Model 19 (K frame) + .357 Ammo = 'Splain Please

[flagman1776]

I believe in the early days when Jeff Cooper had just opened his Gunsite ranch, there was one of the Combat Masters who shot only hot 357s through 19s & 66s and rotated 3 revolvers in & out of the shop.
When I started, indeed we practiced & even qualified with soft recoiling 38 reloads (low bid) shooting up our carry ammo for "familiarity".
When we were required to carry factory ammo, I carried 110 grain SuperVels until they locked up my 66 with primer flow. (Didn't lock my 19) My last issue loads were 357 Winchester Silver Tips.
I would use 150-158 grain loads today.

PS Modern loads are milder than previous loads...

 

[Jack Flash]

Saxon Pig raises an interesting point -- is this unique to the Model 19?

The discussion had me thinking that if the 125 grain bullet's lack of support causing it to tip and slam, would this not also happen with 125 grain .38 Specials? If so, why don't we hear of M10s, M64s, M14s, M15s, etc. having cracked forcing cones? Sure, .38 Specials are milder than the .357 Magnum, but if the 125 grain bullet is the culprit, you'd think the problem would manifest itself in other S&Ws eventually.

Similarly, if caused by lack of proper cleaning, wouldn't it happen across the board?

 

[bmcgilvray]

I've owned several Model 19s in the past 30-something years, have one now, a 19-4. I've never used anything but .357 Magnum ammunition in them. I've not shot any of them a whole lot, maybe 1500 rounds through one. Not that many through the one here now. I'm also not a true believer in the 125 grain JHP loading, preferring heavier bullets than that. The revolvers were always cleaned after each use.

Anyway not cracks to report. I've looked at Model 19s at gun shows to try to find one with a cracked forcing cone at 6 o'clock but haven't had the good fortune to even inspect one.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

I have posted this before. In 1986 my 19-4 split the forcing cone on the bottom while I was shooting 160 gr. cast bullets pushed by #2400 powder. I replaced the barrel and its been a safe queen mostly since then. So it does happen with other than hot 125 gr loads. In fact no 125 gr. loads have ever been shot in my 19. I have a 66 purchased the same time the 19 was that has never given a problem.