Recommended Model 19 carry ammo

[hotrod150]

Seems like most people here are advocating use of 38+P for carry use in the 30-ounce-plus 2-1/2" model 19. I don't disagree at all, but do find it interesting that 357 j-frames weighing 15 ounces and less are big sellers for S&W.

 

[Hapworth]

Seems like most people here are advocating use of 38+P for carry use in the 30-ounce-plus 2-1/2" model 19. I don't disagree at all, but do find it interesting that 357 j-frames weighing 15 ounces and less are big sellers for S&W.

I doubt that many -- at least who've put in the range and training time -- are actually using .357 in those Js.

 

[JP@AK]

Old style Hydra-Shok

hotrod150
Here are the photos you requested. Unfortunately the box is a bit tattered. I've had it for at least 35 years. I'm not too sure when I bought these cartridges, but it was before 1978, I think. I gave 6 rounds to my brother, shot a few and kept the rest in the box, except 5 or 6 that have occupied the chambers of several carry guns over the years.
Scorpion on the left, Federal on the right.

 

[hotrod150]

Thanks, Jack. There's a big difference in the appearance between the two-- the Scorpions look like I remember (an inverted HBWC with a post added to the cavity), while the newer Federals look to me like a regular JHP with a post. I guess the defining common feature is that post.
More about my home-grown extreme hollowpoint loads.: I was considering loading them to a higher velocity so that the bullets would stabilize in flight, but then got to thinking that the higher velocity might cause the bullet to over-expand and come apart on impact. FWIW Atomic Ammo loads their 38 spl +P "lead hollow point (upside down wadcutter)" to a claimed 875 fps out of a 2" revolver, and those who've tried it report no bullet yaw.

 

[JP@AK]

I have no idea if it is true, but the story I heard was that Federal converted the Hydra-Shok to a jacketed round because the lead bullet would expand too rapidly when passing through down-filled vests and jackets and the result was little penetration into the body. Allegedly, the copper jacket controlled the expansion to overcome this alleged deficiency.
I remember that Scorpion actually advertised the original version as a bullet that would expand to about .45 caliber during its passage into the torso of a subject when shot within normal range for self-defense shootings. I'm sure they were trying to capitalize on the popularity of the .45 ACP as a defense round - boosting the idea that the .38 could be a good defense solution under the common currency of the bad rap the .38 Special lead round nose bullet was getting at that time.
Jack

 

[shouldazagged]

I doubt that many -- at least who've put in the range and training time -- are actually using .357 in those Js.

There are probably some who are either impervious to wicked recoil and horrendous flash and blast, or enjoy that kind of thing, who do. I don't personally know anyone who doesn't carry .38 Special +P in a J chambered for .357. Even before my hands went to hell with arthritis I wouldn't shoot the Magnum stuff in a snubby.

 

[DeafSmith]

If you don't want full magnums I suggest Buffalo Bore 125 gr. low recoil/low flash .357s. Gets a 125 gr all copper DPX slug at 1250 or so from your 2 1/2 inch combat magnum. I use that load in my 640-1 2 1/4 inch J snub.

Gun last along time with that load, you last a long time with that load. And it's still a very good SD load on bad guys!

 

[rwsmith]

What I use in a .357 for home defense....

A medium to heavy bullet at about 1000 ft/sec. A .38 +P+ or a low end .357 round that I make myself.

 

[Pointblank2U]

My 4" 66 shoots just fine with Winchester 145 grain Silvertips.

 

[cgpd2515]

I carry Winchester 145gr. Silvertips in my 19-5. Second is full power Federal 125s. I'm not overly worried about damage to the gun since I will never be able to afford the amount of ammo needed to do damage with current market prices. Lol

 

[butchkent]

I've been shooting magnum loafs in my m29-3 since new in 1972. No problems. I don't shoot light weight bullets because they aren't designed to penetrate but to rapidly expand and deliver shock. I have hunted deer and smaller animals with my standatd load of Sierra 150 JHC. Always make one shot kills. In even the largest deer it will penetrate through the chest cavity leaving tremendous internal organ damage an large entrance and 1" exit openings. The bullet does not have enough energy left to travel through the wall of a house or a car body. Just don't miss. But that is true of a BB gun.

 

[Vom Brunhaus K9]

Super Vel and Norma if you can find them.

 

[LostintheOzone]

Standard 158 gr. Federal JHP ammo. MV about 1240 fps. I'm not a big proponent of light fast bullets. This is a 50 yd. load. If you're going to carry a M19 you might as well use ammo that can do some good at that range. True, most shootings happen at less than 10 yards, but one should never assume there will be no need to engage a shooter at greater range. Instead of the normal range of 25 yds, practice at 50. You will then have a true appreciation for the 357. The Federal 158 POA/POI is 50 yards. The model 19 is a 50 yd. gun, even with a 2.5" barrel.

 

[BCDWYO]

In my snub K-frames I carry:
1. Win 145 gr Silvertips 357 mag
2. Fed 158 gr Hydrashocks 357 mag or
3. Buffalo Bore Heavy 158 gr +P 38 Sp.