What to feed my 3" model 13-3?

[Wingshooter]

I've been reading that some 357 magnum loads can crack the forcing cone on this model, but 158gr loads are ok. Anyone know if this true??? I don't want to break this one.

It has some carry wear, but it shoots great

Oh, here's some pics




With Hogues

Edited August 25, 2014 by Batman

[Patton]

Generally 140 grain and heavier magnum loads traveling less than 1300 FPS are less prone to issues. Any 158 gr should be safe as long as it is traveling less than 1250 FPS.

Edited August 25, 2014 by Patton

[leroy]

Like Patton says... Heavier bullets.... I like 13.5 to 15 grains of 2400 and anybodies 158 grain hard cast semi wadcutters with standard primers and a real heavy crimp....

 

leroy

[Westwindmike]

I think it was the 125's that were cracking the forcing cones.

[Patton]

It generally happens because of lead build-up that causes stretching of the forcing cone. If one cleans the forcing cone frequently all of the weights will be safer.

[gregintenn]

I have read on the internet (so you know it must be true) that light bullets going very fast are purported to be the problem. 110s and 125s at max speed are to be avoided according to lore.

 

That is one helluva carry piece! Congratulations.

[Wingshooter]

That's all helpful, thanks!! I wanted to make sure I didn't put something thru it that would cause damage. Patton, the SS looks sweet.

I have read on the internet (so you know it must be true) that light bullets going very fast are purported to be the problem. 110s and 125s at max speed are to be avoided according to lore.

That is one helluva carry piece! Congratulations.

Thanks, I just need to find a better holster to conceal it.

Like Patton says... Heavier bullets.... I like 13.5 to 15 grains of 2400 and anybodies 158 grain hard cast semi wadcutters with standard primers and a real heavy crimp....

leroy

:up: I have the 2400, I just need to get some dies for it. Edited August 25, 2014 by Batman

[musicman]

For some medium 357s, or maybe 38+p++ if you will, I really liked a 158gr and Bullseye. I have no hard documentation as to why I thought it was so great, but I just dig that combo. Not a hot, blasty 357, but more than a little cap-gun 38.

[Jonnin]

lightweight full magnum loads are also trouble and can gas-cut older smiths.   This is not a good gun for the 90 grain +P load, in other words.  

 

In all cases, its NOT the bullet weight, its the combination of the load data.  A 38sp powered load in 90 grains won't gas-cut.   A modest load in 180 grains won't crack anything.  

 

38s are plenty for punching paper and save wear&tear on both the gun and the shooter...  I recommend them over a steady diet of magnums.

Edited August 26, 2014 by Jonnin

[Patton]

That's all helpful, thanks!! I wanted to make sure I didn't put something thru it that would cause damage. Patton, the SS looks sweet.

Thanks, the 3" k frames are awesome. They are the smallest and lightest guns I care anything about shooting magnums. I shoot some magnums through my 640 but it is just for laughs. I have some dies if you want to borrow them.

[Wingshooter]

Thanks, the 3" k frames are awesome. They are the smallest and lightest guns I care anything about shooting magnums. I shoot some magnums through my 640 but it is just for laughs. I have some dies if you want to borrow them.

Thanks, that's awesome for you to offer the dies. I have a Sportsman's gift card burning a hole in my pocket though, so I think I'll pick up a set tomorrow. I also think I want to try a set of wood boot grips on it. I don't know how it would handle with them, but a set of Ahrends would look great.

[TnShooter83]

I believe the problem is associated the use of 125gr bullets. I have heard of this load is also notorious for flame cutting on the top strap on some revolvers as well.

I have shot MANY rounds of 125gr and not experienced this in my Rugers, but this was before I heard of the issue.

 

In the Smith gun it was believed the cracking was caused by the thinned forcing cone. Example below take notice of the flat on the bottom.

 

If you want an explanation of why this is thought to be happening. See post #6 in the link below. I'd copy it, but want the author to get credit for it.

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=455649

Edited August 27, 2014 by TnShooter83

[Wingshooter]

I believe the problem is associated the use of 125gr bullets. I have heard of this load is also notorious for flame cutting on the top strap on some revolvers as well.
I have shot MANY rounds of 125gr and not experienced this in my Rugers, but this was before i heard of the issue.
 
In the Smith gun it was believed the cracking was caused by the thinned forcing cone. Example below take notice of the flat on the bottom.

 
If you was an explanation of why this is thought to be happening see post #6 in the link below. I'd copy it, but want the author to get credit for it.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=455649

Thanks. That's informative

[Patton]

The notch out of the bottom of the forcing cone is the whole reason for the fear, it was necessary to fit a 357 magnum length cartridge into the frame. That 13 is sweet and given the choice I would have taken a 13 over a 65 but I was just thrilled to find a 3" at $400.

[dcloudy777]

Great gun and a killer deal.

 

I'd recommend a heavy Magnum load for "social purposes"... something like a 158gr Speer Gold Dot would be excellent.  Shoot just enough to verify POI and stay in practice.  You should be able to find or make a .38SPL load that shoots the the same POI with a cheaper bullet... shoot as many of those as you can afford.  :up:

[three5seven]

That's one sexy revolver. I love the old-school blue steel Smiths. If you're looking for something to use and abuse, save up and buy a lesser revolver!