+P+ 38 in an M&P 340?

[MADBMW]

Okay;

This may seem like a dumb question, but seeing as the gun is rated to handle 357 mag, I assume +P+ .38 is no issue right? My department requires department issue ammo for all guns carried (backup and off duty included) and the issue ammo for .38 is currently Winchester Ranger 110 grain +P+.

 

[Bockscar]

38 +P+ (~25,000) will still be lower pressure than standard 357 loads (35,000). Go for it.

 

[jfh]

Strictly speaking, there's no problem at all about "plus-p-plus" 38 Special ammo shot in 357 magnums, as Bockscar stated.

The problem is that, on the consumer level, there is no SAAMI definition for 38 +P+. Your Winchester Ranger ammo may well be manufactured to a specified pressure standard, but other loads may not be. The revolver will handle it fine; for simple cleaning reasons, you might see what the department authorizes in 357-lite.


I shoot reloads in my M&P340 all the time, and have tested ammo that is well into the +P+ / 357 lite range--the real issue will probably be your hand conditioning and proficiency.
Jim H.

 

[JNewell]

You may also leave crud rings in the cylinder bores. Make sure you follow S&W's cautions about how to clean them.