To do or not to do...?

[rpg0123]

I'm considering running some 125gr Rem JHPs through my near mint but lightly fired 4" model 19. Then, I've heard of the forcing cone business. I've also heard that this was primarily a rare problem "back in the day" when this load was hotter. So, basically, not sure if I should do it or not? If I did it, it would be VERY sparingly. Suggestions?

 

[4inch357]

No more than it sounds like you are going to shoot them I wouldn't worry about it. I just have no use for the 125's, either for hunting or self defense.

 

[NFrameFred]

It's your gun - your choice. All I will add is that it is difficult to find replacement barrels for 19's these days since they haven't been made for some time and I still come across guns with recently split forcing cones.

Since it's a pressure thing that no doubt hinges on the properties of the individual barrel ( hardness, machining and mounting stresses, etc.) some may never split and some may after only a few "wrong" rounds. Point is, it's a documented phenomenon and there's no way to predict which ones will and which ones won't.

I choose not to shoot magnums with light bullets in my K frames; to each his own . . . .

 

[Vulcan Bob]

I have to agree with NFrameFred on this one, I stick with 158gr cast and jacketed in mine.

 

[Gearhead Jim]

Shooting 125 gr magnums in your K frame is like flooring the accelerator on your car up to cruising speed. A few times, won't be a problem unless it was ready to break anyway. Do it frequently, the chances of a very expensive problem start to go up. But each gun/car is so individual, it's hard to make any precise predictions.