Best Bullet Diameter K38 Revolver.

[Landjo]

Hi All,

I have a 1957 K38 revolver. It has a leading problem arround the cylinder, outside the forcing cone and on the top strap. It might be because my bullets are too small and hot lead is moving past the bullet as it moves across the gap. I dropped my 0.358 Roze HBWC down the chaimbers and they stop at the cylinder throats. It is very easy to push through. Very minimal contacts, probably mostly from the lube. Is this bullet diameter ok. Or should I be using a 0.359 or 0.360 diameter bullet.

Joe

 

[D Brown]

Do you have a set of Pin Gauges? If so, check the chamber throats, A.K.A. Ball End, for actual diameter.

 

[colt_saa]

Welcome to the Forum

If you are using 148 grain .358" HBWCs, throat diameters should not be an issue.

What powder are you using? And how much of it?

 

[Landjo]

I dont reload. I buy loaded ammo from Roze distribution. I think the bullets clock in at 730 fps. Seems low for a 38.

 

[colt_saa]

I dont reload. I buy loaded ammo from Roze distribution. I think the bullets clock in at 730 fps. Seems low for a 38.

HBWCs have to run slow or there is risk of the skirts tearing off the bullet inside the barrel

Try a different ammunition and see what you get

 

[oddshooter]

You have a leading problem around the cylinder? and the drop test sounds like the bullets are just right; finger pressure to push through.

Is there a poor, weak crimp on the Roze cartridge? For leading on the cylinder, I would think that the gases escaped past the base before the bullet left the cylinder? With the low velocity you're also getting, that could be the issue. It takes a crimp to hold the bullet long enough to build pressure and get velocity.
Inspect a recovered bullet after firing to check for clues. Especially on the base.


Your next test is "slugging the barrel" or getting different ammo to compare. I've never heard of Roze. What kind of bullet; jacketed, plated, cast SWC, HB??? Do you have a timing issue?


Prescut

 

[3rdgeargrndrr]

Your next test is "slugging the barrel" or getting different ammo to compare.


Prescut

Try different ammo would be my first suggestion.
Slugging Would be my second suggestion.
Also mic the actual dimension of the projectile.
Not sure what Roze uses as projectiles and powder.
The velocity can be slow for a variety of reasons that could lead to leading. In this day and age, it would not surprise me if companies started using under or oversized diameter projectiles either or too fast or too slow powders by necessity or unknowingly.

And agree with all other suggestions above as well.

 

[4barrel]

How do you push the bullet through the throats if you don't reload? Even a loaded .360 will fit in the chamber. Lube and powder will build up also. Lead shows up in the barrel with the wrong lube or driven fast. Unless you shoot in events a dewc would be better. A good stock 6'' K38 will shoot 1 1/2'' 10 shot groups at 25 yard on the bench with a dewc or bnwc. K38's are designed to shoot a lead .358. I use a nylon brush and Hoppy's and a soft rag when I get through shooting and it's ready for the next time.

 

[Fishinfool]

I guess I would have to ask, define "leading problem". Lubed, cast lead bullets are by their nature dirty, and will leave fouling and deposits in the areas you indicated, especially compared to jacketed bullets. It may seem excessive to someone more used to shooting jacketed bullets.

Your bullet fit, for a hollow base WC seems fine. That hollow base is designed to "bump up" for proper fit in the chamber mouth, forcing cone, and bore. The fact you are not having a leading issue inside the bore of your barrel indicates it is functioning as it should.

If I were shooting a solid base lead bullet, and your throats did measure out at .358, then I would probably try a .359 lead bullet for best accuracy with minimal bore leading.

Larry