Seven3
Member
After acquiring a 19-4 2 1/2 a couple of weeks ago, and discovering how well it shoots, I've decided to carry it some. Those of you who carry a snub 19, what do you load it with? Thanks in advance for your replies and advice.
Recommended Model 19 carry ammo
- Thread starter Seven3
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
mkk41
US Veteran
The Remington 125gr SJHP and Federal 125gr JHP were two of the best rated handgun defense rounds for a long time.
Overpenetration is a concern when it comes to magnum rounds. Plus I don't want to endanger someone half mile beyong my target if I miss. So is a ricochet. I'm a fan of Glaser Safety Slugs and keep them in all my carry or HD guns.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2007
- Messages
- 27,660
- Reaction score
- 21,315
Many find full .357 loads in a smaller gun are unpleasant, not to mention hard on the gun. A full .38 +P, or the .357 Speer Short Barrel are often recommended, but try several loads (if you can find them!) and see which work for you and your model 19.
mkk41
US Veteran
Read the Model 19 "Bad Rap" thread. It'll take thousands of rounds before you have any 'issues'.
Thanks. I read and posted on that thread. My understanding from reading a number of articles and board threads on the topic is that the 19 can stand up to thousands of rounds of .357 so long as you stay away from a steady diet of the lighter bullets (110-125 gr). I have no problem shooting 158 gr. loads in my 19s, and in fact have found them to group better for me than .38 spcl, but they may be a bit much for EDC. That's why I'm looking at either a hot .38 round, or a milder .357 load.
Because of flash, recoil, report and penetration, I don't like .357 for personal defense.
Recommend:
- Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P 135 grain HP
- CorBon DPX .38 Special +P 110 grain HP
- Buffalo Bore .38 Special standard power 158 grain SWCHC
The nice thing about .38 Special in a Model 19 is the shorter brass, which will eject easier. The downside is you'll need to clean the chambers more diligently shooting the shorter .38 in a chamber throated for .357.
Recommend:
- Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .38 Special +P 135 grain HP
- CorBon DPX .38 Special +P 110 grain HP
- Buffalo Bore .38 Special standard power 158 grain SWCHC
The nice thing about .38 Special in a Model 19 is the shorter brass, which will eject easier. The downside is you'll need to clean the chambers more diligently shooting the shorter .38 in a chamber throated for .357.
I like the Speer 135grn Gold Dot .38spl +P for short barreled revolvers.
But that's just my opinion.
I the late 70s the Agency I worked for issued 2 1/2 inch 66s. With them we got the .38spl 110 Winchester +P+ Treasury Loads. Those I did not care for. Poorly preforming bullet, under penetration and a muzzle flash to die for.
Again I've had good luck with the Speer round.
Rule 303
But that's just my opinion.
I the late 70s the Agency I worked for issued 2 1/2 inch 66s. With them we got the .38spl 110 Winchester +P+ Treasury Loads. Those I did not care for. Poorly preforming bullet, under penetration and a muzzle flash to die for.
Again I've had good luck with the Speer round.
Rule 303
I practice with, and carry, CCI Blazer .357Mag 158gr JHP. Another poster wrote it chronos at 990fps from a snub bbl. Not hot, but still not a cream puff. With practice, easy to do double-taps at 3-7 yards. Never an ignition problem. I know it's only supposed to be a less expensive range load, but I'm comfortable carrying it for SD in a snub mag.
I load my M-66 1/2", the same revolver as the the M-19, except it's stainless instead of carbon steel, with the Buffalo Bore 38/44 38 special +p load. This a 158Gr hard cast SWC. The only drawback is the price. At $1.75 per round these are not range or backyard can shooting rounds.
Point 357
US Veteran
Looks like I'm alone here but I keep a M19 2.5" loaded wirh Hornady Critical defense 38+P in my home basement office.
shouldazagged
Absent Comrade
Second the FBI load. I haven't yet tried the Buffalo Bore version, or the Speer 135gr +P Short Barrel, but have used the Remington flavor for years. It has a distinguished 40-year track record from 2" and 4" barrels.
model 19 2.5" loads
I will not reiterate what I posted on the " model 19 bad rap" thread....will suffice it to say that I have been shooting, carrying, instructing and working on K frame magnums since 1973....I carry a K frame 357 snub a lot and carry 125 gr JHP's 357 mag loads in mine.....you are not going to hurt your model 19/66 shooting 357 mag loads in it....any of the modern defensive loads will serve you well..have an extensive background also with the "FBI" load....it will serve you well also...good shooting.
I will not reiterate what I posted on the " model 19 bad rap" thread....will suffice it to say that I have been shooting, carrying, instructing and working on K frame magnums since 1973....I carry a K frame 357 snub a lot and carry 125 gr JHP's 357 mag loads in mine.....you are not going to hurt your model 19/66 shooting 357 mag loads in it....any of the modern defensive loads will serve you well..have an extensive background also with the "FBI" load....it will serve you well also...good shooting.
snowman.45
Member
If i feel the need for a magnum load, 135 to 158 gr. Everything else in the Buffalo Bore 158gr. +P FBI load (.38 special).
Last edited:
ibewbull
US Veteran
I see a lot of post i agree with here.
For me I like the 158 LSWCHP in 38 special.
They have a great track record.
The old stand by of using lead wad cutter target ammo is another option I may use. It all depends on where you are packing. If I am on 2 wheels and want a bit more power I will load LSWCHP 38s in my J frame and some .357s in the 66 or 686+ this is a good reason to go with the New Your Reload of a BUG.
For me I like the 158 LSWCHP in 38 special.
They have a great track record.
The old stand by of using lead wad cutter target ammo is another option I may use. It all depends on where you are packing. If I am on 2 wheels and want a bit more power I will load LSWCHP 38s in my J frame and some .357s in the 66 or 686+ this is a good reason to go with the New Your Reload of a BUG.
Jdavis
Member
My 2.5" model 66 stays loaded with Speer Gold Dot Short Barrel .357 magnum 135 grain GDHP rounds. Recoil is controlled and muzzle flash is minimized in this loading. It allows me to have the advantage of the .357 mag without the negatives of standard rounds from a short barrel. 38spl+P rounds such as Federal Hydra-Shock , Winchester PDX, and Remington Golden Sabre, are good alternatives.
Similar threads
