Author Topic: Model 19, what do you shoot? (Read 2443 times)

six_gunz · « **on:** December 27, 2007, 03:01:58 AM »

I just bought a model 19-4 and was curious what you all shoot in yours? I've recently read some info on certain loads splitting the forcing cone and want to prolong the life of this BEAUTY. I went to buy a Ruger Blackhawk and seen this instead, it was like love at first sight. The trigger is so sweet and smooth!!!

StrawHat · « **Reply #1 on:** December 27, 2007, 05:09:00 AM »

The forcing cone issue was the result of firing thousands of lightweight high velocity loads. So, avoid using the 125 grains and less loads.

When I had a M19 I found the 158 lead loads to be my favorite. Yes, they might lead the barrel but it is no big deal to clean.

If you handload, there are boatloads of recipes for the 158, and heavier, lead bullets.

Enjoy your new find.

Graybeard · « **Reply #2 on:** December 27, 2007, 08:57:50 AM »

I've not actually owned a M19 in a great many years as I've moved to its stainless steel twin the M66 but back in the day when I shot Model 19s before the M66 was even made I shot mostly two loads.

The first was a factory load mostly likely loaded by Norma and sold under the Browning brand name it moved a 158 grain JSP at 1550 fps or so the box claimed. It was without a doubt the hottest .357 magnum load I've ever fired and had the recoil that was evidence of it. Man was that load super accurate in my M19s tho and it was dirt cheap at the store I bought them at making it the best of both worlds.

My other load is likely WAY over book max so it is NOT a load recommendation just telling ya what I shot. I used Hornady 125 grain PRE-XTP JHPs over 6.5 grains of Bullseye. The bullet is no longer made and it was a hot load even back then but it sure was accurate and I've used thousands of them with great satisfaction in my guns.

Later I started casting my own bullets and used the Lyman 358156 GC bullet over a max or over max charge of 2400 some times in .357 mag cases and some times in .38 Special cases using Elmer Keith's definitely over max loads. They were hot and compared to today's loads they make the current one's look anemic. The SAAMI specs for this round have been lowered a good deal from what it was back in those days if SAAMI even existed in those long ago days. Today even 125s are not pushed as fast as we pushed 158s long ago.

It's NOT a practice I recommend to anyone but I do tend to still load the .357 Magnum to the levels I did in the early days as I got by with it quite well then so still do it today. I won't share the loads I use with anyone other than that one which used a bullet no longer available and so it's not actually reproducable today and no you should NOT try substituting any other bullet as I've not tried any other with it and make no promises any other would be safe or that it would be in your gun only in mine.

Old Griz · « **Reply #3 on:** December 30, 2007, 09:09:22 PM »

My 19 has a 2.5" barrel and is one of my favorite carry guns. I used to carry the 125 grain load, but it really rocked with that light barrel. I switched to the 110 grain loads and it's easier to shoot. It gets mainly a diet of .38s for practice.

Wingman26 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 17, 2008, 12:58:56 PM »

The problem was with some people who were shooting a large quantity of very hot loads, the medium frame pistol is a little light for a constant diet of heavy loads, keep your loads moderate and it will be fine. The whole reason the Model 19 came out was to be a lighter weight pistol in 357 for officers who carried a pistol all day, the previous 357s had all been on large heavy frames, since most Police Officers carry a lot and shoot just a little, it was a good compromise.

Those 125 gr 357 loads became the hot item back when I was a Deputy, just about everybody switched over to them, but they are very hard on the K frame models, the 158 gr loads aren't quite so bad.

S.B. · « **Reply #5 on:** January 22, 2008, 02:35:02 AM »

six_gunz,

Drilling Man · « **Reply #6 on:** January 22, 2008, 09:59:12 AM »

I shoot 44 spl's in my M-19...

It likes 200 grain silver tips pretty good...

BUT, before it was a 44 spl., my fav bullet for "defense" was 150 Siera HC's... I always liked that bullet...

DM

Hammerdown · « **Reply #7 on:** January 25, 2008, 01:57:07 AM »

Hello
I Don't have a model 19 anymore, but I have it's stainless steel cousin the model 66. I shoot handloads in mine and always use the 158 Grain Jacketed Hollow Points. I detest Lead Bullets because of the higher Pressure of this round, they will always leave behind a lead mess on the forcing cone, and face of the cylinder which adds extra cleaning chores. If you want to shoot a Milder .38 Special load in your .357 Magnum Perhaps it would be cost effective to use lead bullets but if loaded in the Upper velocity range they too will lead up the cylinder face and forcing cone area.. I load all mine using the IMR-Powder 2400. It is a true magnum Powder and Burns clean and effective without compromise to accuracy. I load 14.5 Grains of 2400 using a trimmed to length case and CCI -Primers with an extra Heavy crimp along with 158 grain Jacketed Bullet. This load is super accurate in my 66 and Ought to do good in your model 19 as well. I hope this Helps, Hammerdown

canon6 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 25, 2008, 05:41:28 AM »

158gr lgc semiwadcutter(358156) and 15 grs 2400.This is a hot load and has the recoil to prove it.However Hammerdown ,is correct it does tend to require a lot of cleaning Doug

mcwoodduck · « **Reply #9 on:** January 25, 2008, 06:36:05 AM »

I do not have a 19 and am Jealous. I want one. I have had everything but a 19.
In my 28 or 686 it depends on what I am doing as to what I am feeding it.
Targets get 38's in the 130 grain FMJ for steel.
hunting is 158 grain JSP by Federal for my 686 silhouette.
House / camping gun is the M28 with 125 grain JHP.

six_gunz · « **Reply #10 on:** January 27, 2008, 08:51:12 AM »

Quote from: S.B. on January 22, 2008, 02:35:02 AM

six_gunz,

A pic of my 19,

S.B. · « **Reply #11 on:** January 31, 2008, 10:12:16 AM »

Thanks. You got a definite winner there

stormspotter · « **Reply #12 on:** March 01, 2008, 11:36:31 AM »

I use 170 gr. SWC's or 125 gr. DPX's in my 2 1/2" Model 19-4.

