musicman

This sounds pretty cool! I'm game as long as I can work it into my schedule. I may have access to a small bucket of WW. What about lubing/sizing? I haven't casted yet, so I don't know how time cosuming or equipment intensive that is. Is someone willing to let us use their stuff? I guess some could cast, some could lube? I'd be interested in casting for .357 (preferring .358 sizing) and .44 (looking for .430 sizing)

Yes, but the larger case size, etc, of the .40 leaves more of the case web and its sensitive area unsupported. Not many 9mm KBs reported, either. Lots of .40 occurences.

9 doesn't propose the same hazard due to generally lower pressures and less of the case web being unsupported. It's pretty much just the .40 that has the problem.

I loaded up and fired a butt-load of .40 range brass. In retro, I know that a lot of it was Glock brass due to the bulges and rectangular firing pin strikes. I'm sure the excess bulging leads to stretching and working the the brass, making it more brittle and possibly weaker. However, I never loaded hot for my .40 and I had so much brass I don't think I loaded any cases more than 3 times. I also had a superior designed gun with a fully supported chamber (ouch! jab!) so it was only worked excessively once, and better enclosed in my gun. If I was to load up hot stuff, I would probably try to avoid Glocked brass.

Well, some say it does, many say it doesn't. It has to do with the speed they generate (the 158gr don't accelerate as fast) before they hit the forcing cone. You'll also notice that unlike the L and N frame guns that the very bottom of the barrel's forcing cone is cut flat, making it weaker there. The smaller frame necessitates that space for the cylinder. Like I said though, a lot of folks think it's hogwash. I haven't personally seen one with a cracked forcing cone, but I'm over-protective of my babies. Also, I seriously doubt that a box of hot 125s will blow the gun up right then and there, but I think there may be something to the idea that the constant battering of them may do harm over years. The K frame was originally designed for 38s and other less powerful ammo. It was modified to handle the .357. Kinda' like a pickup can be modified to handle a 5th wheel and it will work for a good while, but a semi is made for it and will probably last longer and be less stressed doing it. I just figure if I want to get beat up, I can shoot my .44, or if I want to beat myself up with a .357, I'll get another GP100.

Wow, didn't see that one coming! Guess that's not exactly what most of us were thinking he'd do. Am I going to have to eat my words at some point?

Try this link instead http://www.kempfgunshop.com/

Hey Guys, We seem to have more and more people starting to reload now, which is AWESOME! I get lots of PMs asking how to start out loading and that doesn't bother me, but I know I don't know everything, and that most of you here probably have more experience than I do. Also, we all have our favorite brands of equpiment and styles of reloading. We also all have different goals for ou loads (precision rifle, cheap high-volume practice, etc) so I feel like I may be shorting someone when they only hear my opinion. I also have been busier and busier with work, and can't get back to everyone as quick as I like. What I'd like to put together is a catch-all, something we can point the new reloader towards to help give them a basic idea of the process, equipment, and time required, as well as the resources they'll need, such as recommended manuals and other reading or training. I'm asking for your help! Can you all post up everything you'd tell a new loader? Go through everything you think is important, and feel free to post the links you use/have used to other sites that helped you. I'll then compile all of this into one thread and make it a sticky. Sound good? Thanks! James

Awesome! I think you'll find that 19 to soon be one of your favorite guns. I feed mine mostly 38+Ps and then powderpuff 148gr HBWC target loads. I shoot my 6" 19 the best at shorter ranges (inside 25 yards) but for some reason I can hit things better with my 4" 19 outside of 50 yards! Though it's been debated hotly on both sides for decades, I err on the side of safety and preservation by not shooting 125gr and lighter Mags through my K frame 357s. There are stories of cracked forcing cones due to the much greater impact these hi-vel bullets impart on the forcing cone, as well as greater flame cutting of the topstrap. Have fun!

I'm sorry... what?

Hm.. watch Channel 5 in Nashville right now... good bit on positive building/construction news

Freakin' sweet! Great looking guns... well.... 3 of 'em at least!

Thanks 323. Yes, Nyclad is perfectly legal, just out of production for a couple decades or so. Please, before passing around more of the "illegal ammo" nonsense please verify facts. Even if you heard it at a gunstore, it may not be true.

Welcome! I love "the Greater Metropolitan Eagleville Area" bit! That's awesome!

The Reloader's Bench in Mt Juliet has a great selection as well.

Just carry the 1894!

Get the gun 'cuz it's awesome, but good luck gettin' that monster in your waistband!

Lee Deluxe Turret kit. I still have and use it, but in the far future I plan on getting a DIllon to speed things up.

Good for small to medium quantities if you have the spare time. Will make ammo that's just as good as any other press.

Those super light framed guns tend to have exhibit a lot of bullet pull (projectile jumping crimp forward, possibly tying up the gun) with the lighter bullet weights, hence the warning.

http://photobucket.com/ trust me... it's your friend!

Now give us pics!!

Awesome score! I'm jealous!

Go here: http://smith-wessonforum.com/eve/forums/a/frm/f/500103904 sign up and ask. Post all but the last couple digits of the serial number (use x's for the last two) and I can just about guarantee you'll have your answer in 15 minutes. =) Or you can buy the Standard Catalog of Smith & Wesson by Jim Supica. Congrats on a great gun!

Welcome! You Smyrna PD? Maybe I'll see you around town!