N-frame strength

[UDR2]

I don't want to resurrect the battle of which gun is "built stronger" - a Ruger or a Smith - but Ive been reading threads in the S&W Forum about .357 ammo selection and came across statements to the effect that real hot .357 loads should not be the main diet of a L or K frame S&W and should best be reserved for use in a Ruger GP100. So my question is: are the N-frame S&Ws as strong as the GP100 and Super Redhawks? Asked another way, is there any reason not to shoot a lot of hot 125 gr Remington .357's from an N-Frame?

 

[Broker50]

I believe the main issue is flame cutting of the top strap. That will happen on any of the revolvers mentioned, it's just that some have a thicker top strap. My question is, why does anyone need to shoot large quantities of 125 gr 357 loads?

 

[UDR2]

My question is, why does anyone need to shoot large quantities of 125 gr 357 loads?

Beats me. I don't enjoy shooting hot magnum loads and stick to .38 Spl +P or light magnum loads such as WWB 110 gr. .357. I was just curious because of comments I read about ammo selection choices. As far as wearing a gun out, for whatever reason, something tells me that I'm gonna wear out sooner than any of the guns I own.

 

[Doug M.]

I would have no problem shooting a lot of 125 grain .357 ammo from the L or N frames. Well, other than my age and increasing arthritis - the revolvers will stand a lot more of it that I would. It's the "K" frames that would be at greater risk, and I doubt I would shoot enough in my 66 to have an y issues, either.
BTW: it is the LIGHTER bullets that present that wear/flame cutting issues. I would stick with 145+ grain. I've become more reactionary in my old age, and am inclined more and more to really hard cast Keith style SWCs at moderate velocity for almost any revolver.

 

[kennyb]

i have shot way hot loads in both the K&L frames for years...not a single issue here

 

[roaddog28]

The answer to your question is yes. The N frame can shoot 125 gr full power rounds in qualities. So can the L frame, GP100 Ruger Security Six and Ruger Redhawk. But I would not subject my revolver to the constant battering of the top strap do to frame cutting or erosion of the forcing cone of this round all the time. I have seen pictures of GP100s, S&W 686s after high round counts of 125 or lighter high velocity rounds. These are the hardest rounds on any 357 magnum revolver. These revolvers suffered erosion of the forcing cone and sometimes split forcing cones. Most likely the average person won't wear out a N frame or any of the others I mentioned in there lifetime. But it dones happen.
My advice is this, you can shoot the full power 125 gr rounds but I would not shoot large amounts. I would stick with the heavier 140 gr or higher and enjoy your revolver.
Regards,
Howard

 

[XTrooper]

Think about the calibers the N-frame revolver is offered in and you have your answer.

 

[Kavinsky]

I don't want to resurrect the battle of which gun is "built stronger" - a Ruger or a Smith - but Ive been reading threads in the S&W Forum about .357 ammo selection and came across statements to the effect that real hot .357 loads should not be the main diet of a L or K frame S&W and should best be reserved for use in a Ruger GP100. So my question is: are the N-frame S&Ws as strong as the GP100 and Super Redhawks? Asked another way, is there any reason not to shoot a lot of hot 125 gr Remington .357's from an N-Frame?

only K frames, not the L frame, the L frame was sized up to take the hotter loads and had a stronger forcing cone than the K frames

and a ruger GP101 was listed as one of the ones that got ruined by the super hot 125 grain loads moving at 1500 fps out of it, along with a colt python

so just avoid the hotter than 1500 fps 125 grain rounds and it should be fine regardless of what frame or make it is.

 

[AABEN]

I shoot a lot of 158GR SWC and JHP in all of my 357 and never had any trouble! So jest shoot away. I like the 150 & 158 GR 357 and 140 & 150 for my 38S.

 

[fyimo]

The L frame was S&W's answer to a forcing cone problem with light hotly loaded 357 rounds in the K frame. They solved the problem and the L frame will eat whatever you throw at it ammo wise. The N frame is a step above the L frame so it will certainly handle any 357 magnum round you put threw it.