Max bullet weight in J-frame?

C

cvicisso

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I read a post somewhere (can't remember where) that there is a factory warning from S&W against using bullets over a certain weight (ie: over 125g - but that's a guess) in their J-frames. I'm not intending this to be a discussion over 'how sensible it is to shoot 180g bullets from a J-frame'... just wondering if the factory specifically warns against a certain weight.

Thanks in advance!
 
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As I recall the 125 grain thing came when Smith started offereing Titanium J's in I think 357 Mag. Anything over 125 gr. in the mag format would jump the crimp and tie up the pistol with an over long round. Ouch my hand hurts just thinking of a Ti J frame 2" in 357 Mag with 5 rounds of full house social medicine in the cylinders.
 
158

Well I am sure that the steel J frames were designed to shoot 158 grain bullets perfectly well, at least at standard velocity. I have fired plenty of 158 +P lead bullets from mine, but I will admit they do not get a constant workout. Load works well and prints just above front sight. Probably the same load would work in the lightweight frames if they are rated +P, and I assume they would be more punishing to shoot. As for the ultra light guns, I would stick to what the factory recommends in those.
The steel frame guns seem to work fine with all loads you can buy across the counter, with decent grips, not the wood slivers on the older ones. One load I have never considered in the J is the +P+ 110gr. stuff that police used to use. That was so intimidating to shoot in a K frame snub, I only ran 5 rounds thru and quit. Seemed like magnum to me. FIreballs and ringing ears.
 
Tom2 - you stated, "I would stick to what the factory recommends in those."

So - there is a factory recommendation then? Can someone who owns a J-frame please check their manual? (I don't own one yet - that's why I'm asking)

Thanks!
 
Steel and Al-alloy J-frames have been shot happily with 200-grain bullets. If you're talking about those Sc/Ti things, you should email S&W.
 
My 340 is marked along the lines of 'nothing under 120 grains' on the barrel.

With that said, when shooting .357s, after shooting rounds 1 through 3, rounds 4 and 5 had the bullet unseat, binding the cylinder and stopping the gun.

It happened on 125 grain .357.
 
confused

Sorry, but now I'm totally confused.

Semper Paratus - you stated that "Anything over 125 gr. in the mag format would jump the crimp and tie up the pistol with an over long round." This makes sense. But... fed 168's barrel is stamped with "nothing under 120 grains." UNDER?? :confused:

Tamara - My goal was to get a light model with the shrouded hammer (want to be able to go 'SA' - but not HAVE to), but now I'm starting to lose hope. Mind-bending recoil is one thing, but bullets jumping crimps is another. FYI - and - FWIW - my 'quest' is (was?) to find a very powerful yet very concealable weapon, with... here's the catch... wait for it... the ability to fire from a jacket pocket (more than once). :eek: It is my belief (read again: MY) that there are certain situations (read: not ALL situations) when having a hand on a weapon - 'aimed' and ready to fire - but still concealed is more desireable than actually displaying said weapon. Just my belief - feel free to disagree. It sounds like the heavier steel (and possibly Al-alloy?) J-frame(s) may answer the mail.

So - there is no bullet weight restriction on the steel or Al-alloy framed J's? Also, still confused on the actual factory warning... is there one?
 
There is no bullet weight restriction on the aluminum or steel-framed J-frames with steel cylinders.

That said, you'll have a tough time finding bullets heavier than 200 grains.
 
Model 36

I'm surprised at the "nothing under 120 grains". I never used the +P out of my Model 60 Stainless but handloaded 105 grain lead semi-wadcutter worked great as a training gun for my wife. I always used the in-between powder chargers though so I expect it's only with the hot loads.
 
Yup. Just looked at the barrel on the 340 and it says 'no less than 120 grain bullet'. Keep in mind that this is an Airlite. The lack of weight and the recoil will cause the bullet to unseat some. I think that this may apply to .357 only. Haven't had the problem in .38 spl, though.

110 grain Silvertips in .38 work like a charm. No binding.

Now my old airweights, they would do +P or whatever load I shot.
 
The 120 grain writing refers to 357 only. Only the hyperlight 357 J frames have this "feature". You should try several loads to find out which ones will not jump crimp.
 
Since most cartridges of the same caliber are loaded to approximately the same overall length. Could it be?, that bullets under 120gr are too short? In other words, there's not enough of the bullet being held inside the brass case? Therefore, they are more prone to jump out during the significant recoil of the lightweight guns? Heavier bullets are longer and are seated more deeply, providing more gripping action?

My 3" all-stainless M60, being a relatively heavy J-frame (24oz), has no problems with bullet-jump. But, it does tend to tumble/keyhole most bullets over 160gr. So, I tend to shoot mostly medium-weight (125-158gr) loads.
 
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