.357 Mag loads for Model 19s

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MarineTech

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I recently picked up a 2.5" S&W Model 19 that I had originally bought so that I could get in some practice with a short sight radius similar to to the 638 Airweight that I occasionally carry. I quickly fell in love with the mild recoil of the M19 even with .357 Magnum loads. I was so impressed by this gun that I bought a second M19 with a 4" barrel off Gunbroker.

My intention was to work up some "Light" .357 loads for the snub to use for home defense that would better ensure expansion of a hollow point. I'd then work up some heavier loads for the 4" to carry when I went into the woods. I know that the M19s would wear heavily with a steady diet of magnum loads, so my practice is going to be with standard .38SPL ammo.

I currently reload for rifles, but I haven't loaded pistol ammo yet. This is going to be my first foray into that area.

In another thread, there is talk that 125gr. loads have a tendency to wear on an M19 more than 158gr. loads.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=42028

So, I'm wondering where to go on this.

The load I had originally intended to use for the snub was from the Lyman 48th Edition manual. It was a "starting" load and showed a 125gr GDHP over 21 grains of H110 giving a velocity of 1357fps and 33,500 CUP out of a 4" barrel. I figured that even with the loss of velocity from the snub, it would still give me enough velocity for reliable expansion. Assuming that the discussion in the above post is correct, would I be better served using 158gr. bullets to reduced wear? The same manual lists a 158gr. GDHP over 16.3 grains of H110 for a velocity of 1178fps and 31700CUP. Would this give me enough velocity out of the snub barrel for reliable expansion?

My original plan for a load in the 4" was a slight modification from a Lyman load. They list a 158gr. GDHP over 16.3 grains of H110 as a starting load (see above) and working up to 17 grains of H110 for a velocity of 1309fps and 38400CUP. Would there be any problems with substituting a 158gr. JSP bullet instead of the Gold Dot HP assuming that I work up from the starting load?

Any input on the situation is welcome.
 
My original plan for a load in the 4" was a slight modification from a Lyman load. They list a 158gr. GDHP over 16.3 grains of H110 as a starting load (see above) and working up to 17 grains of H110 for a velocity of 1309fps and 38400CUP. Would there be any problems with substituting a 158gr. JSP bullet instead of the Gold Dot HP assuming that I work up from the starting load?

As long as you are seating to the same depth, I wouldn't expect a problem. Don't reduce the H110 loads below listed though. H110 gets a bit "weird" if the charge is too low. I don't know why, but pressures spike higher if the charge is too low. I actually had high pressure signs at lower charge levels than my current magnum loads. Also, when you get H110 into it's "sweet spot", it's a very clean burning powder. Brass that was new and reloaded 2-3 times still looks shiny on the inside.

Chris
 
Being a big H110 user I'll jump in on that warning as well. A solid crimp, magnum primers, and full load in the .357 is important for consistant ignition.

As the case size gets larger H110 becomes more forgiving. In my .50 AE loads there's a lot of room to play around. .357 there's almost no margin at all.
 
H-110 and it's twin W-296 are fine for full power loads in the 357 caliber. I also recommend small pistol magnum primers and a very firm roll crimp. H110 and W-296 do not do particularly well when used for reduced loads. For reduced power ammo, look towards AA#5 or Unique. Unique is a bit dirty, but so versatile.
 
Typical load disclaimer here>


Throw away the idea of shooting 38 spec as practice and load up 158grLSWC with 6gr of win 231 in 357 cases with regular small pistol primers and shoot them all day.


using 38 specials in 357 chambers leaves the dreaded scum ring at the end of the shorter case. If you do not clean and scrape out the ring and you push in one of the highly charged 357's full of 110 and a nice tight crimp and WOWIE.

Most of all enjoy

Look for penetration in wood walking, Search for heavy LSWC for hunting and woods protection.
 
Look for penetration in wood walking, Search for heavy LSWC for hunting and woods protection.

Actually, I was digging around for just such a bullet. Does anybody know where I can get a good, gas checked, hard cast, LSWC in about 158 grains?

Also, considering the nature of H110, I'm starting to rethink the powder choice. I've seen some data that suggests Winchester's W296 is a powder that produces high velocity with relatively low pressures. Anybody have load data or experience with this powder?
 
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H110/WW296, virtually the same powder, aren't the best choice for use in a 2.5" .357 Mag. in my experience.

The powder is a bit slow.

For light to moderate .357 Mag. loads try something along the lines of WW 231. I use a load very similar to Perfesser's, and it works like a trooper.

For something hotter, try one of the AA powders.

I've just started using AA powders, and I'm really liking what I'm finding, except for the fact that they are so fine that they leak through my Lee measure.
 
You might double check the load that you are listing. I load a 125gr bullet
and 19gr of H110 is the max load. That is out of the Hodgdon #26. And velocity is 1822. :what:

This is my load for my GP100 very nice fire ball in the dark.
 
Nope, 21 grains of H110 is what the Lyman 48th edition lists as a starting load for a 125gr. bullet with 22 grains as maximum.

It does list it as a compressed load though.
 
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