Best .357 loads for "K" Frame

R

rgillis

New member
Of the .357 loads available, which would be the kindest to my 2.5" Model 19?

I have yet another question. The Model 19 in question has had approximately 600-800 rounds of roughly half and half .38 spl and assorted 357 loads run through it. I have always seen a good deal of fouling on the outside of each cylinder, this seems to be regardless of what I am shooting. I also had an instance a number of months ago while shooting 110 gr. 357 loads. A piece of copper shaved off the round and lodged on the forcing cone, enough material was shaved to prevent the cylinder from turning.

Does this mean I'm beginning to experience some timing issues already? Or was it just a freak occurence?
 
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The best load for K-Frame magnums (and also my favorite .357 load) are the old 158grn. Their lower velocities are easier on the forcing cones but their weight still gives them quite a bit of power.
 
Every gun is a machine that must be maintained for best performance. Cleaned and lubricated it should run longer than most shooters will live. The model 19 is a premium piece of hardware but has a few points that should be remembered.

When the 19 came out for the police it was meant to have 38s for practice and 357s for carry. Departments decided due to liability that they had to shoot nothing but 357s through their magnum guns. The 19 suffered from this as the forcing cones showed heavy erosion and some stressed frames. Thus the invention of the L-frame guns (bigger and takes more punishment)

The timing on revolvers is very important to keep the cylinder holes lined up with the barrel when the round goes off. If you are shaving lead then you may be out of time for different reasons. Clean it good and make sure all material is out of the bolt cuts on the cylinder.

To check it after cleaning pull the double action trigger very slow and listen for two audible clicks before the hammer falls. If you don't hear those clicks then take it to a competent gunsmith to have him look at it.

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