S&W 60-14... how many 357 rounds are too many?

[IrvJr]

Hi All,

I have a 2" S&W model 60-14 in .357 mag. I like the gun for its portability, reliability and accuracy. I used to only carry .38 special defensive rounds in it, but recently I decided to start carrying .357 mag 158 JSP rounds in the gun. I found that the .357 mag rounds were very accurate and although they have a sharp retort and recoil, the weight of the all-steel 60-14 makes it manageable.

When I take my gun to the range, I mostly shoot .38 special standard pressure rounds out of the gun. However, I do try and shoot a few cylinders worth of .357 158gr JSP rounds through the gun.

I am concerned about the long term durability of my little gun. How many .357 mag rounds can the 60-14 endure? I typically shoot maybe 15 to 20 rounds of factory .357 mag ammo once or twice a month. Is this too much for the little gun?

Thanks!

 

[murphydog]

I think at 30-40 rounds of 158 gr .357 per month, it will keep running indefinitely. With several thousand rounds it may need action work but you will have spent a lot on ammo by then .

 

[Hapworth]

You may get some speculators, but no one can really give you a go/no-go number on .357s through your 60.

By your assessment you're shooting at minimum 170 to 480 magnum rounds a year in a smaller, albeit all-steel revolver.

I'd expect at minimum some endshake and forcing cone erosion to develop within a couple years under that usage, unless you're sticking to very powered down loads.

Standard line around here is if you like shooting a lot of magnum, move to an L or N frame.

Personally, I'd back off a bit putting them through the J if I was interested in absolute longevity without a gunsmith visit.

What are your uses for the J that's you've selected soft points?

 

[PR24]

Have a go with Speer's 135 gr .357 Mag short barreled GDHP ammo #23917. I've shot some thru my 60 for fun & it's much easier to handle than full house loads; yet better than .38 Spl ballistics. I say they're like a +P+ .38 load as far as recoil.

Like you I shoot the Mag's sparingly. Not because the revolver will kaboom, but it's PAINFUL! Unfortunately I have to use full power .158 gr GDHP since the PD issues that. As Joe Citizen, you get a choice. Don't sweat the gun getting loose, the modern metallurgy makes it safe.

 

[IrvJr]

Thanks All for the posts. I think I'll switch back to .38 special Hornady XTP 158gr JHP rounds and maybe invest in a 686+ 4" in the future.

I like the pop of the .357 mags and they are surprisingly accurate out of the little J frame, but don't want to accelerate the wear on my gun, so i think I'll switch back to the XTP rounds.