S&W 442 key holing

[DanielF]

Some folks use the term keyholing to describe a hole where the bullet doesn't go in directly straight, so leave a little scuff. True keyholing is when the bullet goes in completely sideways. Which is it?

Each hole in the target was about an inch and a half long. I have a k frame that cuts perfectly round holes every shot with everything I've put threw it. These bullets were tumbling no mistaking that. I wish had taken pictures of the target but we trashed them.


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[kthom]

It's my considered opinion (and experience) that a keyholed target will not display a "hole" or perforation any longer than the over all length of the bullet in question, especially when that bullet strikes a well supported paper target. If your bullet strikes were an inch and a half long, the paper was tearing for sure. Your bullets may have also been keyholing, but unless you back your paper targets with cardboard or something more solid, you can not tell for sure. The only perforation that a bullet can leave in a well backed target will be a round hole that matches bullet diameter or a perforation that reflects the position of the bullet between straight head on and completely sideways. A wad cutter will leave a rectangular perforation. Other bullet shapes will reflect all or a portion of their profile if they strike other than straight head on. Round nose lead will leave a lead smear bullet caliber size with tiny tears from the center outward toward the edge of the perforation. I suspect you have a combination of barrel leading and poorly backed paper target.

 

[qballwill]

The information about that large of a rip reaffirms my thought of bad target backing. Try again with good backing and probably save a lot of grief

 

[BE Mike]

Each hole in the target was about an inch and a half long. I have a k frame that cuts perfectly round holes every shot with everything I've put threw it. These bullets were tumbling no mistaking that. I wish had taken pictures of the target but we trashed them.


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Per your original post, no short barrels don't have any problems. Snubbies are capable of shooting very good groups out to long distances, but the short sight radius and small size make them more difficult to shoot accurately. I'd say if the barrel isn't leaded up, then there is a problem with the rifling in the barrel or the ammo. There could be a timing problem or lock up. Without knowing, you don't want to buy someone else's problem.

 

[Old cop]

I've been shooting J frame snubs forever and never had a keyhole problem w/any of them. Current crop of Js = 442 ('92) & Model 38 ('62) plus a Colt Cobra ('68).

 

[DanielF]

S&W 442 key holing

Just went and helped my friend clean the gun and yes the rifling was plugged with lead but once we got the lead out we found a bunch of chatter marks at the front side of the forcing come right where the bullets starts contacting the rifling. The marks are very pronounced and he will be sending it back to smith this week. Thanks for all the responses. That's what I like about this forum everyone willing to help each other out. I will post here when he gets it back.


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[DanielF]

Late update. After cleaning the barrel and examining the targets closer all seems well at this time. I now own the gun and I'm loving ever minute of it so far. I'll let you know if something changes.