question for 642 shooters

[hi-power man]

A friend sold his last 38 revolver and gave me a couple boxes of Federal 158g lead hollow points, # 38G on package. He told me I shouldn't shoot them in my 642 because the airweight frame recoil and allow the bullet to move forward out of the case, jamming the unit. I searched my manual and could not find this warning. Did I miss something ? Does anyone shoot 158g thru their 642? Any problems with the bullet moving forward ?

 

[ContinentalOp]

The issue your friend is talking about can happen in the AirLite scandium frame guns when shooting heavy magnum loads, if I remember correctly. It's not a problem in the 642, presuming the gun is +P rated (I believe the Federal load you're talking about is +P).

 

[Hany]

Its possible...but REALLY unlikely. I've shot hundreds ( maybe thousands?) of 158g+p Lswchp over the years in 442's, 642's M38's etc. and have never had one tie up the revolver. Measure the AOL of the cartridges with a dial caliper, shoot 4 and check the remaining one, and see if it moved...

Take care.

 

[Sonny Crocket]

Forgive any incorrect references to terminolgy....but the latest batch of Federal 38G I received there is no crimp on the bullet. In my 642 I noticed that the rounds will pull from the cases when fired. Never had one go far enough to bind up the gun, but it is happening. I think the Remington and Winchester versions are, but they also cost twice as much as these latest batch of Federals hitting the market.

 

[BobsSmith]

I have a 642 and have fired that load with no problem!

I do know that you should not shoot un-jacketed bullets in the Titanium framed guns, which are lighter then the airweights.

Best

Bob

 

[hi-power man]

I like Hany's suggestion. I'll do this.

 

[JohnnieB]

Forgive any incorrect references to terminolgy....but the latest batch of Federal 38G I received there is no crimp on the bullet. In my 642 I noticed that the rounds will pull from the cases when fired. Never had one go far enough to bind up the gun, but it is happening. I think the Remington and Winchester versions are, but they also cost twice as much as these latest batch of Federals hitting the market.

Sonny,

Suggest you contact Federal and let them know the bullets in their new batches of 38G are pulling under recoil.

I just checked my stock, they are all crimped.

I use them in a 637, which is the exposed hammer version of the 642, and no problems with them. (yet)

John

 

[Sonny Crocket]

I only ordered two boxes and they were both like that. I also got 500 rds. of the 158gr. SWC 38C and it is crimped. I'll give them a call and see what they can do.

 

[photoman]

I've got a bunch of 38G and it's crimped. I also have some recent Remington 158gr LHP+P and it is loaded very long. It is always a good idea to test and inspect any ammo that you use for gunfighting.