Torn holes in a paper target?

[corgiS&W]

I took my 3" 686+ to the range today and shot a box of 130 grain FMJ .38 spl made in USA, designated as a target load. Rather than getting a simple round hole, I was getting elongated tears. I assumed this was an indication that the bullet was tumbling. Am I correct? I had a box if Winchester 158 grain .357s in my bag, so I shot just 3 rounds and got perfect little circles. Is this an issue with the bullet weight and or the load? I can't figure how it could be the gun.

Comments appreciated.

 

[lhump1961]

I have seen odd results at the range from time to time when it comes to the paper targets. It has more to do with bullet shape, velocity and paper grade then anything about tumbling. Were you shooting just the paper or did it have a backing of some sort? If you put a piece of cardboard behind the paper I think you would see a big difference. I am not a ballistics expert but I don't think the distances we normally shoot would allow for the bullet to begin to tumble.

Wad cutters will leave a very nice hole while round nose can be ragged...I've had .45 ball ammo do what you are seeing but am quite sure my 1911's aren't throwing the bullet out sideways!

 

[vipermd]

Very interesting. How far were you shooting 5,10,15,25,+ yds?? I have only had HOT,HOT,HOT 38 loads ( it had a triple charge of bullseye due to a faulty scale) the bullets were fired in SW 19 6" and were melting on the way out!! Caused a round to slip the crimp in the other SW 19. I fired 4, he fired 3 then gun locked. I have shot many SW 3" guns, 36,10,19,586 and ruger speed six 2 5/8" barrels and never had tumbling out to 100 yds. My 4" SW 500 will only stabilize bullets to 500grs, the 600/700 gr are turning over as early as 35 yds. I have never seen 125-158 gr 38/357 unstable from a 3" barrel. It would be good to repeat it and also shoot the 130's from a 4 and 6" if possible. Also vary the distance 3,7,10 yards. It would prob give you more info and better able to determine the problem. Be Safe,

 

[s&wchad]

Common with light paper targets. Put a cardboard backer behind it and it won't tear out like that.

 

[DR505]

I've had a batch of bad ammo before. The bullets certainly tumbled and would keyhole at 15 yards. It was actually tough to get them on paper at 25 yards. The lot # was recalled for a variety of QC issues. It was in .40 S&W and was several years ago. We returned THOUSANDS of cases back to the manufacturer.

 

[corgiS&W]

Good info. It was a thin paper target that I'll not use again. I was shooting at 20'. I did shoot some with a 4" Colt, and they also produced a keyhole [very descriptive term]. I shot the final 6 rounds in the Colt at a paper plate. The holes were round, so it does appear that the target was the problem.

Thanks much for the help.

 

[MichiganScott]

Pull a bullet and mike it. I believe they use 130gr. 0.355 bullets made for the .38 Super in those cartridges.

 

[shawn mccarver]

I took my 3" 686+ to the range today and shot a box of 130 grain FMJ .38 spl made in USA, designated as a target load. Rather than getting a simple round hole, I was getting elongated tears. I assumed this was an indication that the bullet was tumbling. Am I correct? I had a box if Winchester 158 grain .357s in my bag, so I shot just 3 rounds and got perfect little circles. Is this an issue with the bullet weight and or the load? I can't figure how it could be the gun.

Comments appreciated.

130 FMJ is a plinking load (despite its use by the military). Apart from that, it is not good for anything. It is terrible for self-defense and, as you have now seen, it is terrible for formal paper punching. Wadcutters leave nice clean holes, but this type does not.

 

[KKECK5]

Same here, cardboard backing helps a lot. I try to grab as many boxes of 'wad cutters' when they are available. At my age, i need all the help i can get seeing where my rounds are going.

 

[panamajack310]

This happens all the time on B-27 targets. It usually happens when you stick a target on a piece of cardboard that has been shot all to hell. If this was a tumble you would see a perfect whole in the paper of a bullet on its side.

 

[Wraith_K]

Could be Indoor Range?

B-27's and similar targets don't sit still very well, and at an indoor range with constant ventilation there is always a constant breeze. If the target is just hanging and not mounted to anything you'll get what looks like torn holes.

 

[chipking]

Use a paper plate as the target and repeat the process then see what the holes are like. Quick and cheap. It would not be the first time an ammo company put 9mm .355 bullets in 38's and 357's. Had a whole batch of Federal 38 special 147gr +P+ loads come that way.
Chip King

 

[corgiS&W]

Use a paper plate as the target and repeat the process then see what the holes are like. Quick and cheap.
Chip King

Bought some paper plates at the grocery store and will use them next time.

 

[Alk8944]

If the target was hanging from clips as is usually the case at an indoor range this is fairly normal. The type of paper enters into it too. Try attaching the target to a piece of cardboard as a backer and you will get cleaner holes, this is why backers are always used in competition!