Question: S&W 60 & +P loads

[whitefeather]

I picked up an S&W mdl. 60 (actually 60-1) to be used as a carry piece. This stainless "snubby" is the stainless version of the Chief's Spcl. and is chambered for .38 spcl. Mine is pre-1990 production and does not have the full under lug.

Am I right in assuming that it is the exact same J-frame that is used for the Model 60's chambered for .357?

I want to run +P or even +P+ loads. I figured if it's the same frame as is used in the .357 that it should handle practically any .38 +P loads. Correct?

 

[jamz]

I would email Smith and Wesson with the serial number and ask them. I did the same for my early 70's era M60, and they said "not recommended". But I know it is okay for some models though not actually imprinted on the barrell.

 

[SaxonPig]

Don't bother calling S&W. I can tell what they'll say. No. They always say no when asked about +P. It's their lawyers talking.

The Magnum J frames are a little more stout than the .38 versions. You can see where the frames were beefed. But in my opinion a Model 60 will not be damaged or excessively worn by factory +P ammo which is really rather mild, anyway. I consider +P a good target load. I would never carry such low performance ammo for defensive use. My personal carry load in .38 Special is a 125 JHP at 1,100 FPS which is about 175 FPS faster than +P and none of my K or J frame guns have shown any ill effects from shooting this load.

 

[SnWnMe]

I think S&W "officially" blessed the 60 as +P capable @ 60-9 (which is of course, the J magnum frame).

 

[Lone Star]

A factory rep advised me that the M-60-4 and higher suffixes are "warranteed" for Plus P. Before the -4 suffix, you can do it, but the gun was given additional heat treatment and possibly other engineering changes at the -4 level.

Many posting on this on the gun forums seem to feel that if one just shoots Plus P when warranted by the need (self defense and some hunting, where a .38 will suffice) and some occasional range use, the guns don't develop cylinder endshake or other ills for a long time. Some have said that they have fired hundreds of Plus P rounds in their M-60's. But I can't tell YOU to do it, just pass along what others have posted. I have shot some Plus P in older M-60's and seen no problems. But I probably didn't put over maybe 350-400 rounds through any one gun. Also, Plus P ammo differs in pressure peaks within the pressure rating and some is rougher on the gun than others. Some powders are more abrasive than others, maybe have hotter flash/burning temperatures. Generally, the lead Plus P HP from Winchester, Remington, and Federal has done well in shootings, and may be the least abusive to the gun.

The J-Magnum is really a different, re-engineered frame, with radius and dimensional differences. Heat treating is also different, as may be the steels.

Lone Star

 

[M2 Carbine]

I wouldn't tell you what to do but I've had my Model 60 longer than I can remember.
I carry +P in it and run a load or two of +P Federal 158gr lead HP through it once in a while.
Seems as tight as the day it was new.

 

[10-Ring]

I believe the older versions are NOT rated for +P. I guess you can use it in limited numbers but a steady diet of the +P's might cause premature wear.

 

[slabsides]

I have an original no-dash 60. I've fired hundreds of stout plus-P handloads (heavy bullets) in it with no bad effect. When I first got the gun I wrote Jeff Cooper for load advice and he remarked that although the factory didn't claim that the stainless gun was stronger than the chrome-moly, he believed it was, and had been firing many '...low-end .357 loads.' in his. He gave me the load, with Red Dot, and it WAS a zinger. More than I dared use. My loads push 25K cup, shoot to the sights, and show a lot of smack on the receiving end. YOUR EXPERIENCE MAY VARY.