S&W 340PD 357 Magnum Review | Heavy Buffalo Bore, Speer Gold Dot, and Handloads

Published on August 10, 2024
Duration: 16:43

This review of the Smith & Wesson 340PD .357 Magnum revolver covers its lightweight Scandium frame and titanium cylinder construction. The presenter tests various ammunition, including heavy Buffalo Bore loads, Speer Gold Dot, and handloads, using a chronograph to measure velocities. The video highlights the significant recoil experienced with potent .357 Magnum rounds in this compact firearm, while also noting its versatility for different ammunition types.

Quick Summary

The Smith & Wesson 340PD is a lightweight .357 Magnum revolver with a Scandium alloy frame and titanium cylinder. It handles .38 Special loads with manageable recoil, but .357 Magnum rounds, especially heavy ones like 180-grain Buffalo Bore, produce extreme recoil. The firearm has a barrel warning for a minimum 120-grain bullet weight for Magnum loads to protect its exotic materials.

Chapters

  1. 00:41Introduction: S&W 340PD .357 Magnum
  2. 01:20Ammunition Overview: 38 Special & 357 Magnum Loads
  3. 02:50Firearm Features: Scandium Frame & Titanium Cylinder
  4. 04:08Barrel Warning: Minimum Bullet Weight
  5. 05:00Chronograph Testing: 38 Special +P vs. 357 Magnum
  6. 07:03Shooting Handloads: 125gr XTP
  7. 08:25Shooting Buffalo Bore 180gr Loads
  8. 09:35Recoil Experience: Brutal Loads
  9. 10:29Shooting 38 Special Loads
  10. 11:16Final Chronograph Readings
  11. 13:03Hand Condition & Accuracy Test
  12. 14:06Overall Thoughts & Versatility
  13. 15:28Carry Ammunition Recommendations
  14. 16:20Conclusion & Outro

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key features of the Smith & Wesson 340PD revolver?

The S&W 340PD is a lightweight revolver featuring a Scandium alloy frame and a titanium cylinder. It is chambered in .357 Magnum and comes with a fiber optic front sight for improved target acquisition. Its compact size makes it suitable for concealed carry.

What is the recommended minimum bullet weight for .357 Magnum loads in the S&W 340PD?

The S&W 340PD has a warning on the barrel indicating 'No less than 120 grain bullets' for .357 Magnum loads. This is to prevent excessive unburnt powder and potential damage to the exotic frame and cylinder materials.

How does the recoil of the S&W 340PD compare with different ammunition types?

With .38 Special loads, the recoil is very manageable and comparable to other J-frame revolvers. However, with potent .357 Magnum loads, especially heavier bullets like 180-grain rounds, the recoil is extremely significant and can be painful, making it challenging to shoot rapidly.

What are some recommended carry loads for the S&W 340PD?

For concealed carry, the reviewer suggests 135-grain Speer Gold Dot .357 Magnum Short Barrel loads. These offer a good balance of velocity (around 900-1000 fps) and manageable recoil, providing effective performance without excessive punishment.

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