Taurus 85 +p Ammo Question

[Lumberjack98]

Hi everyone.

Here goes my first post.

I recently purchased a used stainless Taurus 85 (38 special) in very good condition (400rds) and taken care of.

I called Taurus today and found out that it was manufactured in 1988. I was also told not to run +p ammunition through it and that they did not rate them for +p until 1993. I see that SAAMI shows the standard round at 17,000psi and the +p at 20,000psi (less than 18% increase in pressure).

I would like to carry it with +p rounds, but I don't want to damage my pistol. How much more stress does the +p round place on the pistol vs. the regular round? Is there really a concern that I may damage the pistol or hurt myself? Or is Taurus just doing a CYA be telling me that?

[corbanzo]

The danger about using high pressure ammunition is the cylinder bubling or actually exploding.  Guns which are rated for +p have stronger or thicker metal in the cylinder.  If you use ammo which is rated higher than the cylinder, and it can't handle it, the cylinder will actually explode, splitting the side sending hot gasses, flames, shrapnal, all that good stuff out the side, ruining the gun and your day.  A friend of mine overloaded his black powder .44 and that happened, he didnt get hurt, luckily, but its an ugly revolver now!  It doesnt seem like the difference between 38 regular and +p si extremely too much..., but I doubt it would be recommended by the manufacturer.

[DirtyHarry]

Lumberjack98, Welcome to Graybeard Outdoors.....  

I agree with corbanzo, and I would advise against running +p rated ammo through your 85. Believe me, you do not want a cylinder coming apart on you. I witnessed a cylinder split in half once, and while the person doing the shooting was not injured at all, he developed a terrible flinch that took years to get rid of completely.

[Lumberjack98]

Thanks for the welcome and the replies.

Hmmm....this definitely makes me pause for thought.