What will a S&W 28 handle?

[fulloflead]

You know the older S&Ws built on the N-Frame? They seem pretty tough and have a LOT of metal around the chambers. Do you think they will withstand the heavy loads that the Rugers will?

 

[HSMITH]

They will withstand any load in the manuals for at least a while. Beyond the loading manuals is uncharted territory and all risks are assumed by the guy pushing the loads.

You won't blow up the gun with heavy loads unless they are just insane pressure levels. It WILL accellerate wear and tear on the gun though shooting only very heavy loads. No free lunch sort of thing.

 

[Black Majik]

While the older S&W's will handle some heavy loads, they wont hold up as well as the Rugers.

I'd suggest not using heavy loads on a constant basis.

 

[grendelbane]

The term "heavy loads" may confuse some people. The common definition of a heavy load would be one that is loaded to a high pressure level.

Some people might consider a heavy bullet to be a heavy load. If it was loaded to a high pressure level, I would agree.

Light bullets actually wear more than heavy bullets, if the pressures are the same. More powder, more heat, more erosion.

Either Smith or Ruger will stand up to a lot of "heavy loads", (must be sane loads), but the 125 grain loads are rougher on guns than the original 158 grain loads.

Cast bullets are easier on bores than jacketed bullets, (assuming they are sized, lubricated properly, and cast of the proper alloy).

Now, with the introduction of Lil'Gun powder, it seems regular velocity loads are possible with lower pressures. Theoretically, this should improve longevity, but I do not know if this will work out in practice.

 

[stans]

The model 27 and 28 will handle any load that does not exceed SAAMI pressure specifications. As to how well it will handle loads that are in excess of those specs, well....you are on your own.

If it were my model 27 or 28, I would stick with the published loads for 357 Magnum handguns and not any that are specifically for the Ruger Redhawk or Thompson Contender.

 

[Dienekes]

Had two M28s and was foolish twice. If I find another at the right time, place, and price the third will not get away.

The M28 will take anything normal and do it well. It's a fine tool; no need to find out how much abuse it can take. I have burned up more than my share of 125 gr JHP flamethrowers and replaced a couple of barrels on Rugers. I ration myself on those and feed my .357s lighter loads 95% of the time. Easier on me and the gun.

 

[HankB]

The N-frame S&W .357s were designed to take heavier loads than those made to the new, reduced SAAMI pressure limits. (SAAMI reduced .357 pressure limits because small frame .357s weren't holding up with the original loadings.) Think about it - the S&W M28 is built on the same frame as S&W's .44 Magnums. With smaller chambers, it has more steel in the cylinder. It would take insane pressure levels to blow one up.

The ONLY comments I've heard on M28 durability are that six shot N-frame .357s sometimes show "peening" of the cylinder stop notches if shot extensively in fast double action . . . and it takes a LOT of fast double action shooting for this to show up. (Idle thought . . . I wonder if a Glock-like Tenifer finish on the cylinder would stop this . . . )

 

[Checkman]

Wasn't the original .357 load that was introduced in 1935 something insane like 15 grains of 2400 (or the mid-30's equivlant) and a 158 grain round with a large primer? Or am I thinking of the Elmer Keith load? I believe the original round had a velocity in excess of 1500 fps. I'm sure somebody will set me straight.

Anyway the S&W .357 magnum was designed around a load that isn't even manufactured anymore. You have to load it yourself. The 27 and 28 are the descendents of the Registered Magnum. I'm not saying you should try to destroy your 28, but it's a very solid revolver. The N frame is not made of glass. Take care of it and it will last for many many years. If you're smart it will go to your great grandchildren when you die.

 

[thatguy]

The original factory loads for the .357 Magnum used a 158 grain bullet at 1470 FPS from an 8 & 3/4 inch barrel. The N frame S&W (the 1st .357) was intended to shoot these indefinitely. More modern loadings are greatly reduced from these power levels due to complaints regarding recoil and muzzle blast. The rise in popularity of the smaller Magnums (M19 and the such) also prompted reduced ammo loadings. Anything will eventually wear out, but you will not break an N frame with any factory load or reload within industry standards. I have heard stories of N frame .357s having digested 100,000+ full-power loads.

 

[fulloflead]

Thanks guys. I think there's one in my future that'll help me baby my Model 19 with light loads by handling the harder jobs.

 

[Checkman]

Thnaks thatguy. I'm at work (shhh - don't tell the boss) and couldn't refer to my books. I knew somebody would have the stats.