Another flame cutting question, but in 38 spl.

[aalmcc4]

I know this subject has been beat to death on this forum. But I'll add a twist. I note that most agree that flame cutting is accelerated if not wholly caused by slow ball powders like 296/110 and short, light (125 gr) bullets in the 357 magnum.

Well, how about the 38 special? Anyone notice top strap flame cutting with MEDIUM BURNING RATE FLAKE powders like IMR 4756, Herco, Unique, Blue Dot with light 125 gr jacketed bullets in the 38 special @ +P velocities?

How about +P 38 spl velocity/pressure using 125 gr jacketed bullets with MEDIUM BURNING RATE BALL powders like HS-6, AA5?

Thanks guys and I apologize if similar questions have already been hashed out ad nasueum.

 

[Steve C]

One typically uses a medium to fast burn rate powder in the .38 spl and the quantities are much lower than the amount that would be used in the .357 mag. I've never seen a .38 spl that has flame cutting, not to say it couldn't happen, but its highly unlikely. Flame cutting is caused by the amount of flame produced and is found with most slow burning powder with heavy loads in magnums. There just isn't enough powder in a typical .38 spl to heat up the top strap and burn a groove in it.

 

[moxie]

I've never observed flame cutting with Unique and 125 gr. bullets in either .357 or .38, either flavor.

 

[OldChief]

If you're worried about flame cutting, don't shoot anything with less than a 158 grain projectile. I might mention that I was a Small Arms Tech. in the AF and an Armorer for the CA Dept. of Corrections and have maintained .38 revolvers with many thousands of rounds put through them and I never experienced a serious problem caused by flame cutting. When I was with the Department, we did experience a few cracked forcing cones but I believe this was due to using +P most of the time.

 

[chief38]

After 40 years of HG shooting I've seen minor flame cutting on many Revolvers - although NONE have been anymore than a slight line and certainly no need for concern. Just keep the area clean and do not let lead build up. To me, it's just part of shooting Revolvers (sort of like a turn line on the Cylinder).