Ammo for a S&W Model 19

[SWM19]

I just received a S&W Model 19 for Christmas from my father. I've been reading up about the history of the pistol, and after firing it, I've falling in love with it.

I'm aware of the potential cracking issue at the 6:00 position from overshooting hot magnum rounds, so I'm sticking to 158 grain .357 rounds. It would break my heart if I messed this gun up...

As for the .38 Special ammo, is pretty much anything ok to shoot in this gun? I had a box of Winchester .38 +P (it's what my dad loads his .38 Special with) but I want to make sure I'm using the proper ammo for this gun.

Thanks for any info you can send my way. I appreciate it!

 

[boomer1911a1]

I'm aware of the potential cracking issue at the 6:00 position from overshooting hot magnum rounds, so I'm sticking to 158 grain .357 rounds. It would break my heart if I messed this gun up...

So why not stick with mild .38 Spl loads? I had a 19 a long time ago and I think if had suffered some abuse. It was slightly outy of time and shaved enough lead to pepper the surrounding environment.

I would feed it nothing hotter than .38 wadcutter rounds UNLESS you're planning to use it for PD. Then it would see mostly .38 +Ps with ocassional 125-grain JHP Magnums.

The 19s were beautiful weapons, but not robust. Go easy on her.

 

[351 WINCHESTER]

Definitely do not shoot the hot 125 magnums. I shot about 300 rounds of the remington thru a new model 66. It went back to s & w for a new bbl. and cylinder. Free of charge.

 

[Bearhands]

158 gr 357 LSWC's run perfectly through mine.... NEVER 125's or 115's. The gun was built for 158's..... use them for SD/HD/Hunting or as boomer suggests, stick w/ 38spl for target/plinking. 38spl+P will also be no problem. You are a lucky guy to have gotten a 19 and I respect your desire to keep it "healthy"!

 

[highorder]

agreed. a steady diet of 148gr HBWC's should do nicely.

 

[SWM19]

Sorry, let me clarify...

I DO plan on using 38 rounds most of the time. Target practice, especially while I acclimate to the weapon. However, from time to time, I may want to squeeze off 6 rounds of .357....

So I only plan on using the magnum ammo once in a blue moon. If I prefer that caliber I'll get a heavier S&W frame revolver. Man, I really love a good wheel gun!

Went to the Academy here in Waco and bought a box of Remington 158 gr .357 rounds, and 50 Winchester 38SPL +P 125 gr JHP's. I didn't know that Remington was so proud of their product....

Thanks everyone!