S.B. · « **Reply #13 on:** April 08, 2008, 12:12:49 PM »

Quote from: Wingman26 on January 17, 2008, 12:58:56 PM

The problem was with some people who were shooting a large quantity of very hot loads, the medium frame pistol is a little light for a constant diet of heavy loads, keep your loads moderate and it will be fine. The whole reason the Model 19 came out was to be a lighter weight pistol in 357 for officers who carried a pistol all day, the previous 357s had all been on large heavy frames, since most Police Officers carry a lot and shoot just a little, it was a good compromise.

Those 125 gr 357 loads became the hot item back when I was a Deputy, just about everybody switched over to them, but they are very hard on the K frame models, the 158 gr loads aren't quite so bad.

If this is true, how come they now manufacture them, in this caliber, in J, 5 shot guns, that are rated at +P?

Savage · « **Reply #14 on:** April 09, 2008, 06:03:10 AM »

If this is true, how come they now manufacture them, in this caliber, in J, 5 shot guns, that are rated at +P?
[/quote]

In a word, Metallurgy!

Savage

StrawHat · « **Reply #15 on:** April 10, 2008, 05:30:42 AM »

S&W also offers the J frame in 357 (or did) but they were betting those who owned them were not going to enter PPC competition with them.

The K frame 357 and the 125 jacket ammo seemed to be a problem match.

As has been said before, the M19 was for those who carried a lot a shot a little.

I carried one for 10 years and it handled the 158 grain ammo of the day with no problem. And I did use it for PPC and other competition.

Eventually found I liked the L frame and 357 better. Something about the grip frame of the K and the weight of the N frames that was a nice combo for me.

S.B. · « **Reply #16 on:** April 10, 2008, 07:11:27 AM »

Quote from: StrawHat on April 10, 2008, 05:30:42 AM

S&W also offers the J frame in 357 (or did) but they were betting those who owned them were not going to enter PPC competition with them.

The K frame 357 and the 125 jacket ammo seemed to be a problem match.

As has been said before, the M19 was for those who carried a lot a shot a little.

I carried one for 10 years and it handled the 158 grain ammo of the day with no problem. And I did use it for PPC and other competition.

Eventually found I liked the L frame and 357 better. Something about the grip frame of the K and the weight of the N frames that was a nice combo for me.

I disagree that 19s are to be carried much and shot little or how ever it was stated in this post. I owned a 19 several years back and shot it constantly with with mild to hot loads? Was my gun a freak of nature, could be but, most on the net seem to think as I do about thiis model of gun? My personal opine is that the ones that got the forcing cone split had been shot with what was considered max back then and remember, pigs, turkeys, rams and chickens were the game back then when this was happening amd we all know what was happening to the .44s when pushed beyond their capacity.
But, who knows that's one mystery S&W never solved, just like the bullseye powder mystery of this period. For the record my thoughts are abuse by owners?

Mohawk · « **Reply #17 on:** April 10, 2008, 08:52:36 AM »

Despite being called a "Sidewalk Lawyer" on recent posts, I will agree with SB. By the same token, I will say for self defense purposes, I can say that the Model 19 is adequate. I carried a nickel 19-4 for a long whille while on patrol and I felt very confident. I would caution, unless you are well trained, shooting double action full house .357 Magnum out of a K-frame can be a challenge. Almost to the point to where a standard pressure .38 that is more controllable and more adventagious to your needs.

S.B. · « **Reply #18 on:** April 10, 2008, 09:53:23 AM »

Mohawk, tou-che'

Mohawk · « **Reply #19 on:** April 10, 2008, 03:22:42 PM »

I agree with SB.... we are all friends here...we can bust chops......thats just the venue.....Anywho, I need my 10-7 serial # run if Hammerdown gets a moment. I got two Autistic kids wanting video games.....Please help!!!!! These two little guys have figured out the capacity of the deep freeze in regards to pop cicles and they love Van Halen and Celine Dion. Wow, great kids........

b

Hammerdown · « **Reply #20 on:** April 10, 2008, 03:28:57 PM »

Quote from: Mohawk on April 10, 2008, 03:22:42 PM

I agree with SB.... we are all friends here...we can bust chops......thats just the venue.....Anywho, I need my 10-7 serial # run if Hammerdown gets a moment. I got two Autistic kids wanting video games.....Please help!!!!! These two little guys have figured out the capacity of the deep freeze in regards to pop cicles and they love Van Halen and Celine Dion. Wow, great kids........b

Hey Moe
Lay it on me in a P.M. I will run thse numbers for you like a Pissed of Cop, in a DWI traffic stop... Hammerdown