Lightweight bullets in Model 19's

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Thanks everyone for the replies, and thanks Alk8944 for the PM.

What was I thinking? There's absolutely no reason to hot rod a collectable revolver like this. Shoot it, yes. But there's no reason to push it.

Rest assured this gun will only be fed target wadcutters.

Most of my .38 Special shooting is target wadcutters.

 

[Warren Sear]

In 1980 I split the forcing cone on a brand new Model 19 using 125 grain jacketed bullet ammo after about 750 rounds. That was long before the internet, so the fault did not lie there.

After learning a lesson the hard way, I switched to cast lead bullets, and more sensible handloads. I use bullets cast from Lyman #358477 (150 grain plain based SWC), #358156 (156 grain gas checked SWC hollow point), and #357446 (160 grain plain based SWC) molds. I use sane loads (from modern manuals) using Unique and 2400 powder. Now that these powders are no longer available, when I need to buy more powder I will switch to AA #5 and AA#7 or Powder Pistol.

I have no interest in wad cutter bullets, and never use them in any of my S&W and Colt revolvers.

 

[shil]

750 rounds? I cracked a forcing cone with only 250! It was a 6" barreled M19. Ammunition was full-power Winchester 125 JHP.
Smith and Wesson re-barreled the gun for free, with a 4" barrel at my request. After 40+ years, I still have it. I have shot it only on rare occasions with lead 158 grain moderate handloads, preferring my 4" 686 for the strong loads. These days, in the event of another cracked forcing cone, another 4" pinned M19 barrel is a rare bird.

 

[Warren Sear]

My Model 19 also had a 6" barrel. As in your case, S&W replaced the barrel under warranty free of charge. I sold the gun shortly after I got it back, and had enough of K frame .357's.

Some years later I bought a used, but like new Model 66 with 4" barrel, and I still have it. No lightweight jacketed bullet magnum ammo fired it it ever, and the forcing cone has not split.

I have N frame .357 Magnums when I want to shoot .357 Magnum ammo.

 

[rockquarry]

Has anyone given thought as to why someone would prefer a light bullet at a higher speed over a 158 grain bullet at a more moderate velocity? Is it accuracy or some other factor?

 

[Warren Sear]

Nothing to do with accuracy. 125 grain .357 Magnum ammo is the most effective one-shot stop handgun ammo available, regardless of caliber. At least that was true at one time, I don't know if it still is.

158 grain ammo will really penetrate. That is good, but there can be too much of a good thing.

 

[Warren Sear]

One of the reasons I bought the Lyman Cast Bullet Handbook 4th edition was because it has new data with Lee and RCBS bullet mould designs and some new powders ... it's worth every penny if you load lead .

I have a WWII era Walther P38 that absolutely loves that Lee 105 grain bullet . Not only function but shoots them into one ragged hole to the P38's sights ...
The Lee 356-120-TC is a sweet feeder ... try one if a 9mm/380 is giving you feeding issues ,
Seat them rather short as new 9mm don't seem to have any or much throat ...

I completely agree with your comments on the use of the Lee 356-120-TC. It works perfectly in all of my 9mm caliber pistols, including a P.08 (AKA "Luger"), a P.38, Glocks eek, and everything else. I size them at .357".

I don't seat anything short (deep). Use extreme caution if you do, as this practice will dramatically increase pressure.

 

[Warren Sear]

"...That person clearly had little or no information on thermodynamics or heat transfer on those millisecond timescales, and clearly..."
____________________
I am not sure to what BB57 is referring, but I would like to see that data.
Omission of important data is at worst a minor oversight in a rather compelling argument IMHO.
It should be a matter of mathematics, right?
I do not think anyone said it was heat that was splitting the forcing cones.
The reference was to "blow-by gas pressures." Pardon me if I misunderstood.

We should have seen measurements of the 125 grain bullets compared to the measurements of the space between the base of those bullets and the point at which the barrel is "sealed" to even consider whether such "blow-by" is feasible. Furthermore, what would be the mechanism, as a matter of physics, of this blow-by extra pressure? How would it be measured?

Thanks BB57!
Kind Regards!
BrianD

Agree completely. There is no empirical data on the mechanism that splits the K frame forcing cones, but many unproven theories, including mine.

I rule out heat as a contributor, because one can apply paint to the base of a bullet and it will only be slightly smoked after firing, not even burned. This incontrovertibly proves that there is not enough heat applied to burn the paint. If the base of the bullet can withstand the heat of firing, which would be for a longer period of time than what the forcing cone endures, I do not understand how it could be considered as a factor in splitting a forcing cone.

 

[Greyman50]

My first 19 6” was bought new in 75 and has unknown 10,000’s rounds through it. Had to peen yoke shaft to correct end shake. Fired few 1000 sort of hot factory rounds through it and countless hand loads that were “ normal”. Was never into “ just seeing how hot I can load”. It’s pretty well worn from carry when hunting and even got a few deer with it using the Speer 146 grn. half jacketed HP.( Unsure if they still make them) loaded over Unique. Got my second one few months ago and have yet to shoot it but may shoot tomorrow.