.357 or .358 DEWC question

[CMD-KY]

I am interested in loading .38 Special 148 grain DEWC. Missouri Bullet offers them in .357 or .358 diameter. What should I think about in choosing one of the different diameters? I plan on using 231 or Bullseye both of which I have a good supply. The gun is a snub S&W .38 AirLite.

Thanks

 

[noylj]

Determine the ID of your cylinder's throats. The bullet should be a very snug fit. Determine the groove diameter of your barrel. The bullet should be at least 0.001" larger than the groove diameter.
If I was ordering blind, I would get the 0.358".

 

[Steve in Vermont]

I reload DEWC, HBWC, LRN and SWC and they are all .358.

 

[Jeff423]

If I were shooting them in a Model 52 I'd get the .357. Otherwise the .358.

Jeff

 

[jibjab]

I have a S&W 36 with tight cylinder throats, the groove diameter is not relevant unless I open the cylinder throats.This gun prefers .357"+ diameter lead bullets.
My S&W mod 10-5 has .3575" diameter cylinder throats and it prefers .358" diameter lead bullets.
I shoot both jacketed and lead so I will not alter these guns but rather find a bullet that works best for them.