The S&W Model 57 Classic

07/13/2020

It is a Jackson Browne kind of day. The rain finally subsided, leaving behind rich, wet emerald green Maine. The lawn is overgrown, tree branches are reaching far out from the tree line for the sun, and wildlife has returned to view. Deer grazing on clover, fox snacking on chipmunks, wild turkey gobbling up fallen, immature crab apples, coyotes waiting for nightfall to return to their marauding ways. If it were not for the politicians attempting to win favor with their big city counterparts, we would be living in Eden, Maine. I guess we will enjoy it for as long as we can.

Broke out the clearing saw and machete and cleared the range and headed out with the S&W Model 57 41 Mag, some factory ammunition and a couple of trays of handloads. I hate to disturb the wildlife, but they have grown accustom to my presence and they will return soon after the shooting stops. Eden.

The Smith & Wesson Model 57 Classic has been previously reviewed on Real Guns, with a presentation of: specs, history, evolution, and performance.

S&W’s Model 57 Classic 41 Magnum Part 1
S&W’s Model 57 Classic 41 Magnum Part 2

What brought the Model 57 back, besides just the fun of doing a related project, was the thought that the handloads published in the original work left something on the table. There were not enough light loads and the heavy bullet end of the spectrum was… lackluster. For background on the combination, both revolver and cartridge, I suggested reading the original set as linked above.

Factory ammunition baseline

I do not know why factory ammunition choices are so restricted. From the large manufacturers, performance ammunition comes typically in 180 grain or 210 grain bullet weights. The more specialized brands add 230 grain, 250 grain and 265 grain loads. I don’t know why, as the 41 Magnum is an excellent handgun hunting and those heavy bullet loads are bone breakers.

Ammo prices vary from reasonable to nuts. Reasonable is a dollar a round and there is a good selection being sold through discount retail. Federal is way overpriced for what is essentially mediocre ammunition at twice the price of other major brands; $2/round. Buffalo Bore once was my favorite, but I guess they are targeting people who have to have something and don’t care how much they pay for it; $4/round and nothing a handloader couldn’t accomplish for $.40/round, or 1/10th the cost.

In this case, I decided to start with a middle weight that could pack a punch, but also work light loaded for target practice and plinking, or perhaps used on smaller game where hole punching rather than expansion is desired. The Nosler was my one offering to the gods of norms, then quickly moved on to heavier weights and really heavy .41 caliber bullets, the latter two that can blow through 32+ inches of ballistic gel and more than a couple birch trees.

Of the bullets listed, the True Shot results in significantly longer than SAAMI Maximum cartridge overall length. Maximum spec COL is 1.590″, where the assembled cartridge with True Shot bullet is 1.170″. Yikes! How is that going to work? Well, where the S&W cylinder is 1.672″ long, it only must accept the case body and bullet as the 0.053″ rim bits reside to the rear and outside of the cylinder. The length from cylinder face to recoil shield is 1.750″. Long story… long, there is a margin of approximately 0.040″ between bullet tip and cylinder face.

The chamber throats at the face of the cylinder measure 0.410″, 0.001″ – 0.002″ smaller than bullet diameter, however, the bullet ogive is conical and does not come in contact with the throat when loading rounds into chambers. Additionally, a Lee Factory Crimp Die put a grab on the bullet that did not allow bullets pulling under recoil, even when leaving a couple in the cylinder and letting them go for a ride while the others were filled and fired several times.

Full length resized, lightly mouth flared, bullet seated and then crimped. Four dies, no special attention needed. The load data was developed using CCI large pistol magnum primers because of the density of the powder charges and the powder selected. I also did not want to manage two primer types on the bench. Remember, not a primer substitute to someone else’s data. Magnum primers were selected at the onset and then loads developed.

Stout loads to follow…

Warning: Bullet selections are specific, and loads are not valid with substitutions of different bullets of the same weight. Variations in bullet length will alter net case capacity,  pressure and velocity. Primer selection is specific and primer types are not interchangeable. These are maximum loads in my firearms and may be excessive in others. All loads should be reduced by 5% as a starting point for development where cartridges have greater than 40 grains in capacity and 10% for cartridges with less than 40 grain capacity following safe handloading practices as represented in established mainstream reloading manuals. Presentation of these loads does not constitute a solicitation for their use, nor a recommendation.

I am not trying to set velocity records with handloads, but more in search of good velocity with accuracy. Keep in mind, 6″ barrel. The initial three loads were loaded soft and they are the most pleasant to shoot. Loud pop and easy to control. Next three restored 41 Magnum performance, as did those that follow.

These were all shot from a cast iron rest with support from shot filled leather bags so as to minimize my influence. I know the 41 mag is supposed to be halfway between a 357 Mag and a 44 Mag, but I’d say more like three quarters toward the 44 Mag at these levels. The revolver has the mechanical accuracy, but it takes practice to manage recoil and focus, particularly for extended shooting sessions.

Lots of personality

The Model 57 is a big N frame with a target barrel. Just under 48 ounces empty, the heft and hand filling grips are appropriate for its 41 magnum power, as is the half inch wide hammer and serrated trigger face. After some long days of shooting, I still looked forward to shooting.

The top surface is laid out and finished well. Lots of striations on flat surfaces to kill glare and the red insert provides good contrast on target. The Model 57 can be scoped, but within the range of the 41 Mag, not essential and it would ruin the revolver’s easy handling and compact hunter’s carry.

Accurate. reliable, well made, and nicely finished. And not a bad looking carry. Smith & Wesson Model 57 in 41 Rem mag. Glad these Classic series guns are still with us.