Why no Keyholes?

Cruizer Bill · Feb 11, 2011

I used to shoot a Smith Model 52-2 in the bullseye matches. Wonderful gun and very accurate to be sure, however, it had a nasty habit. If you did not have a rock solid follow-through on your shots, the wadcutter would have a tendency to keyhole at 50 yards. This is true of the M1911 .38 Special conversions too and it true with everyone I've met who has one. They all keyhole if you don't have an excellent follow-though.

Now, here's my question: Why don't revolvers keyhole with the same ammo? I love to shoot my K38 and my 686 with the 148 HBWCs at 50 yards and they simply do not keyhole. I have never had a problem with keyholes at all. Anyone know why the difference? Is it different twist rates?
Thanks!
Bill

GyMac · Feb 11, 2011

Interesting. I remember a comment by Jim Clark I read that wadcutters had to be sent with some force to the 50 yard line. What worked at 25 yards, wouldn't do at 50. My initial reaction is that it's the load and not the gun, but you seem to have ruled this out?
I do agree that the 52 requires concentration on follow through, but just for accuracy in general, and not bullet-tipping. I admit to very little experience with any .38 match guns.
Chris

GyMac · Feb 11, 2011

I would add that there has to be a difference in ammo, even if the load is the same, for the cartridges to function in the autos. I'm sure that you're aware of that, too, though.

Why no Keyholes?

Cruizer Bill

Member

GyMac

US Veteran

GyMac

US Veteran

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