model 19-8 self defense loads?

[ericlosh]

ok so the dealeo is i know the model 19 and 66's shouldnt be fed anything other the 158 grain .357, but for self defense loads can this rule be broken? I'm looking to pick up some self defense loads for the model 19 tomorrow and would like to know what i should look for.

many thanks in advance.

 

[ContinentalOp]

You can use whatever weight bullet you want. What you shouldn't do is shoot a steady diet of full-power 125gr loads through it. If that's what you want to carry, then there shouldn't be problem if you wanted to fire a cylinder or two every few months to maintain familiarity with it and shoot heavier or lighter loads on a regular basis.

Personally, I wouldn't go with the full-power 125gr loads because of muzzle blast. I'd rather go with the mid-range 125gr loads or even .38 Special FBI loads. I have a 3" 65 and it's usually loaded with Buffalo Bore .38 Special standard pressure 158gr LSWCHP. I also have some Speer .357 Magnum 135gr Short-Barrel GDHP that also shoot well in the gun.

 

[diamonback68]

I also have some Speer .357 Magnum 135gr Short-Barrel GDHP that also shoot well in the gun.

This is the one I would go for, but I think you forgot to say they are +Ps. Still the one I use in almost all my .38spl and .357mags at home.

 

[ericlosh]

thanks alot, i just wanted to make sure i wasnt going to be doing anythin rather unsafe, can afford to break my gun

 

[ContinentalOp]

This is the one I would go for, but I think you forgot to say they are +Ps. Still the one I use in almost all my .38spl and .357mags at home.

My post referred to the .357 Magnum version, not the .38 Special version, which is +P (and which I use in my 642).

 

[roundgunner]

My post referred to the .357 Magnum version, not the .38 Special version, which is +P (and which I use in my 642).

The 357 mag 135gr Gold dot is my choice too.

 

[P&R Fan]

I know it's not a good idea to shoot a lot of 'em in a K-Frame, but my 2 1/2" M66-1 is always stoked with Federal 125 Grn loads. I don't shoot many of them in it, but I'm familiar enough with the POA/POI.
Then again I live on the wild side. I have actually run with scissors.
Jim

 

[wheelyfun66]

As others have stated...

In my 66 snub, I carry Speer Gold Dot short barrel 135gr .357 magnum

or..
Buffalo Bore 158gr .38+P LSWCHP (these loads are around 1,000 fps from a 2"barrel...)

Seems like the "cracked forcing cone" issue comes from high-mileage 19/66's that have seen many hundreds of hotter loads??