What type of barrel rifling in a K-38?

[roadhog96]

What would the proper terminology be for the rifling in the barrel of a K-38, polygonal by any chance?

Is it true it's not a good idea to use un jacketed lead bullets in a barrel that has rifling? I've read it causes excessive lead fouling especially in the rifling groves and it wears the barrel out quicker than FMJ. I've read that jacketed rounds were better with less fouling and wear. Then I have even read we're there was more copper fouling with jacketed vs. lead.

What's your experience with the lead vs. FMJ and what do you recomend?

 

[Nightowl]

A K-38 does not have polygon rifling. It is standard cut rifling and will shoot lead bullets just fine. I think you are confusing the Glock issues with the old Smith. Glocks with the standard Glock barrel should not shoot lead bullets. Lead bullets raise the pressure and can cause issues. The K-38 can be shot with either lead or copper jacketed bullets. Just clean the gun thoroughly after shooting either, and before shooting the other and you will be fine with standard loads.

 

[roadhog96]

A K-38 does not have polygon rifling. It is standard cut rifling and will shoot lead bullets just fine. I think you are confusing the Glock issues with the old Smith. Glocks with the standard Glock barrel should not shoot lead bullets. Lead bullets raise the pressure and can cause issues. The K-38 can be shot with either lead or copper jacketed bullets. Just clean the gun thoroughly after shooting either, and before shooting the other and you will be fine with standard loads.

Thank you, I did in fact read about this issues with the Glocks. Glad you clarified things up, much appreciated.

 

[H Richard]

Glock is one of the few gun makers that use the polygonal rifling. My understanding is is cheaper to manufacture. Competitors using Glocks will have the barrel changed out to a cut rifling barrel.

 

[wraco]

I regularly reload with lead bullets with no issues with fouling but I keep the velocity down a tad. . Lead fouling will increase with high velocity loads but 38 special has not shown any excessive fouling even with max. loadings. . Even my target reloads for 357 have been fine with 158 gr. semi-wadcutters, with 6.1 gr. of Unique. I've been using this load for a long time. If you need full throttle 357 loads, jacketed bullets would be better.

Rod