.357 mag 125 gr bullets in a K frame

[John C]

I picked up a deal for a bunch of 125 gr bullets. I'm going to load them for my S&W model 66 in .357 magnum. I've heard over the years that at full house magnum velocities, these will shake S&W K frame guns to pieces. Presumably, loading these down will ameliorate the issue. Is there a consensus as to how fast I can load these and not put undue wear on my pistol?

According to my Lyman #49 manual, using Alliant 2400, the max load is 17.7 gr at 1478 fps and 40,600 CUP. I'm considering pushing these about 1200 fps. Is that in the "safe" range?

Thanks,

-John

 

[DC Plumber]

I don't like to reduce 2400 too much because I see quite a bit of unburned powder. I use 7 grains of universal with 125g jacketed bullets for reduced .357 loads. I haven't chrono'd them recently, but venture a guess of around 1000 fps with a 6" barrel. Not quite where you indicate you'd like to be, but it's what I use and it works well.

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I get an average of 1139 fps with 6.5 gr of Unique under a 125gr JHP outta my 4 inch shooter Python....Easy on the gun, easy on the shooter and plenty accurate.

 

[rcmodel]

15.0 - 15.5 grains 2400 will make a nice, easy on the gun load with 125's..

Gofer it!!

rc