Titanium cylinder erosion (340PD) with 125gr factory ammo

[alexrex20]

I just got back my 340PD from S&W for warranty repair (27 days mailbox to mailbox, btw). I sent it in because the crane arm was coming apart... The yoke was pushing through the crane. Check the pic:

I also had some cylinder erosion, even though I never fired anything less than 120gr through it. This is ALL that was ever fired through the gun before I noticed the cylinder erosion:

20rds Remington Golden Saber 125gr
35rds Hornady Critical Defense 125gr
35rds Armscor USA 158gr FMJ

Once I noticed the erosion, I decided to never shoot the 125gr through the 340PD again, and picked up some Barnes Vor-tx 140gr and Speer Gold Dot 158gr. I put 20rds of each brand through it, and didn't notice any more erosion, but the crane arm was continuing to come apart.

I could've lived with the cylinder erosion but not the crane arm issue. Anyway, I got the 340PD back today and took it straight to the range. I only managed 10rds of the 158gr Gold Dots before I called it quits and switch to my Glock 17.

The recoil was noticeably stiffer than before; probably has to do with the wood grips. I may carry the 140gr Barnes instead...

Anyway, just wanted to share my experience with the known issue of titanium cylinder erosion. Maybe S&W needs to revise their disclaimer to not shoot anything less than 130gr through the titanium cylinder .357s.

What has everyone else's experience been?

 

[BigMoneyGrip]

I hate to see this on your gun. I was gonna get the PD, but I'm gonna get the M&P instead. As bad as I wanted the PD, it seems like the Ti cylinder is too finiky.

Does anyone know what the coating is? I'm sure S&W did plenty of R&D on the coating, but I would thing there is something better out there. As many different coatings as there is for carbide tooling, it seems something along those lines would be good.

 

[rwsmith]

I see a warning...

I saw a reference to Taurus warning not to shoot bullets in titanium guns lighter than 125 grain due to erosion. It appears that 125 gr bullets are bad for this, too.

 

[629shooter]

The only Magnum ammunition I have used in mine is 125 gr. I haven't had any issues yet. But, time will tell.

 

[Brothernov]

I'd really like either of the new 9mm offerings, but have been weary of the damn titanium cylinder. Why do they only offer it in titanium?

 

[ridgewalker]

I'd really like either of the new 9mm offerings, but have been weary of the damn titanium cylinder. Why do they only offer it in titanium?

Since Titanium is lighter than steel, the cylinder has less rotational mass (weight) which translates to a lighter and smoother trigger feel. Sounds like BS but it is true and you can definitely feel the difference.


To the OP, it is too expensive for practice ammo, but for carry I suggest the 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel.

 

[NEURON]

Shoot 38 Special the magnum just wastes powder and blinds/deafens you for a negligible increase in velocity. My 342PD is doing fine(can't believe they discontinued it, even lighter too).

 

[629shooter]

To the OP, it is too expensive for practice ammo, but for carry I suggest the 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel.

I really wish I could find the magnums "in stock" somewhere.

 

[Triathloncoach]

I had a scandium 360 and my friend had the PD version, I thought my gun was beyond light, his was noticeably more light. Maybe it's the D that I received in HS Chemistry but maybe it's too light.

 

[629shooter]

I had a scandium 360 and my friend had the PD version, I thought my gun was beyond light, his was noticeably more light. Maybe it's the D that I received in HS Chemistry but maybe it's too light.

I think there is only 1.9 oz difference. But yeah, it is surprisingly noticeable.

 

[ridgewalker]

I really wish I could find the magnums "in stock" somewhere.

I can't find any in stock right now either. I think they make it in batches so it comes and goes. Keep checking regularly and sooner or later you will find some. Then it is best to stock up.

 

[jrandyh]

I can't imagine why anyone would want to shoot full load 357's in an 11 oz gun. Only 357's I ever buy are the remington 125's. Don't plan on shooting them In that gun. Strictly + p for me.
JR

 

[alexrex20]

I can't imagine why anyone would want to shoot full load 357's in an 11 oz gun. Only 357's I ever buy are the remington 125's. Don't plan on shooting them In that gun. Strictly + p for me.
JR

I can't imagine why anyone would want to only shoot +P's in a .357 gun. To each their own.

 

[alexrex20]

The only Magnum ammunition I have used in mine is 125 gr. I haven't had any issues yet. But, time will tell.

Which 125gr Magnums are you shooting?

To the OP, it is too expensive for practice ammo, but for carry I suggest the 135gr Gold Dot Short Barrel.

Thanks, I considered them, but couldn't find any locally or for a decent price online. My online shopping cart has a weird tendency to grow larger and larger to offset the shipping cost...

Shoot 38 Special the magnum just wastes powder and blinds/deafens you for a negligible increase in velocity.

I'd like to see a 125gr+ .38 +P that gets 1200fps out of a snubby. Do you shoot your .38 +Ps without ear protection? It will ring your ears just like a .357 Magnum will.

 

[bob richardson]

I have the .44 mag pd model but havn't fired it yet.Being so light I would only use it for carry and not a regular range gun.The cylinder has a dark line where the hot gasses are directed from the little piece of stainless against the forcing cone.Whats the deal for that? Anyone know? The line is about 1/4" from the cylinder end.

 

[alexrex20]

Got any pics? Can't think of why there'd be a line on the cylinder of an unfired gun.

 

[NEURON]

Which 125gr Magnums are you shooting?


Thanks, I considered them, but couldn't find any locally or for a decent price online. My online shopping cart has a weird tendency to grow larger and larger to offset the shipping cost...


I'd like to see a 125gr+ .38 +P that gets 1200fps out of a snubby. Do you shoot your .38 +Ps without ear protection? It will ring your ears just like a .357 Magnum will.

A .25 Auto makes my ears ring if I am stupid enough not to wear them, confused on your point. .38 Special +P max. 20000 PSI .357 Magnum max. 35000 PSI, louder it sounds to me too. Mag Safe makes one that is around 1300-1400FPS for a 2".
What is the load you are talking about.
Longer the barrel with in reasonable constraints more velocity. Why, better propellant burn, do you really think that huge muzzle flash is doing anything to get that bullet to its target faster?

 

[alexrex20]

A .25 Auto makes my ears ring if I am stupid enough not to wear them, confused on your point. .38 Special +P max. 20000 PSI .357 Magnum max. 35000 PSI, louder it sounds to me too. Mag Safe makes one that is around 1300-1400FPS for a 2".
What is the load you are talking about.
Longer the barrel with in reasonable constraints more velocity. Why, better propellant burn, do you really think that huge muzzle flash is doing anything to get that bullet to its target faster?

You made the point that .357Mag is a waste over .38Spl because it blinds/deafens you. Now you make the point that even .25ACP will deafen you if you don't wear ear-pro. Get your story straight.

I don't notice any large muzzle flash in my .357 snubbies with the ammo I shoot. My 10mm shoots fireballs and even still, the extremely brief muzzle flash does not blind me in the least bit.

Sorry that you can't handle it.

 

[629shooter]

Which 125gr Magnums are you shooting?

I've shot a bit of an assortment of factory ammo.

125 gr. Remington Golden Saber, 125gr. Remington JSP, 125 gr. WWB (Win Clean) JFN. I have also tried the 145 gr. Winchester STHP.

 

[Wreckless]

I have the .44 mag pd model but havn't fired it yet.Being so light I would only use it for carry and not a regular range gun.The cylinder has a dark line where the hot gasses are directed from the little piece of stainless against the forcing cone.Whats the deal for that? Anyone know? The line is about 1/4" from the cylinder end.

That shield is to prevent flame cutting of the topstrap.