds of that plus an occasional cylinder full of other 125 magnums I have laying around and I can see no visible forcing cone or top strap damage.

Sent from my Ally

 

[TANKER]

The warning against 125's was only for full pressure jacketed ammo. No lead swc's should crack the forcing cone on a 19. I doubt any factory 125 gr jacketed of recent manufacture would either, as SAAMI lowered the pressure spec on 357 ammo many years ago. Certainly no 38 special ammo of any type will damage a 357, not even the much vaunted 38+P.