What ammo is too hot for a model 19

P

PsychoSword

Moderator
This thread is inspired by the S&B thread, I was wondering if that ammo or that deerslayer stuff is too hot for my dad's model 19. He is probably going to carry it with him deer hunting next year. I did get him some pretty warm Remington 125gr. rated at around 585 ft/lbs. and it seems to digest that ok. Is any warmer too much for the gun? I assume these model 19's were built to euro .357 specs.
 
I would not shoot a whole lot of really hot, lightweight bullet ammo in a model 19. Heavy bullets (158 to 180 grains) seem to be a little easier on the forcing cone and barrel throat. A limited amount of hot ammo will not blow up a model 19. Use of lightweight, high velocity loads does seem to erode the throat and may crack the forcing cone. My model 19 has seen a few hundred rounds of 110 gr JHP loads and shows the beginning stages of wear at the forcing cone.

Also, I wonder how wise it is to use lightweight bullets on deer. These bullets are usually designed for minimum penetration and maximum expasion. For deer, I think 158 to 180 grain bullets are a little better. They are more likely to make a nice exit wound which should provide a better blood trail if you have to track down the animal. Heavier bullets also tend to be a little more accurate.
 
chances are and std pressure 357 load

will work just fine in your dads 19. Only those loads specifically noted for "custom" 357's would be too much for it(say loads designed for the redhwk or casull 357 guns) The 19 is not a weak gun per say and can handle 357 loads its the repeated use of hot 357's which couses problems. they were designed to fired with std 38's for most practice and use magnums for serious bisness. this was in a time when such was a standard practice for Law enforcement agency's. Problems started when first agency's started qualifying more often, using the then new hot(but still within pressure limits)125 grain hollowpoint ammo and using said 125 magnum loads for ALL practice. this took its tole on guns not designed for such rough use. Thus came the L frame smith(which was designed for such use).
 
158 grain JHP at 1250FPS ...

Stay away from 125 gr bullets unless you reduce the charge or go to .38 Spl +P loads. The hot 125 loads are hard on the forcing cone (bullet impact speed) and the hot gasses cut the top strap.
 
The Model 19 was designed for .357, not .38, but it was the (then) factory .357, not the super hot handloads and special stuff now available.

Jim
 
Actually, the Model 19 was designed to shoot .38s and carry .357s. When the Model 19 was designed, it was designed for training/practice with the .38 Special and to be carried with .357s. It was designed for a steady diet of .38s (from Bill Jordan who had a hand in the concept).
 
To see what Bill said, see p. 75-77, No Second Place Winner. The whole chapter is instructive.
Enjoy.
 
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