N frame cartridge length 357 magnum

[38magnum]

I have to ask, seriously I have to ask this.

Why hasnt the N frame 357 magnum been modified to use the longer bullets in magnum cases? Most, if not all the reloading manuals have decided to drop the practice of seating the 358429 to the top of the front band to allow it to not protrude out of the cylinder.

Just want to know why the L frame can take it loaded to full length, but the N frame still cant.

 

[Chuck Edwards]

I have no insight into S&W's reasoning, but I can hazard a few guesses.

S&W sells few M27s as compared to their other revolvers. Research and retooling, to them, doesn't merit the use of resources it would require.

Folks who buy M27s do so for their classic look. Going to a longer cylinder would mess that up.

L frames have longer cylinders for the same reason that .357 K frames do - it adds weight, which mitigates recoil, which in turn allows for quicker follow-up shots (remember, these were designed as LE guns) and more shooter comfort.

Few shooters are handloaders, and of those who are, few cast their own bullets. Commercial jacketed and cast bullets are designed to fit in the M27's cylinder.

Those are just my guesses.

 

[71vette]

SAAMI specs for 357 Magnum sets the max length to 1.59”. Before I got a new Python, I loaded my 357’s to 1.61” as that would work in everything I had, even my Henry. 1.61 inch 357’s work just fine in my 27’s. I now load to 1.595” as Pythons have an even shorter cylinder than an N frame.

Reality is that the L and K frame have long cylinders, the N and Python are “in spec” but for hand loads are short.

 

[rockquarry]

The #358429 works fine; I've never found that seating it to 1.59" or 1.60" harms anything in the way of performance or accuracy. Still, it's a "make do" for the .357 cartridge since it was designed for the .38 Special.

A better bullet, and one I've found to be a bit more accurate than the #358429 is what became the Hensley & Gibbs #51, the original .357 Magnum bullet. Crimp just enough (and no more) in the crimp groove to prevent recoil-induced bullet movement. The OAL will be around 1.59".

 

[Rock185]

Back in Olden days, the mid frame Colt, and S&W N and K-Frames, were in .38 Special, then along comes the longer .357. I suspect it was just corporate inertia that kept the original /short cylinder lengths. I wish the Colt and N-Frame cylinders were longer too.

Years ago, can't remember what bullet I was loading, but COL was a little to long for the N-Frame cylinder. So when loading .357 ammunition I always appreciated the longer K and L-Frame cylinders..

 

[Alk8944]

The #358429 works fine; I've never found that seating it to 1.59" or 1.60" harms anything in the way of performance or accuracy. Still, it's a "make do" for the .357 cartridge since it was designed for the .38 Special.

S&W isn't going to re-engineer the Model 27 to make it accommodate a bullet not designed for the caliber, just that simple. If you choose to use the 358429 then you have to make the accommodation!

A better bullet, and one I've found to be a bit more accurate than the #358429 is what became the Hensley & Gibbs #51, the original .357 Magnum bullet. Crimp just enough (and no more) in the crimp groove to prevent recoil-induced bullet movement. The OAL will be around 1.59".

The original .357 Magnum bullet was a Phil Sharpe design modified by Winchester. The H&G #51 may be a copy of the Winchester bullet, but it was not the original bullet for the .357 Magnum! Read Phil Sharpe's chapter on development of the .357 Magnum cartridge and revolver!