Over the last 10 years I have shot many thousands of 130 grain jacketed .38 special factory ammo. As you are purchasing new and not reloading yet and you did not say which ammo you were using, here is my experience. Winchester 130 grain leaves a rock hard ring that is difficult to remove, Remington also leaves a hard ring, but to easier to clean than the Winchester. Federal, on the other hand, leaves very little residue and is easy to clean, just a few passes with a brush. Perhaps a change in ammunition will make cleaning less frustrating. Good luck.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102