Currently wanting to get a 638 or 442, but I don't like the idea of "Carry alot shoot a little" - I'd like to practice with it frequently. However, the local firing range has lost both of their new J-frames to "barrel-breaking", as well as their 686. (Funny - the SP101 hasn't been out to service yet, as with the steel 40-2). Supposedly it had to do with the frames stretching or the barrel breaking after too many shots...
This makes me leery of lightweight J-frame wear when range shooting for practice. Round count of 50-150/weekend. I have a full .38/357 reloading kit, and can acquire Starline .38LC brass...
So, would the reduced charge/weight of a .38 LC produce less bolt thrust on the frame, and less wear on the forcing cone/barrel sleeve, prolonging the life of the gun? >130gr loads.
This makes me leery of lightweight J-frame wear when range shooting for practice. Round count of 50-150/weekend. I have a full .38/357 reloading kit, and can acquire Starline .38LC brass...
So, would the reduced charge/weight of a .38 LC produce less bolt thrust on the frame, and less wear on the forcing cone/barrel sleeve, prolonging the life of the gun? >130gr loads.