Shooting 357 in a Model 66-5

[SFK]

I have read alot here and elsewhere about being cautious of shooting alot of 357 through a Model 66.

I have only had the gun for a few months and have only shot 38_p.

I recently ordered some 357 ammo. (Remington UMC JSP) 125 Grain.

I understand that it's best to shoot 158 grain but I have accidentally purchaced these.

So my question of couse is:

Is it safe to shoot the occasional. 125 gr Magnum load through a M 66?

I'm talking maybe 12 to 24 rounds a session until the 50 rnds I have are gone?

Thanks in advance,

 

[Wayne M]

Shoot it. The gun will handle it far longer than you will enjoy shooting them.

 

[tbury]

I would not fire rapidly. Time to cool between rounds of six might reduce the possible stress on you K frame. If I had and L frame or N frame I would shoot them up in one of those if not; then go for it and stick with 158gr loads after these are gone. JMHO

 

[RainDodger]

Shoot, shoot, shoot and shoot some more. That's what it's designed for. I have a 66-2 w/2.5" that's digested .357s for years. No problems to date.

That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

 

[18DAI]

No worries. Shoot all you can afford.

I've posted here several times over the years, asking for anyone with a busted forcing cone on a model 66 to come forward and post a pic as well. so far......no takers.

I own over a dozen model 66's, no dash through 66-4. Some are ex LEO trade ins with thousands of rounds through them. I shoot more than the average person, and compete with two of my 66's. I've yet to have a problem in over 38 years.......but I guess there is still time. Enjoy your 66. Regards 18DAI.

 

[SFK]

Thank you all.

I'm going to take it to the range tomorrow afternoon.

 

[Bullseye Smith]

Depends on how much you like your gun, one 125gr can screw-up the barrel or it could take 2 or 200. Is the $500 dollar gun worth a $25 dollar box of rounds? Shoot them in your 686, 28 or colt(they aren't worth anything anyway ) but not a nice 66.

 

[makeminestainless]

I've heard before the forcing cone problem was less on the stainless 66 than on the blued 19. As far as I know Smith has no warning against shooting any 357 round in either the 66 or 19, that's what's stamped on the gun. I have a 66-7 that has seen several hundred 125's at least. I think it is more of a "wear out" thing than a "break" thing. I've never seen a cracked forcing cone in person. It always seems the J's should have an even bigger problem.