Hornady 357 Magnum 158 gr XTP in a K Frame?

[jrhoney]

I was wondering what the opinion of this forum is on whether or not Hornady's .357 Magnum 158 gr XTP rounds would pose an issue shooting them in a Model 19-7 with a 4 inch barrel.
I am looking for a effective .357 SD round but i don't want to worry about forcing cone issues.

 

[sbeatty1983]

Should be fine as long as you shoot em in moderation. Practice with. 38s.

 

[Mule88]

The biggest issue with the K frames was alot of shooting with high velocity lighter bullets (125 gn etc.) Using factory 158 gn rounds will not hurt your gun and you will have years of service with it. I only use 158 gns in my K frames and have shot thousands of rounds through them over the last 35 yrs or so and have never had an issue. Good shooting and enjoy your gun.

 

[David LaPell]

The issue with Hornaday XTP's is that you have to have enough velocity for them to expand or they won't do their job. I think with the XTP's it is 800 fps but don't quote me on it. I load them with enough in my .357's to do the job and the same with my .38 Specials. I have never had any issues. The problems that were occuring with the K frame .357's were with 125 grain JHP's because the Model 19 was never designed with in mind with the 125's and hot gas was getting around the bullet and creating pressure problems and there were issues with cracking forcing cones. But the 158's were never a problem.

 

[G.T. Smith]

158 gr. Hornady XTP's are what I carry during deer season. I usually shoot a few cylinders right before hunting season so I can remember where I miss the most. I shoot them in a model 65 4" and haven't had any trouble except they are expensive around here. The last box I bought was 25 bucks for 25 rounds. I like the way they shoot though.
Peace,
Gordon

 

[hawgleg]

I usually shoot a few cylinders right before hunting season so I can remember where I miss the most.
Peace,
Gordon

I feel your pain. You should be good to go with the 158 gr Hornady's.

 

[Sportsterguy]

Should be fine as long as you shoot em in moderation. Practice with. 38s.

I humbly disagree sir. Practice with what you fight with. Big difference on the recoil between a .38 and a .357. If you're not used to the sharp slap from a .357 how are you going to perform when needed after practicing with light recoiling .38's? They are great for your trigger control and sight alignment, but the majority of your practice should be with what you're packing.

I've been using 158 gr. Speer Gold Dots for over 7 years+ in my K frames and so far, so good. Haven't tried the short barreled round so can't speak on it's behalf. Great SD round IMO. You're very well armed with either round as they will penetrate and expand. Exactly what you want and need in a SD round. I also find their recoil more controllable than the lighter loads as they're not as snappy and muzzle flip is less.

I pack a Colt Commander loaded with 230 gr. Gold Dots as I shoot it well from over 34 years of carrying a 1911 for work and when I was off. They are proven manstoppers and will expand to .75 inches on their path. Don't know how much the GD's will expand in .357 but when they do they stay together. I do pack a 66-2 snub as my motorcycle weapon loaded with the GD's.

I know what a 158 Gold Dot in .357 will do to an 180 lb. deer and that's a one shot kill if you hit the vitals. Better yet break a shoulder then hit the vitals. With practice, a good set of grips, proper stance and a firm grip they are very controllable IMO. Try to make the first shot count if you have no cover to get to. If cover is available get to it and reengage concentrating on that all important front sight.

I think you're K will be just fine with them rounds. You'll probably run out of money before shooting your 19 loose with em. JMO