S&W Model 59 Feeding Problem

[Slick Pilot]

I purchased a S&W Model 59 and loaded some 105 grain Lee wadcutters that refuse to feed properly from the magazine. They catch on the top of the chamber and jam.

Requesting advice from someone who has experience with this weapon.

Thanks.

 

[ShelbyV8]

The 59 wasn't designed to handle wadcutters. It should feed pretty much anything else without problems.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

Not many auto pistols are designed to feed the straight-sided, sharp-shouldered semi-wadcutter bullets, certainly not this "old-school" design. If I were a bettin' man, I would bet that it would run just fine with round-nose FMJ or (in deference to its "first-generation" design) JHPs with a round-nose profile.

A later (Third Generation model) 5904 I had ate up all the Fiocchi 123-gr. JTC (Jacketed Truncated Cone) I could feed it. Even this bullet - although similar in shape - does not have a sharp shoulder to catch on a chamber, however.

 

[4v50 Gary]

Ammo related. Change bullets.

 

[emb]

Change ammo to anything else.

 

[10X]

I have to agree that the wadcutter bullets are the problem. 59s were made to handle FMJ ball, round nose hollow points, truncated cone, round nose soft point and some other hollow points. It isn't going to work with semi wadcutters or wadcutters.

Using the right bullets, the 59 is a very, very reliable gun.

 

[GRIZ22]

I carried one for about 6 years. Never had a problem with any factory ammo. M59s aren't set up for wadcutters. Wrong bullet for tis gun.

 

[rcmodel]

Your Model 59 should feed perfectly with any 9mm cast bullet design.
But it may have problems with revolver bullets!

The Lee 358-105 SWC is designed for the .38 Sp, 38 S&W, 38 Colt, .357 Mag revolver, not the 9mm Luger cartridge.

That right there might be your problem!

rcmodel

 

[Slick Pilot]

Thanks for the help.

Okay, I think I'll switch to the truncated cone cast bullet.

Thanks very much for the experience and advice.