Dan Wesson revolver strength?

[exflatlanderNH]

I am mostly a .357 guy, and have previously owned several S&Ws and Colts and currently have a couple of rugers (bh and sp101) and a winchester 94.

In most reloading manuals there are loads for all guns and then there are loads listed as only for rugers and Contenders - but where do the DWs stack up?

I have known a few Silhouette guys that swear by Dan Wessons and typically load far heavy than would ever do for my ruger blackhawk.

So, are the Dan Wessons capable of higher pressure than the Smiths (I have shot a few S&W's loose in the past and had a 629 that used to lock up after a few cylinders of factory rounds - one reason why I only have rugers now).

Are the new Wesson arms as good/better than the old Dan Wessons?

I am thinking of making a large frame double-action my next need/want purchase and was thinking of another ruger but the Wesson's have piqued my interest.

Any thoughts?

[S.S.]

I have a DW model 14-4 with  2 in. and 8 in.
barrels and I have never had a problem with it.
If I remember correctly, I bought it in 1981
and I would not even try to guess the number of
rounds I put through it!  The interchangable barrel
was what killed DW the first time. Many people
questioned their strength when they first came out
but mine seems to be as tight as the day I bought it.
It has seen use that I would have to rate as "SEVERE"
and has took it with no problems.
  I would not hesitate to buy another one, "And I'm Picky"!

[445 SUPERMAG]

I had a DW 357 many years ago i put over 25,000 rounds through it before i sold it to a good friend. In those days i loaded it at max. I been trying to buy it back whenever i see my friend now! On my 445 i compared it to my bros 44 SRH and if i remember correctly my top strap was thicker and the metal between the chambers was thicker also. Now this was a while back so i may be wrong bout this so please dont rip me to bad if im wrong! As for my 445 being strong i have loaded some 300gr hardcast up to 1750 fps but would not wanna shoot to many.

[exflatlanderNH]

Thanks for the replies.

I have a line on a DW 740 in .357 max that will probably see more .357 mags than maxs, but I like the idea of being able to load up to the new dw 360 and .357 maximum ranges.

[Zachary]

I have heard that these handguns are exceptionally strong.

Zachary

[45LC-Man]

Exflatlander I have a .357 Supermag too but have never shot it. I bought it used off of the net and then went looking for a Millett rear sight as whoever had it before me ruined the original one. I called Millett and they informed me that they didn't make a rear sight for the Supermagany longer but I did find an older NIB Millett on eBay and now I'm happy. It sure is a big gun!

[Dave2of5]

I own a Dan Wesson 744V, with an 8" and a 4" barrel. I have run evrything thru it from 44 special to 44mags loaded to the wall. I now only shoot 44 mag in it. The revolver has never had a problem and perfomance is excellent. I have owned the gun for almost 20 years and I shoot it alot. It very possibly could be the most accurate revolvers that I have seen. It cost a little more than a Ruger or Smith, but in my books it can't be beat. If you go to the website and checkout their line - I believe they have done a remarkable job covering the entire shooting spectrum.

Dave

[SEVENTY]

I am mostly a .357 guy, and have previously owned several S&Ws and Colts and currently have a couple of rugers (bh and sp101) and a winchester 94.

In most reloading manuals there are loads for all guns and then there are loads listed as only for rugers and Contenders - but where do the DWs stack up?

I have known a few Silhouette guys that swear by Dan Wessons and typically load far heavy than would ever do for my ruger blackhawk.

So, are the Dan Wessons capable of higher pressure than the Smiths (I have shot a few S&W's loose in the past and had a 629 that used to lock up after a few cylinders of factory rounds - one reason why I only have rugers now).

Are the new Wesson arms as good/better than the old Dan Wessons?

I am thinking of making a large frame double-action my next need/want purchase and was thinking of another ruger but the Wesson's have piqued my interest.

Any thoughts?

I own 2 ,a 744 VH 10" Handloads to 300 gr. HOT
and after over 20 years, I marvel at the strength.  I wouldn't trust my Ruger Blackhawk to such abuse! DW magnums are built STRONG !

[darrell8937]

in 44 mag dan wesson stands with the ruger red hawlk as the strongest revolvers(double action). I beleive I read this of the Garrett ammunation web site. The Dan wesson and the redhawlk were the only revolvers(double action) approved for one of their strongest loads for bear defence. I wish they would make a similar load for the dmax(bfr) 45 colt. Even corbon hunting loads seems tame in the recoil department when fire from this large revolver.  seems it could handle all the powder you could stuff in the case.. and one heavy broad hard cast bullett..

[SEVENTY]

Mr. exflatlanderNH:
 Just a comment on the much publicized S&W 44Mag.
 I do not own one because I read many reports such as relates to your personal experience.  Not to discredit the firearm which appears to be a fine weapon as long as you treat it properly, but, as you described cannot take any abuse.  Therefore, if one in looking for the firearm that has proven its capability to take punishing loads and deliver consistant results, I chose Dan Wesson and I have never been disappointed.  I do not own the Redhawk, but its reputation, supported by Mr. darrell8937, has reported to have an equal strength,

[jpstruthers]

I've got an old gun mag somewhere with a series of pictures of a DW .357 with at least 6 rounds lodged in the barrel.
The gun was heated up then thermally imaged to show each distinct round...
Have no idea why the barrel was tested this way but the first and second rounds were "short rounds". While the barrel and shroud had not burst under succesive follow on rounds apparently the barrel could not be removed due to extreme distortion of the theaded-frame side/forcing cone area effectively mecahanically welding the barrel/threads to the frame threads with a bulge evident in that area.
I had a similar experience when I I let a friend use my 'Dan" at the old 1 Mile Range at Fort Bliss, Texas. He used the reloading equipment at the " ROD AND BOTTLE CLUB" ON THE RANGE! Either he was drinking at the reload bench or got distracted. In any case, I could not remove the 4" bbl
due to ... barrel/frame thread welding/bulge ...argh! He swears it bucked
real hard one time and that there was an incredible blast from the cylinderface/force cone area but noting was stuck in the barrel so he put another 100 hot rounds thru it in 5 shot groups and that the groups remained tight at 50 yds.  :shock: I had to send it back to the factory where they fixed it (how?) reblued all 4 bbls and the frame,  magna -fluxed, and return shipped it for less than $120.00. I still have it.

[uncle joe]

In the mid 70's I broke the fireing pin on my much used when I got it S&W
and went to the local LEO supply store to try to find another less used S&W
Dan Wesson was rather new to the area and the rep was at this shop and asked why I wanted a used S&W when I could buy a new DW for less $.
He then showed me a DW that was sectioned to reveal 2-3 squib loads lodged in the barell with one rather flattened round to the rear , he said the first rounds were intentionaly made to stick in the barrel and the last was double loaded and shot mechanicaly to prove the strength of the gun.
He then removed the sectioned barrel and replaced with a new one and went onto the range and fired it. With my Police discount it was $79.00
Smiths sold for $110.00 after discount and colt Pythons were $137.50
Yes I know I'm an old fart but so is the DW and my friends son still shoots a deer with it every year.