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Also, all K-Frame .357 Magnums (Models 13, 19, 65, and 66) have been known to have issues with both flame cutting of the topstrap and cracked forcing cones.
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Well, sort of.
Flame cutting of the top strap occurs in almost all magnum guns when the right combination of powder charges and short bullets are used. In the K-Frame, the short length of the 125gr coupled with the powder charges typically used do cause erosion just above the forcing cone.
The whole cracking issue tended to concentrate in the carbon steel K-Frames as a rule. For some reason the stainless K-frames exhibited much less tendency to fail.
The K-Frame failures were induced not only by the use of the very high velocity (1500 fps+ 6") 125gr loads, but also by lack of proper hygiene by the user. Almost every failed gun exhibited either lead build-up near the forcing cone or serious throat erosion from using fast, jacketed bullets.
This indicates that .357 Magnum K-frame owners should pay attention to periodic cleaning of the forcing cone area with a Lewis Lead Remover or similar product.
The K-Frame can withstand considerable use of .357 ammo in other weights without failing under the barrel. Keeping them clean and limiting ammo selection to heavier bullets for the bulk of your shooting is probably the best idea.