Manson throat reamer: How important is pilot size?

[andyo5]

I am considering buying a Manson throat reamer to throat my three .357 magnum revolvers. The basic kit comes with a 0.354" pilot, buy most of my throats are a bit larger, like 0.356". I'm wondering whether the basic kit would be good enough, or whether I'd need the accessory kit that included several different sized pilots. The accessory kit costs an additional $50, which would probably put me off doing the job at the present time.
Any thoughts on whether there would be any negative effects of using a pilot that is two to three thousandths smaller than the existing throat sizes?
Thanks.

 

[lebomm]

The use of an accurate pilot when reaming is essential to maintaining concentricity. A loose pilot can also permit the tool to chatter - YUK !
If you can't get the proper-sized pilot, don't cut any metal. JMHO

Larry

 

[series guy]

If you're shooting bullits sized .357 then you want the throats to be .356. I wouldn't touch a thing.

 

[deanodog]

I just opened up the throats on a 45 colt and had to change pilots to different sizes on the same cylinder. All throats were too tight. You may can get them reamed cheaper than buying the tools. cylindersmith.com. has a website to look at if interested. Yours don't sound too bad.