My first revolver...and some questions

[Khornet]

Never been a revolver guy but I came across a Smith & Wesson Model 19-4 this weekend, in beautiful shape, apparently worked over by the factory (Performance Shop?) for an amazingly smooth double action and effortless single action, a .357 with 5" barrel. For $275, I couldn't say no.

I'm amazed at the accuracy I can get double-action rapid fire.

Now:
a) do you really get leading of the chambers from shooting .38s a lot?
b) do I need magnum primers for .357 handloads?
c) if a) is true, why not just load .357s to lower power?
d) anyone use Accurate #5 for .38 or .357?

Thanks
Khornet

 

[BryanP]

a) Yes.
b) I have no idea.
c) No reason at all. I believe some people do this.
d) I have no idea.

Congratulations on your find, BTW.

 

[Tacoma]

Congrats , you got a great revolver at a heck of a price.

1) Yes, they will lead up ( and eventually show some erosion)with allot of shooting. Just clean the cylinder good between shoots and you'll be 500,000 +rounds into it before had any trouble chambering a 357 . I , as do the majority of 357 owners, shoot many more 38's out of their guns than 357. They are cheaper, easier to handle and MUCH easier on the gun in the long run.

2) Yes, IF you are loading magnum powders to magnum specs.

3) Some people do but accuracy is reported to suffer a little due to ignition issues with small powder loads in the larger case. I'm sure you could

4) Magnum loads usually work best with a slower burning powder designed for Magnum calibers. 38 special loads usually use fast burning pistol/ shotgun powders. There are powders that work for both but will usually not deliver best performance in either. ( Like using one golf club!)

I'd suggest you do significant research on acceptable/pet loads before starting in.

Enjoy!

 

[VonFatman]

Great deal!!

Congratulations. Sounds like a great gun. I love S&W revolvers...my favorites are the N-Frames...I have large hands and they fit me like a glove. I hardly shoot my semi-autos anymore. I do (actually my wife's gun) have a Model 15-4 that is a dream to shoot.

Regarding your second question: "Mag Primers?"---no, you don't have to...some powders "like" hot primers...I have heard that Winchester small pistol primers work fine in about all loads...but I'm not an expert...I use Winchester Small Pistol primers myself.

I use Tite-Group in my .357 loads...no joy for you here regarding Accurate #5...but I imagine you should get some help here before long. If not, start another post "Accurate #5 in .357 loads"

Good luck.

Bob

 

[isp2605]

I've never heard of a factory stock 5" Model 19. Are you sure it's not a 6"? Measure from the front of the cylinder, not the front of the crane.

 

[Khornet]

My measurement

was indeed from the front of the crane, so it's probably a 6".

 

[pezo]

Avoid firing .38 special rounds with all lead bullets these get the guns filthy. only shoot jacketed bullets . like .357 and .38 +p's

 

[Standing Wolf]

if a) is true, why not just load .357s to lower power?

I've been doing so for decades. There's no reason in the world not to load .38 special target loads in .357 magnum cartridge cases.

The decision to use magnum versus standard primers is usually made after consulting a reloading manual or two.

 

[Guy B. Meredith]

Khornet,

My experience/observations:

a) do you really get leading of the chambers from shooting .38s a lot?

Most revolver competitors shoot .38 spl and .45 acp. The .38 spl shooters are usually shooting a revolver chambered for .357 magnum. I shoot .38 spl in a K-frame, L-frame and N-frame.

I have never had problems dropping in a .357 magnum round with my usual cleaning regime every 500 to 1000 rounds. You will see a carbon ring build up at the length of the .38 spl case in the chamber. Just clean it out.

Leading can be avoided by using plated bullets--as cheap as some lead bullets but less mess. I like a clean gun.

b) do I need magnum primers for .357 handloads?

As others have said, it depends on the powder. You should obtain a couple or three versions of loading charts for this information.

c) if a) is true, why not just load .357s to lower power?

Some people do. Not necessary to go through all those gymnastics. Just use a good .38 spl load.

d) anyone use Accurate #5 for .38 or .357?

AA #5 was my favorite for .38 spl because it meters very nicely in my prograssive press and burns very clean. I have done minimal experimentation with .357 magnum, but have used AA#7 for those.

I generaly like the AA products' charicteristics except cost. AA#2 does muck up my powder drop as it is too fine. I have begun experimenting with Win 231 for cost and nice metering since I would be shooting a minimum of 1000 rounds per month in competition practice.

 

[Majic]

Avoid firing .38 special rounds with all lead bullets these get the guns filthy. only shoot jacketed bullets . like .357 and .38 +p's

This applies to swaged lead bullets driven to high velocities. Use a good cast bullet, sized correctly, and with a quality lube and you will have very little if any leading.

 

[BluesBear]

a) If you shoot a lot, Yes. But then I get leading if I shoot a lot of lead .357 ammo too. Cleaning isn't really very hard.

b) Debends on which powder you use. Check your loading manual.

c) You can. Many do. I don't because it's easier remember "Magnum Loads in Magnum Cases".

d) I have and it worked just fine. I currently don't because I already use other powders for other calibers that work just as well.