38 Spl KeyHole 3 inch Barrel
- Thread starter Roy8202
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try a heavier bullet, like a 158 gr plated. I don't use 231 but I bet that makes it stable.
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The bore diameter may be slightly larger than in your other .38 Special revolvers. Perhaps try a different bullet diameter or weight, or slug the bore? It may just not like 125 gr.
Alk8944
US Veteran
Try a different bullet, the gun may just not "like" the 125 gr. Berry. Try 158 grains, if the gun won't shoot the bullet weight the rifling was designed for then there may be a problem! You can try 4.5 to 5.0 grains 231 also and see what happens.
.38SuperMan
Member
Have you chronographed your loads? Although not a minimum load you're close. I've had inconsistent detonation with light loads within Hogdons recommendations using 231 and 125gr Berrys plated. I've had 2 bullets not make it out of a 2" barrel and with burned powder remaining in the chamber and barrel. I find light bullets and 231 at or near minimum loads to be very position sensitive.
I'm wondering if you're not getting complete detonation causing an unstable bullet.
I'm wondering if you're not getting complete detonation causing an unstable bullet.
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gwpercle
Member
Make sure those plated bullets aren't .355" or .356" !
A fellow reloader purchased a box of plated , they were supposed to be for 38 spcl. but they were sized .355" and didn't shoot for Heck or High Water . Poor accuracy .
Would hit the target sideways sometimes .
I think they were supposed to be 9mm Luger bullets and got packaged in the wrong box. I couldn't make them shoot in his 38 spcl.
Too small is just about useless .
Gary
A fellow reloader purchased a box of plated , they were supposed to be for 38 spcl. but they were sized .355" and didn't shoot for Heck or High Water . Poor accuracy .
Would hit the target sideways sometimes .
I think they were supposed to be 9mm Luger bullets and got packaged in the wrong box. I couldn't make them shoot in his 38 spcl.
Too small is just about useless .
Gary
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Protocall_Design
Vendor
Another possible cause could be a forcing cone that's too small or barrel constriction where the barrel goes through the frame.
tflt
Member
I had the same experience a year or two ago. I ordered coated 158 grain 38/357 LSWC's and got tremendous leading. After measuring the projectiles they were all about 355/356. The company sent out a fresh box that were correct.
racer19j
Member
I use 4.9 grains w231 with 125 grain X-Treme bullets in my 64-5 3". The holes are round but a little low. Now I use 6.0 grains of Accurate #5 with 158 X-Treme bullets. Holes are still round but the elevation is spot on. Both loads are very accurate at 10 yards.
target tech
Member
Plated bullets and minimum loads of any powder are not a good combination.
gwpercle
Member
Good One ! This is another distinct possibility ...
Check that Forcing Cone and look for barrel constriction !
Gary
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Compare with some factory 158 gr. ammo.
Sounds like that revolver does not like that load. It could be the bullet and barrel combination, could be that revolver works better with a higher velocity or heavier bullet. The standard bullet for 38 Special revolvers is a 158 grain lead bullet, 148 grain wadcutters and 158 grain round nose or semi-wadcutters may be a much better match for this revolver.
This is always step one! Confirm with a standard load that can be expected to perform, and if it does it rules out the gun as an issue.
For me, revolvers always get plan lead bullets, no jacketed or plated..
SnidelyWhiplash
Member
When I was a LEO our agency received a new supply of Model 64 revolvers. Another instructor and I test fired all of them…one keyholed. It turned out it had not received any rifling in the barrel…it was a smoothbore. I called S&W and they wanted it back…the rep I talked to said he wanted to show that to people…it would have had to pass through at least a dozen sets of hands without being caught.
Look at the bore and see if it's rifled.
Look at the bore and see if it's rifled.
3rdgeargrndrr
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I second the opinion to mic the projectiles and if possible pound a lead slug down the bore and mic that too. You might need .357-.358 projectiles for that gun
As said, mic the bullets. Undersize (.355/.356) will give wonky results. If ok, try a bit heavier charge. Also try variety of weights with factory rds.
