Cast Lead Bullets and Colt revolvers

[Strike Eagle]

I've got two Colt revolvers --Colt Python 6 Inch vintage 1977 and a Colt ".357" vintage 1960. Being a dedicated S&W man, these are my first Colt DA revolvers--I've been told Colt barrels runs on the "tight" side and after slugging them I can verify that!

On the Python's Cylinder throats I can push through (with moderate hand pressure on a wood dowel) a slug that measured .359 on a micrometer.

Then I slugged the Python barrel and the slug I took out of that measured at its widest point between the engraved grooves .355 on a micrometer.

On the ".357" Revolver the Cylinder Throats measure .3585

The ".357" barrel measured even tighter that the Python--the slug measured at its widest point between the engraved grooves .354.

I need some advice from cast lead shooters what size bullet would be choice for accuracy and minimal leading? .358 or .359? These guns will only see .38 Special Handloads -158 grain bullets or 148 grain wadcutters at standard velocity. Advice appreciated--thanks!

 

[Peter M. Eick]

My Python likes Lasercasts 158's that actually weigh in at 155 and are .358. I generally load them right at 14 grns of 2400 and they give exceptionally accuracy with the Python.

 

[m1gunner]

I have always understood S&W bores slug .357, and Colt bores slug .356.

I shoot the same sized lead in both (.358) but have never tried for the ultimate load in either.

 

[guesser]

I have several Colt 38 and 357 revolvers and a couple of S&W. I size everything to .358 and load accordingly. For full power 357 loads I use a gas checked 158 gr. bullet. I can't say that the Colts are any more accurate than the Smiths but I do harken back to the early days of steel silhouette and remember a lot of "Smythons" because the Colt Barrel in the Smith frame was the best combination of accuracy and durability.