How about shooting 357 in a Model 60?

[thedr15]

I just recently bought a Model 60 w/3"barrel. It is a 357 mag. gun but I have concerns about shooting full power 357's out of a J-frame gun.
I've owned many K-frame 357's and there are many threads about shooting 357's in K-frames.
What about shooting 357's in a J-frame gun?
What are your thoughts and/or experiences with my concerns?
Thanks
DR

 

[EAS2011]

I've never shot one, but I think it would wear the gun out considering that the larger frames are specifically built to handle .357 and up. Thats what I assume, but correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[smitty_bs]

My Model 60 has the 2 1/8" barrel. After two cylinders of 125 Remington GoldSabres, I switch guns and/or loads. I went back to 38 +Ps, either 130gr Winchesters or the good old standby, 158gr SWCHPs.

 

[papajohn428]

I've done it, and I can attest to the fact that it's possible to fire five shots in under three seconds with full-power ammo, but I will NOT say it's fun.

 

[BUFF]

There is no problem shooting .357's in any J frame so chambered by the factory. They are stout little guns and the Magnum J frame was beefed up just for this.

The problem or concern with K frame .357's was the forcing cone had a very thin section at it's bottom edge. This is not the case with the Model 60.

As others have said, you will tire of it long before the gun does.

 

[sw41]

I occassionally shoot 357 out of my model 60 and while the recoil and muzzle blast are greater I don't think it is unmanageable but most of the time I stick with the 38 loads. I feel the 38+p are adequate for most defensive purposes but I might load 357 if backpacking in bear country.

 

[TDC]

Well... I own them and I've shot the Mod 60 .357. The thing I would suggest to anyone is to shoot one before you buy it if you expect to shoot magnum ammo.

The issue for me isn't the benefit the additional power the 357 may provide but the actual control-ability of this small frame with hotter loads.

Arguably, the additional performance expectation of a 357 round over a +P .38 in a 3" barrel may be nearly unmeasurable with the magnum having significantly more recoil, muzzle blast and muzzle flash.

I'm one of those guys who believes the caliber should match the frame with room to spare for strength. That's why I believe the 2 1/2 and 3" Mod. 66 and 686 are so popular.

Buy what you like and whatever "turns your crank." There is no better concealable size revolver than the little J frame. Keep in mind what works for others may function like a club in your hands...

JMHO

 

[44 Deerslayer]

I must be the odd one because I have a 649 .357 and I've never shot anything except magnums in it. I can assure you the gun can take it. It's just as tight as when it was new. I've only shot a couple of 1000 rounds through it but if it were going to show excessive wear I should see at least a little by now.

I might add that I'm a recoil junkie and I don't find it unpleasant at all. I've never shot it without ear protection though.

 

[Road Rat]

I shoot magnum loads in my Model 640.

Around dusk is fun when this basketball size flame comes out!!

My wife really doesn't like to be around it!!

 

[colt_saa]

I have several J-magnum revolvers. I have owned them going back to 1996 when they were 1st introduced.

None of them have ever seen a round of ammunition that was not 357 Magnum.

My 340PD has to be passed the 5000 round mark by now.

The firearms will handle more 357 Magnum ammunition than you can.

 

[rickyboy]

I use medium 357 loads.I also have found that 135+p 38 speacial works well.