older 357 mag that can handle it?

M

marklyftogt

New member
I am told my model 66-7 shouldn't have a steady diet of 357 as it may tear it up. Is there an older (pre 1990) 357 that you would recommend?
 
I heard the same thing in the '80s

So, here's a list of guns that can do:

S&W N frame M27 or M28 Hwy Patrolman.

Ruger SS series.

Colt Trooper or Python
 
Stick with 158 gr 357 magnums and clean your model 66 espically around the forcing cone and most likely your model 66 will out live you. I have a 66-4 4 inch and shoot nothing but 158 gr 357s.
Good luck,
Howard
 
I'd think a -7 would be new enough to handle full power 357's. Maybe not several thousand rounds a year, but for normal use. I was always under the impression that it was only the very first years that had issues, and even then it was not exactly common.
 
I am thinking of shooting 158 gr Berry's RN in 357 loaded lighter with Bullseye.
Sounds like this would be OK?

The -7 doesn't have the notch in the forcing cone.
 
I am thinking of shooting 158 gr Berry's RN in 357 loaded lighter with Bullseye.
Sounds like this would be OK?
Click to expand...
It'll last for years treated like that just keep the 1400fps+ 125gr and lighter loads out of it.
 
For practice with 38s and carry 357s the K frame is good.

For heavy 357 use, practice and carry, the N Frames.

I have shot a M-19 and M -13 loose using nothing but 357s, I've been shooting my 1970s version of my Model 28 service revolver quite heavily since it was issued in '74, with 14.5 grns of 2400 & 150 - 158 grn lead bullets, there is no sign if it loosening up.

The '27 is the same, but I just don't like shooting my 6" '27 as much as my 4" '28.
 
Any of the older Ruger Six' series should be able to stomach them no problem. You can also use them to hammer nails, drag as a boat anchor, as a metal terminal to jumpstart an automobile, or wedge the barrel against the spokes of your bike for that cool "motorcycle" sound as you ride. I have an uncle who won a State Shot Put title with a Security Six when he forgot his personal shot put at home.

Rugers do it all.

~LT
 
Just stay away from 110 - 125 gr. high velocity ammo and you won't have a problem. It's not the gun, it's the +P+ light bullet ammo that everyone has decided they "need" today. Lee Juras started all this nonsense back in the days when everybody "knew" that you couldn't get a hollow point to expand from a snub unless it was traveling at the speed of light. All of the ammo manufacturers have since developed bullets that WILL expand at speeds that don't gas cut the forcing cone and create huge amounts of muzzle flash. But lots of people still believe only that small light bullets will expand.:rolleyes:
 
Last edited:
I'd like to have the time and the money to shoot a gun enough to worry about wearing it out. Man, I would BRAG about it. I'd be tickled pink to buy another one and keep the old one just to show off. MAN! Look what I did. :D
 
You might be surprised how quickly a 125 gr. high velocity load can damage a gun. I have done it to a Ruger GP but never again. It's is completely unnecessary with today's projectiles.
 
So I loaded up some 357 cases with 4.2 gr Bullseye and Accurate #5 at 8.1 (low ends) with Berry's 158gr RN.
They shot not much different than the 38 spl loads I did.
NOTHING like the factory Federals I bought which about knocked me on my a$$. Now i can work my way up.
Thanks guys.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top