Speedloader problem with .38 but not .357 Magnum?

byf42 · #1 03-06-2013, 05:56 PM

Hello S&W friends,
I'm really enjoying my new 686-3 CS. Just for fun I got myself a speedloader. I tested it with 3 types of .357 Magnum. 2 different Hornady and also Sellier & Bellot. Works brilliantly.

Not having tried .38 in my new revolver I decided to do so. This meant I also tested the speedloader. For some strange reason it doesn't work well with the .38 ammo (Geco LRN). Somehow 1 round always sticks in the speedloader not being ejected into the revolver.

The Speedloader is marked: Longwitz Germany - S.L Variant - Pat pending. On the contact piece it's marked V252

I know it's hard to say anything from this, but has any of you got an idea why my speedloader doesn't eject properly when using .38 ammo while it works perfectly with .357 Mag.?

texmex · #2 03-06-2013, 07:17 PM

The first thing I would try is using a different brand of ammo. The groove in front of the rim varies between ammo makers. Since semi-autos are dependent on the extractor fitting into the extractor groove on the cartridge, they are more uniform. The revolver uses the rim for extraction so the groove is not as important for handgun function. It may be important for speed loader function. The size of this groove is important for using moon clips. Some moon clip makers sell different thicknesses of moon clips for different brands of ammo. If Hornady and Seller &Bleriot 357 ammo works well in the speed loaders, I would try Hornady and/or Seller &Bleriot 38 ammo and see if that solves the problem.

byf42 · #3 03-07-2013, 01:21 AM

Thank you for your comment. I will try with other brands of .38 ammo. I did consider the possibility that different brands of ammo could have different tolerances. I just didn't dare to actually assume so.

BobR1 · #4 03-07-2013, 01:44 AM

I recommend trying different ammunition also. I load my 686 and 64 using Safariland Comp II and Comp III speedloaders.
I have never had any issues with 38 Special brass, and I have dozens of different head stamps. BUT not the one you mentioned using.

I have noticed some problems seating small pistol primers in some 38 Special brass with S&B and GFL head stamps. They acted like they have shallow primer pockets. I know that the under cut sizes are different on American 38 Special ammunition. Winchester has a narrow under cut requiring a .020 Moon Clip thickness when used in a moon clip revolver.
So no telling what could be different on the brand of ammunition you are using.
My guess is the SL Variant does not like your brand of ammunition due to some variation in dementions.

Bob