Model 28 durability

[JohnK]

Right now I am thinking that I should try some hard cast lead bullets at around 1400 FPS. I think that should do on a PA whitetail.

1,400 fps is easily reached with cast bullets in the M28. 17.0 gr of Lil'Gun under a 158 gr LSWC does 1,445 fps from my 8 3/8" M27, 1.615" OAL, CCI magnum pistol primers.

In your 6" gun I'd expect you would hit 1,400 fps with that load. Hodgdon lists 18.0 gr as the max load with a 158 gr XTP and a OAL of 1.580".

16.5 gr of H110 under a 173 gr Keith (Dry Creek) and a OAL of 1.645" and CCI mag primers does 1,406 fps from a 5.5" Redhawk.

I'm sure there are some people who hit 1,700 fps with 158 gr bullets Johnny, you can do it with a 357 but definately NOT within standard pressures. I've loaded up to very nearly 1,600 fps using Lil'Gun in a 357 Redhawk and was only slightly over max, I have no doubt there are people who pushed way beyond that and hit 1,700 fps. Was it safe? On the ragged edge for sure.

 

[Tamara]

Jim March,

The very hot 125 JHPs and 158 heavy hunting rounds...I'd go easy, in almost anything this side of a Blackhawk, Vaquero or Redhawk.

Funny, my 627 has shot nothing but Deerstoppers since I bought it; not a ton, but probably 5-600 rounds so far with no noticeable wear...

 

[Lone Star]

The reason why the M27/28 timing wears faster than on smaller-framed S&W .357's is that the big, heavy cylinder, dimensioned for .44 ammo but with only .357 holes bored in it, tends to batter the hand and cylinder stop.

I like my M66, and my next S&W .357 will probably be a M686. Had to sell my last one, and I think it's the best bet in a .357 if one shoots many magnum rounds. Stronger in long-term .357 use than a K-frame, but the cylinder isn't as bulky as on the N-frame .357's, so timing lasts longer...given theoretically identical use.

Lone Star

 

[Mannlicher]

Johnny Guest cautions about using my pet load of 15.7 grains of 2400, and frankly, I do too. No one should ever just take load data from a person, internet, or a book, and just 'go for it'. All loads need to be worked up from a lower starting point. Chamber dimension, primer usage, case usage, powder batch variation, and a LOT of other variables make this just, well, prudent. I hope I am preaching to the choir here.

....that having been said, let me tell y'all about my other Model 28. This one was chambered in .357 B&D by Bain and Davis, back about 1978. This 8 3/8 barrel S&W was my Metallic Silhouette revolver for years. 1700 fps using a 158 grain JSP Hornady, over a fair amount of WW296. I did not reload full power loads for this Smith, just used the case once.

Many of our endevors, with guns, automobiles, diving, and other adult sports, revolve around striving for maximum performance. Achieving top performance, yet staying within the bounds of safety are what makes for the excitment. Caution, due care, and careful record keeping, help accomplish this. Not everyone is looking for top performance, nor sees any use for it. Thats fine, and diminishes no one.