S&W 15-3 +P safe?

[Pukindog12]

I have been acquiring HD loads for all my weapons and all are Golden Saber. Last night I got the last caliber I needed (.38) which was for my wife's S&W 15-3. 125gr +P. Then this morning a thought struck me. Will the 15-3 handle this load safely?

Any info is much appreciated.

TIA

 

[Elm Creek Smith]

The short answer is yes. End shake may develop, and the cylinder gap may be affected with overuse. As long as you don't feed it a steady diet of +P, I think you'll be all right.

VFA-143?

ECS

 

[Old Fuff]

The above answer is correct, but 125-grain bullet loads have a bad reputation for causing gas cutting on the bottom of the top-strap above the cylinder/barrel gap, and in the back of the bore. Therefore follow the advise about limited use.

 

[Pukindog12]

Thanks fellas. The Golden Sabers in the revolvers will only be used for home defense. Once again, thanks!

 

[gamestalker]

Being the owner of numerous wheel guns, and hand loading for them for so many years, has for the most part, convinced me that the forcing cone issues many have reported from the high velocity 125 gr. loads is unfounded. A little research on what S&W has done on this topic also has put me at ease. I load and shoot maximum velocity 125 gr. jacketed rounds as a nearly exclusive diet through my S&W's, and most have had in excess of several thousand of these potent loads put through them with no signs or issues, be it end shake, forcing cone fracturing, or any other lossening or wear of the firearm. The .357 mag loads are H110/296, and the 38 special loads are HS6 and Longshot with all running near maxium, or maximum listed loads.
Do a little bit of research on what S&W has to say about this and I think you'll realize the issue isn't related to the 125s but more the lack of proper cleaning which in turn creates higher pressures at the forcing cone. Yes, there are other factors involving 125's that could contribute to premature forcing cone failure due to increased distance to the bearing surface allowing gases to blow by, but S&W couldn't find anything that confirmed nor dismissed this claim either. S&W has said that lead is the leading cause of fractured forcing cones because it is so difficult to remove from the forcing cone, and also because it builds up so incredibly fast. 1 or 2 cylinder's of lead bullets on a regular basis without cleaning after every couple of cylinders, is enough to start the weakening process associated with fracturing of the forcing cone. And then if you consider the average guy who openly admits he rarely ever cleans the firearm is a likely recipe for premature forcing cone failure.
Don't believe me, ask S&W about the test they did with K frames in which they ran some 250,000 rounds of 125 gr. full house jacketed ammunition through a standard production K frame. They then followed up with a test involving lead with another new K frame, and if I recall the forcing cone failed and rather quickly too. There were various phases in the testing process which included cleaning, not cleaning, cleaning after so many rounds, and so on.
The final results indicated that lack of cleaning was the probable cause of failure.

 

[CajunBass]

If a Model 15-3 isn't safe with P+ loads I don't know what would be.

 

[bluetopper]

We're talking 38 pressures here not 357.........+P or not.

The model 15 is good for a lifetime of shooting any factory 38 special ammo ever created.

 

[ironhead7544]

The M15 is good for any factory 38 Special load. No worries.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

If a S&W .38 Special revolver has a model number at all, it is OK for +P.

ut 125-grain bullet loads have a bad reputation for causing gas cutting on the bottom of the top-strap above the cylinder/barrel gap, and in the back of the bore.

In .38 Special?

 

[Old Fuff]

In .38 Special?

Yes, at least at one time. If you shot enough of the stuff you could get hot gas cutting on the bottom of the top strap and around the barrel forcing cone. However it did take a lot of use.

 

[1911Tuner]

The modern K-frame is amply strong enough for +P in moderation.

But...

There's an engineering dictum that applies.

Any time stress is increased, the useful life of the machine will be shorter. No gettin' around that one.

 

[amd6547]

I have shot plenty of "+P" ammo in my Model 15-3 with no ill effect.
I am also member on the S&W forum...the general opinion there is, shoot as much as you want.
My Model 15-3 is my favorite revolver. I like it more than my Model 19, or the L-frame 686 I owned.

 

[skoro]

Will the 15-3 handle this load safely?

Very.