K frame .357 magnum's

[Decker]

That's why Smith designed the L frame and no longer bores K frames for .357.

Which is a dam shame.
Model 19's and 66's, when not abused, are beautifully balanced and make great shooters, especially for us handloaders who can tune our loads to treat them properly.

The good thing is that there are a zillion of them in circulation for us Combat Magnum fanboys to pick up as we come across them.

 

[Chrisj357]

most everyone shoots 38 specials on the range anyway- absolutely no need to abuse the gun or your hand with magnums- for carry and maybe occaisional test fire- under which conditions the gun will last forever-fine.
if you don't want the fouling build up in the cylinder from 38's which can make chambering magnums difficult- assemble low end 357 reloads at 1000-1100 feet per second velocity range. gun will last a very very long time at that power level.

Well, I have a different experience. I bought a model 19-3 30 years ago. Since it was a .357 magnum, I bought .357 magnum rounds. Our local Sherriff in Sacramento told me that 110gr hollow point would be the best for home defense, so thats what I bought and shot for years and years.

After joining this forum I first heard of a "caution" about doing precisely what I had been doing for many years. So I pulled out the old magnum and checked that forcing cone, and guess what.....pristine! So I say load em up and shoot em. Now if you are reloading hot or putting the weapon through some more than normal target practice use........do like I did....get a 686 for that, at least S&W can still fix that one if it breaks

 

[volgunner]

Thanks to all of you that took the time to reply. I've got the picture.

As soon as I can clear some room in my garage, I hope to start reloading, which sounds like the answer for .357 magnums for k frames.

Regards,
Russell