Why does S&W restrict the M340 to not less than 120gr. ammo?

[Bitmap]

Seems to me the heavier bullets would have more inertia and be more likely to pull themselves out.

Maybe the heavier bullets reduce the recoil or at least the recoil velocity?

If this is the case could you cause problems by loading only two rounds of 125gr. ammo in the cylinder?

Thanks

[SouthpawShootr]

Because the recoil from these little buggers can be so fierce that the bullets can jump out of the cases (partially) and tie up the gun. If I understand the physics correctly, the lighter weight bullets have less inertia which can be overcome by stronger recoil (due to the lightweight - less dampening- components of this model).

You're right about the heavier bullets having more inertia. The recoil has to overcome that inertia in order for the gun to act as a bullet puller. The lighter bullets have less inertia, so in the case of the sub 125 gr. bullets the recoil can overcome that inertia more easily and shake those puppies loose.

I suppose you could put a super heavy duty crimp on the cartridge, but that would likely cause a severe overpressure and blow the cylinder. I'd just follow their instructions. Plenty of good heavier bullet .357 loads out there.

[cessnastud]

I was under the impression that it was more for avoiding erosion on the face of titanium cylinders. A lighter projectiles typically uses a hotter/faster burning powder as compared to its heavier counterpart. From what I have gathered, this can damage the face (and perhaps the forcing cone?) of the Ti cylinder as the bullet jumps the gap. I've also heard people speculate that the restriction is to mitigate flame cutting of the top strap, but I am still not sure about that. As I reckon, a lighter bullet would resist jumping its crimp more so than a heavier projectile, so I don't think it has anything to do with bullet seperation, but what the heck do I know at 2:40 in the morning.

I don't trust everything I read on the interwebs, and I caution you to do the same. This entire post very well could be complete bull, but it makes sense to me. :thumbsup:


cs

[bubbatime]

I tested the bullet pull in my new 340 and oops, it happened to me. My gun locked up and I had to cut the bullet in half to unlock the gun. I believe that the higher weight bullets are larger and have more bullet in the case, therefore being more likely to not pull out of that case.

[CTW]

They also say that the lighter bullets are not seated in the casas far enough and that recoil is so fierce they can become unseated.

[G33]

Jes!
:supergrin:

[Bitmap]

So by that logic Winchester White Box 110gr. loads should be ok since they are a mid-range load.

Magtech First Defense 95gr. loads might be ok, too.

Anyone feel confident enough about that answer to try it themselves?

[DAdams]

If you are referring to the new M&P 340, there are no restrictions, standard .38 spl, plus P, and the entire range of .357 rounds. This has no stamps with round requirements.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P8050029-1.jpg

[cessnastud]

No ammo restrictions on the M&P340 because it's not a titanium cylinder, it's stainless steel. These guns look awesome. I hope to have one of my own by the end of the week. Great pic.

cs

[DAdams]

Good choice. I really like the format and the stainless cylinder was a good move. Easy to maintain, just enough weight gain to use any .357 round. The sights are excellent. DLC finish, I don't have to deal with "racoon" eyes cause I can't see them. :thumbsup: With the "new" snub ammo, 135 SGD, in plus P, Buffalo Bore standard pressure 158 gr for short barrels and SGD .357 for short barrels these things are formidable and controllable.

whatever grips you order it with, you simply must try it with a set of Hogue Monogrips (>$20). Not the greatest for pocket carry, but oh, so much fun. What control.

Here are a couple more shots to get you through.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P5210023.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v237/dmadams/P5220028.jpg