125-gr .357 load for 3" K-Frame?

E

erniestu

New member
There's lots of discussion regarding .357 loads and I know there is much variability and personal preference with regard to muzzle flash, recoil, barrel length, gun weight, frame strength, etc.
That said, I'm interested in what folks have to say about 125-grain JHP loads versus 158-grain (or other) for a self-defense load, assuming use out of a S&W M65LS 3-inch K-Frame. It's my understanding that the 125-gr loads may be a bit hot for this gun's frame/mechanical strength.
Thanks for the input.
 
The Golden Saber 125 is a mid range load that works well out of my 2.75" Speed Six and 3" SP101. Recoil and muzzle blast are noticably greater than any 38 load but certainly manageable.
 
The original Remington 125 grainers were hard on the K-frames when used exclusively. Other ammo makers duplicated the load and the revolvers suffered. The K-frame was designed as a .38 spl platform. It was stretched to handle the magnums and the hot cartridges found a weak point. It will last a life time shooting the 158 grainers it was built around though. If you hold down the amount of the hot lighter loads then it will also be shooting long after you.
 
Classic Federal load

I have one box left from the 80's, of the famous Federal Hi-Power load in the red and white box. No. 357B, 125 jhp high velocity. They have plated cases and soft nose hollowpoints with a huge hole in the front. Frankly I am not quite ready to try these in my K frame yet, the 140 grain Silvertips are supposed to be a little easier on the shooter and use low flash powders. But these Feds were at least one of if not the main load that gave the load a police rep. as a super stopper. Don't know if this load is still available, or if the little boxes of botique wonder defense loads have replaced it.
 
I had a smith from a shop tell me that there wasnt a load hot enough to break a K-frame. Was he wrong??

I shot some extremely hot loads out of it, a 1970's highway patrolman, that felt as if it were a .44 mag. The gun didnt seem to have any problems but it did hurt the hell out of my hand.
 
The hotter the load and the more
you use them will increase the
wear and tear on any gun.I've
heard that the 110 and 125 gr
full power loads will hit the
forcing cone harder than the
heavier bullets and can crack
the cone.Remember the forcing
cone on the K frames are thinner
on the bottom to allow room for
the crane to fit into the frame.
However i've never seen a cracked
forcing cone a K frame but i use
my 4" 686 for the warmer reloads
instead of my 3" 65-3.
 
I shot some extremely hot loads out of it, a 1970's highway patrolman, that felt as if it were a .44 mag. The gun didnt seem to have any problems but it did hurt the hell out of my hand.
Click to expand...

Well no wonder you couldn't break it. A Model 28 "Highway Patrolman" is not built on the K Frame. The model 28 is an N Frame (same frame as the model 29 .44 Magnum) and more than strong enough for most .357 loads (I have one and love it). A model 19 "Combat Magnum" or 66 is a K Frame and not nearly as large as a Model 28.
 
That said, I'm interested in what folks have to say about 125-grain JHP loads versus 158-grain (or other) for a self-defense load, assuming use out of a S&W M65LS 3-inch K-Frame.
Click to expand...
The 145-grain Silvertip is a far better load (and very accurate out of my M65LS). Frankly, I've never had much use for the 125-grain SJHPs even in their heyday. There's lots of good reasons why when the 125-grain SJHP was supposed "king" most LEOs/LEAs chose to load their M19s/66s with the .38 Special 158-grain +P LSWCHP.
 
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