Type of .357 for my model 19-4

[KyleHines2005]

After I acquired my model 19-4, I have been doing some research regarding the type of .357 loads are suitable to shoot without causing harm to any of the guns components. My search found that the flat area cut into the 6 o'clock position on the forcing cone is prone or capable of cracking under today's hot loads. Namely, the 110 gr. and 125 gr. .357 Magnum loads. What research have you guys done that has come conclusive to what ammo is fired the safest and is the caliber the gun is stamped? I would love to hear more on this. I also read that the gun does fine under stress with the 158 gr. loads and I should stick with the heavier loads and stay away from the lighter hotter rounds.

 

[silentflyer]

158 grain anything works well in mine.

 

[Nframecollector]

I have shot thousands of 38's loaded with 13.5 grs. of 2400 and Elmers 173 gr. bullet with not ill effects in my 19-4.

 

[KyleHines2005]

Yeah, I have some Sellier and Bellot 158gr FMJ loads, I have it stocked with .38 Critical Defense rounds right now. How hard is it to find the 158gr.? Seems you have to go with the more expensive rounds.

 

[kaaskop49]

For K-frame .357s, I prefer the CCI Blazer .357M 158gr JHP. Not as hot as other .357s,but still not a weakling. Another poster chrono'd it at about 1000fps from a 4" bbl. A great practice load that can double as a carry load.

 

[KyleHines2005]

At the moment, I carry Hornady .38 special CD. That will work for now. Hopefully soon, I can find a model 66 and carry it instead of the model 19.

 

[kdailey]

There's my Arkansas friend Austin. Good to see ya on here. keith

 

[shawn mccarver]

158s are the best choice in the K frame magnums.

 

[KyleHines2005]

158s are the best choice in the K frame magnums.

That's what is gonna be the round I shoot if its .357. The only load I have that size is Sellier & Bellot FMJ. Its fine to shoot a couple of times. I just don't want to ruin a classic.

 

[petepeterson]

At the moment, I carry Hornady .38 special CD. That will work for now. Hopefully soon, I can find a model 66 and carry it instead of the model 19.

It sounds like you're confusing .38s and .357's. Any .38 loading will be fine in your K-frame. It's the lighter magnum loadings that (eventually) cause the problems. I don't believe firing 10 125 gr magnums will make your revolver disappear. It was a steady diet of the lighter bullets that caused the flame-cutting.

Additional, a Model 66 is the same frame as a 19. The stainless model has no advantage when it comes to the forcing cone issue. Hence, the L-frame, and the 686.

 

[murphydog]

Good advice above. Keeping the internal forcing cone area clean (referenced in other threads on this topic) and avoiding the temptation to make every round a full .357 seem to be the key to a long happy life for your K frame.

 

[KyleHines2005]

Right, Pete, what I was referring to was it ok to shoot full house .357 loads of 158 grain on a semi regular diet or will that cause issues? I also have 158 gr. .38 loads. I just chose to carry a .38 defense load in it because I honestly won't need a .357. Plus, I know for a fact it's safer until I figure out what .357 loading has come conclusive to being safe.

 

[POPPER]

K frame 357 lds

I have a 66 k frame that I have shot hundreds of 158 gr hardcast lead bullets out of with up to 15grs of 2400 in it. Same loads I shoot in my L & N frame 357s' with no problems. Like the other fellows I'd steer clear of making a habit out of using 125gr and leave the 110 gr alone for sure. Those things act like a cutting torch on the forcing cone. Seems like I heard way back when that S&W said not to shoot 110 gr in the K frames. If you are a reloader I might suggest you try a box of #503 Magnus bullets made in Alabama. Have had real good luck with this one. Just a suggestion. Popper

 

[petepeterson]

Unless you're going to be putting alot of rounds downrange, you should be good with 158 gr magnums. The .38's are nicer on the hands, though, and they will hit differently on the target. That's why I pretty much only put .38's through my 19-3.

I saw your other post-Beautiful revolver. I've always wanted a 2 1/2" round butt. Congrats!

 

[KyleHines2005]

I picked up some Hornady custom 158gr JHP. Would that be gine to fire out of the gun. Of course not often because these are premium defense rounds, but would 158gr FMJ .357 be ok to fire out of it every once in a while? maybe 25-50 rounds in a shooting session with several breaks?

 

[THEWELSHM]

158 Grain for me 38 special for plinking and 125 by the bed. Hopefully never shoot the 125

thewelshm

 

[KyleHines2005]

158 Grain for me 38 special for plinking and 125 by the bed. Hopefully never shoot the 125

thewelshm

Yeah, that seems about right. I have the 158gr by the bed for defense rounds. Hornady Custom. Its kinda like the critical defense, but brass cased and just an open tip hollow point.

 

[THEWELSHM]

Yeah, that seems about right. I have the 158gr by the bed for defense rounds. Hornady Custom. Its kinda like the critical defense, but brass cased and just an open tip hollow point.

cool mate that will do the job LOUD as hell


thewelshm

 

[KyleHines2005]

Kinda weird, but how does a heavier bullet less damaging than a 110 or 125 grain?


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[Chromedhearts]

Kinda weird, but how does a heavier bullet less damaging than a 110 or 125 grain?


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Yes. The extra speed of the lighter bullets seems to be part of the problem with cracked forcing cones.
Of course, 158grn BuffaloBore is as fast as any other comercial 125grn...