I have a early Ruger SP101 it is marked 125 gr, only , I forgot why only 125 gr, only ?? Why was it made for only this weight of bullet? can someone please tell me ? what make`s it different from my other SP101`s that I own? It`s been in the back of one of my safe`s for over 35 years. Thank you in advance Frank From Lowell Mi.

RECOIL. POSSIBILITY OF RECOIL CAUSING HEAVIER BULLETS TO JUMP THEIR CRIMP WHEN THE GUN WAS FIRED. S&W DID THE SAME CAUTION WITH SMALLISH .357s.,

Thank you for the reply John, I have 3 other .357 mag SP101`s that will take heavier bullets. They look like they are the same size and weight , so I don`t understand what would be the differance in bullet pull?. Unless the ammo factorys found a way to make a better crimp. Or was it a learning process for Ruger and S&W ? . anyway Thank you

Only room enough for 125 grain loads, a side effect of when the SP101 was only a .38 Special. Later SP101 revolvers have slightly longer cylinders.

Or am I wrong? If the cylinders are not longer, what could they change dimensionally to allow for heavier than 125 grain loads in later guns?

Otony

DON'T BELIEVE THEY CHANGED ANYTHING JUST BACKED OFF THE 125 MAXIMUM WEIGHT BULLET. I WILL CHECK AND SEE.

OTONY IS CORRECT! from "RUGER AND HIS GUNS" R.L. WILSON: ".357 Magnum, five-shot. First production had shorter cylinder, barrel marked 125 GR. BULLETS ONLY. Later production can shoot all factory .357 Loads

…..is because a friend bought the 125 grain version just before the longer cylinder was introduced. He was indignant.

But I didn’t recall it easily, had to think on it for awhile….

Otony

YES! I just measured the cyinders the SP101 that is for 125 gr, only is 1.520 LOA, the other SP101`s (3) that can shoot longer bullets are 1.580. so its 60 thousand LOA. I want to thank you guys for putting up with Me. May GOD Bless you all.