14-4 Lead vs FMJ

[rimfireshooter]

Hello. I have an old 14-4 that I enjoy shooting very much (I probably shoot about 100 per week) and I am hoping to keep it going for as long as I can. I was wondering if it would last longer if I shoot FMJ ammo through it or lead (I have a supply of lead wadcutter reloads that I traded for and have almost used up). My feeling would be that cleaning out the lead with the bronze brush may not be good for the barrel but also I am concerned about wear from the copper jackets. Thank you for your expertise.

 

[Model19man]

Shooting lead Wadcutter loads is ideal. Jacketed ammo will wear out the bore more quickly.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

The hardest bronze bore brush and the hardest lead alloy bullet are much softer than the steel used in manufacturing your revolver.

Lead alloy bullets accelerate much more easily than jacketed bullets, and the impact effects upon the bullet leaving the cartridge case, passing through the cylinder, slamming into the forcing cone of the barrel, and travelling through the bore are all much less with lead bullets than with jacketed bullets. Friction is greatly reduced with lead bullet loads compared to jacketed, and equivalent performance (velocity & energy) can be achieved at reduced pressures (overall and peak).

Leading deposits are not difficult to remove, especially when compared to the fouling left by copper-based alloys used in bullet jackets.

Your Model 14 is a high-quality revolver for sporting and target use chambered for the .38 Special cartridge, a proven performer with over a century of use. Jacketed bullets are a late arrival, something not even given much consideration for most of the years that .38 Special has built its reputation for accuracy and performance.

There is no real reason not to enjoy your revolver with lead bullet loads for regular use over your lifetime, and it will probably be ready to continue for another lifetime, given reasonable care and maintenance.

 

[stansdds]

It's not the brush, unless it is a steel or stainless steel brush, that damages barrels, it is the cleaning rod riding on the edges of the muzzle that can do the most damage.

 

[rimfireshooter]

Does it help that I use a carbon fiber rod?

 

[Drm50]

I shoot cast in all my revolvers from 32 to 45. Except for a Ruger 44 that has been tuned for 240JHP for yrs. It’s also the only one loaded stiff for deer.

 

[Model19man]

Hello. I have an old 14-4 that I enjoy shooting very much (I probably shoot about 100 per week) and I am hoping to keep it going for as long as I can. I was wondering if it would last longer if I shoot FMJ ammo through it or lead (I have a supply of lead wadcutter reloads that I traded for and have almost used up). My feeling would be that cleaning out the lead with the bronze brush may not be good for the barrel but also I am concerned about wear from the copper jackets. Thank you for your expertise.

If you shoot lead bullets that are hard and have a lubricant there will be no leading. Buy some from any reputable source such as Matts Bullets, Missouri Bullet Company etc.

 

[stansdds]

Does it help that I use a carbon fiber rod?

Don't really know, but any grit on the rod will act as an abrasive if it rubs against the barrel.
Another way to prevent leading is to use powder coated lead bullets.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Does it help that I use a carbon fiber rod?

The articles I have read over the years indicate that some cleaning rods can collect abrasive debris, which can then damage the bore during use. The consensus seems to be that a steel rod is better than softer materials because it is less likely to become embedded with such debris.

Makes sense to me. I've been using steel rods for many years.

 

[Green Frog]

If you shoot full power jacketed bullets, it might be a little worn and loose when your son inherits it. OTOH, if you shoot lead wadcutters at target velocities and clean carefully and properly, you can probably pass it along to your great grandson.
As for the material of the cleaning rod you use, it would be better to invest in a nice bore guide so you insure the rod never touches the muzzle.
BTW, many shooters overdo cleaning. Frequent cleaning and doing so improperly brings about more wear than shooting!
Froggie

 

[Nevada Ed]

We never had that worry back in the days when cleaning rods were made out of wood and copper fittings.

Darn , these modern tools !!

 

[heeter3]

rimfireshooter, I too have a 14 that is the best gun that I own and that I want, like you to keep running for me then my son,grandsons,great grandsons etc..I always appreciate the great advice from the many knowledgable members of this forum and like you I intend to seriously follow the suggestions that have been put forth.Thanks for the thread.

 

[chief38]

The articles I have read over the years indicate that some cleaning rods can collect abrasive debris, which can then damage the bore during use. The consensus seems to be that a steel rod is better than softer materials because it is less likely to become embedded with such debris.

Makes sense to me. I've been using steel rods for many years.

Lobo - we are on the exact same page here on this thread - including your post above! I use Dewey stainless steel rods exclusively and have never done any damage to a bore or cylinder's charge holes. After cleaning guns for over 5 decades my cleaning rods do not touch the bore in most instances as I have learned to easily control that from happening. Periodically I check the rod for any minor nicks and scratches and in the rare instance there is something a quick rub down with very fine emery cloth eliminates that in a few seconds.

The only time I every bought a nylon coated rod was an 11" long one for my M41 and that was in .17 caliber. Shortly after buying it the rod had gotten a few chips on it. I then switched back to a .17 caliber stainless rod and have been a happy camper every since.

 

[chief38]

The articles I have read over the years indicate that some cleaning rods can collect abrasive debris, which can then damage the bore during use. The consensus seems to be that a steel rod is better than softer materials because it is less likely to become embedded with such debris.

Makes sense to me. I've been using steel rods for many years.

I could not agree more!

 

[SGT ROCK 11B]

Hello. I have an old 14-4 that I enjoy shooting very much (I probably shoot about 100 per week) ...

Great revolver you have there. Any 38 Special bullet will do. My local Indoor Range and the Police Indoor Range only allows FMJ bullets. So my lead bullets are only shot at my Outdoor Range.

Like the others mentioned, it is "how" you clean it, is what matters.