Looking for a load for a
s&w 360
And/or
s&w m66 4”
I did not find a lot of information on the Internet. Seems like the 110 grain might be too light for the J frame.
I’m just looking to make a self-defense load for either of these revolvers
Should I be looking for a heavier bullet?
I read decades ago that lightweight bullets at high velocities are hard on revolver forcing cones, especially thin ones like J-frames and even K-frames, which weren’t designed for continuous use with magnum loads. Eventually, heavier mid-sized guns like L-frames and the Rugers came out that could take the pounding, but forcing cones still will erode more quickly, even if they don’t crack like before.
If you’re stuck with those bullets because of the current crunch, I suggest you load them down a bit, maybe to where reliable expansion begins. Even at that, if that 360 is a fixed-sight gun, POI may be off somewhat.
Given a choice, I wouldn’t go below 125gr, and pretty much all I buy are 158s, jacketed or lead.
Years ago, my son used to go to industry seminars where those in attendance got to try out different products. The 360 was the gun that no one wanted to shoot twice.
Speer specifically state NOT to use the 110 Gold Dot SB HP in the .357 Magnum.
.
Were they mine, I'd most likely use the .38+P data here:
https://reloadingdata.speer.com/downloads/speer/reloading-pdfs/handgun/38_Special_P_110_SB.pdfEspecially for the 360.
As always YMMV.
I settled on the Sierra 140 grain JHP for my J frames