M65-1 Ammo ?

[mcwoodduck]

Add one more S&W to the list for me.
Just did the paper work on a Model 65-1  four inch  Pinned and recessed with the blue box.
Serial number 1D1XXXX
I had one before just like it and a 3" round frame that I stuipdly sold. 
I am going to use it for the house and as a camping gun.  Dad took my 4" M28 with him back to NC a few months ago.
A buddy said early S&W stainless revolvers may have a problem with full power loads that I would want for camping. 
anyone know what he was talking about?
 

[Graybeard]

Been hearing such stories almost as long as Ruger has been in business. I reckon some Ruger fan started it. I've been shooting full power loads in my S&W revolvers since about '66 and have never seen a problem doing so yet. Back in those days the standard for .357 magnum was a 158 at 1550 fps. I've shot a couple bucket loads of a load I WILL NOT mention specifically as it's well beyond book limit in .38s but I've never loosened a K-frame S&W with them yet. They are some hotter than +P+ I'd guess.

Just shoot your guns with any book load or factory ammo and you'll be fine.

[mcwoodduck]

I know 357 was hotter when it came out and has been reduced for multiple reasons. (recoil being the main one)
I was not sure if it was an alloy mix with the  early batch stainless that made it weaker than the carbon steel  or was made so that the carbon steel tooling would cut the stainless, and the 158 grain 1500 FPS  loads should not be used for some reason. 
Thanks for the answer.

[pastorp]

Hay Duck,
Never heard about any 158gr 357loads giving any problems in S&W handguns..It was the 125 grain loads that developed a reputation for shooting the guns lose.. 
 
Regards,

[Mohawk]

I have shot many 158gr SWC at 1550fps and never had a problem in a Model 19 K frame, though not stainless. All stainless steel frames have carbon made into them for extra strength. These loads would cut your finger on the trigger guard, so obviously, they were toned down. This was the days of practice with .38 and carry hot .357 for duty.

[mcwoodduck]

I have shot many 158gr SWC at 1550fps and never had a problem in a Model 19 K frame, though not stainless. All stainless steel frames have carbon made into them for extra strength. These loads would cut your finger on the trigger guard, so obviously, they were toned down. This was the days of practice with .38 and carry hot .357 for duty.

I was not sure if the early stainless alloy was a little weaker and that is why ammo makers have toned down the 357,
I picked up the gun on Tuesday and will shoot it this weekend.  I am not worried about shooting it loose, but heard a rumor about weak stainless that I now understand is about the M60 and why the early ones were 38 Special only and not rated for the +P.  Now the M60 is chambered for 357 Mag and has been since the early 90's.