38 spl +p in 38 spl

[kar298]

i was wondering if it would be ok to shoot 38 spl +p in my smith and wesson model 49.

[oldgunfan]

It won't blow-up but over time it will get sloppy and loosen up,cop's shoot reg-38 spl when they target shoot then put +p's in when they go on duty.

[Pistolenschutze]

Smiths are very well-built firearms, kar, and as oldgun says, they won't blow up with +P loadings, but they will loosen up over time. For myself, I will not shoot +Ps in any of my .38s that are not specifically rated for them. Why take a chance of ruining a fine weapon for the sake of a few more feet per second velocity? I do, however, carry +Ps in my Mod 637s which are rated for that round.

[tumbleweed]

Originally Posted by Pistolenschutze

Smiths are very well-built firearms, kar, and as oldgun says, they won't blow up with +P loadings, but they will loosen up over time. For myself, I will not shoot +Ps in any of my .38s that are not specifically rated for them. Why take a chance of ruining a fine weapon for the sake of a few more feet per second velocity? I do, however, carry +Ps in my Mod 637s which are rated for that round.

is it safe to shoot a regular diet of +p's in a 637?or should i use regular 38's and occasinally use +p's? thanks

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

is it safe to shoot a regular diet of +p's in a 637?or should i use regular 38's and occasinally use +p's? thanks

It's interesting you should ask that question, tumble, because it is one I myself had when I bought my 637s. As you know, the 637 is an aluminium alloy frame revolver and I had the same concern. To get an answer, I contacted S&W directly via e-mail. They responded very promptly and indicated that if the revolver specifically states that it is rated +P, and the 637s do, they are completely safe for +P ammo. All that notwithstanding, however, I still use standard pressure loads for most of my practice firings, and only shoot a few +Ps from time to time in order to remain familiar with the additional recoil they generate. I normally change out my carry ammo about every three months, just to be safe, then add the "old" +P ammo to my practice rounds.

[22WRF]

I think you have it zeroed in Pistolenschutze

is it safe to shoot a regular diet of +p's in a 637

Im just curious why tumbleweed wants to put a 637 on a +P diet?
Price of ammo alone seems me that would not be the way to go when you can buy Win White Box .38's for 1/2 the price of the +P.
I also find the J Frames with +P are not alot fun.

[Pistolenschutze]

Originally Posted by 22WRF

Im just curious why tumbleweed wants to put a 637 on a +P diet?
Price of ammo alone seems me that would not be the way to go when you can buy Win White Box .38's for 1/2 the price of the +P.
I also find the J Frames with +P are not alot fun.

I agree with you completely, 22. While shooting +Ps in that light revolver is not TOO bad, and it is controlable with a little practice, it isn't exactly what I would call comfortable! Personally, I think the +Ps are worth it for "serious social work," but kind of pointless for general shooting and target practice.

[Red Neck64]

I would go a step up and purchase a 357Mag wheel gun,then shoot any 38s you like.Many wheel 38s with +P ratings I have seen shot loose with a +P diet.

[tumbleweed]

the reason why is i hand load!and own a chrony,if i could get a near +p load to practice with it would be a couple extra grains of number 2 improved and away we go.but im like everyone else i'll shoot regular 38's and once in a while +p's to keep in practice,thanks for the help