I emailed S&W the other day,
I asked:
Hello S&W,
Do you recommend the use of Federal Hydra Shok .38 Special 147gr +P+ in either of these revolvers?:
1. S&W 686 (no dash) with a 2.5" barrel, but with the "M" marking showing the upgrade to this revolver
2. S&W 640-3 .357 magnum / .38 Special
Thank you in advance for your reply,
Ron
Their reply:
Hello, SAAMI does not have pressure rating or specifications for +P+, we do not recommend its use.
“Plus-P-Plus (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &
Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates
that it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation
does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore
such ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated
I'd like to hear about real life situations from others who have used this ammo.
Do you think that this is just a CYA situation on their part?
Thanks,
Ron
I asked:
Hello S&W,
Do you recommend the use of Federal Hydra Shok .38 Special 147gr +P+ in either of these revolvers?:
1. S&W 686 (no dash) with a 2.5" barrel, but with the "M" marking showing the upgrade to this revolver
2. S&W 640-3 .357 magnum / .38 Special
Thank you in advance for your reply,
Ron
Their reply:
Hello, SAAMI does not have pressure rating or specifications for +P+, we do not recommend its use.
“Plus-P-Plus (+P+) ammunition must not be used in Smith &
Wesson firearms. This marking on the ammunition designates
that it exceeds established industry standards, but the designation
does not represent defined pressure limits and therefore
such ammunition may vary significantly as to the pressures generated
I'd like to hear about real life situations from others who have used this ammo.
Do you think that this is just a CYA situation on their part?
Thanks,
Ron