Load info for my S&W M60-9

Elkslayer

New member
Just picked up a used M60-9, .357 2 1/8".

Since I had about a week before it arrived I ordered a set of Ahrens boot grips from http://www.pickagrip.com/ to put onto it. Don't know yet if I like that short of a grip and it will depend on how well I can maintain control while shooting.

Anyone have a pet load for a 2 1/8" model 60? I'm thinking the 125gr bullet would be about right if loaded at medium velocities. Perhaps using +P+ 38s would be the best thing to do. I'm open to suggestions.
 
For practice or business?

For the latter, the 158 LSWCHP +P .38 Spl is an excellent choice, if you don't aspire to the sound and fury of the .357 ammo. It is a very accurate load with an excellent history of anti-personnel effectiveness. I personally prefer the Remington version.

I have no personal experience with .357 mag loads in the J-frame, other than shooting five rounds from a friend's when he first got it. Marginally controlable with the 125 Federal JHPs. If I owned one, I'd probably use two of the .38 loads, followed up by the 125 mags. Now, I want to avoid a gunfight whenever possible, but I think I'd PRAY I didn't have to use that combo!:p

For practice, you can do most of what you need with light-to-medium .38 loads, and have a LOT more fun. For realistic practice, my old favorite .38 Spl handload is 5.0 gr Unique with a 158 cast SWC. CAUTION: While this has been a published load for years, it is high end, and some manuals don't show it. It is NOT for alloy frame guns. This last is very near the 158 LSWCHP in point of impact and recoil.

Best,
Johnny
 
Thanks Johnny, I'm not too wild about firing 357s in any pistol much less one with a 2 1/8" bbl. I have found them uncomfortable even in 4" revolvers.

I use hearing protection (plugs and muffs) at the range but don't when out looking for arrowheads (rattlesnakes) and shooting derranged rouge beer cans. A 357 is brutal on the ears in any pistol and on the hand when fired from a snubbie.

Using mild 38s for practice and fun makes sense and then loading 38 +Ps for serious work.
 
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