Range Rod shenanigans

[-BTM-]

Trying to make a range rod while learning to use the lathe. Checked my first attempt on 8 different barrels - they varied from .342 to .350! Most came in around .347 so now I’m a bit confused.

As expected, the largest was the oldest, a lemon squeezer. The tightest by far was a 686-6 barrel.

How much clearance is acceptable? You can definitely feel a little shimmy with just a bit off. A .342 rod in a .347 barrel feels like a hot dog in a hallway.

 

[Protocall_Design]

It's not that critical. I use a 5/16 (.312) brass rod and it works great. I haven't needed it for a long time, but occasionally someone at a match needs it.

 

[Shotguncoach]

I use a brass centering bushing when I cut forcing cones. IIRC the one for .38/.357 is .344” outside diameter. I’ll measure my Brownells range rods when I get home.

 

[a5werkes]

I turned my brass bushings on the lathe.

 

[warbuff]

I just bought brass rods of various sizes and cut them to the desired lengths. I haven't needed one in over 35 years but keep them in the range bag just in case someone else does. I never felt the need to have a perfect fit in the bore.

 

[a5werkes]

I fabricated some range rods using pin gages with threaded 8-32 brass inserts.

 

[Shotguncoach]

.344” for the service range rod from Brownells

 

[Matt_X]

According to my notes Brownell's service rod is 0.3445" and their "match' rod is 0.3458" Probably got that from their website but might have been someone like you who measured and posted.

When I wanted to fit a replacement stop for a '42 M&P I bougt some 0.3437" dia. A2 steel rod. Close enough to .344 and it could be at my door the next day from McMaster. Then I checked where the rod contacted in each chamber and that confirmed what the replacement stop needed to do. Goal was for the rod to go into each chamber with an empty (spent) shell in each. This was revolver that had needed a yoke realignment. And one fix then lead to another fix needed...

 

[Phenix]

I fabricated some range rods using pin gages with threaded 8-32 brass inserts.

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Why would anyone want a range rod to be bore diameter? Well under bore diameter is better.