strange smoke

[bsibjr]

Hi all,

In another thread way back, I had mentioned a estate purchase on a whole bunch of reloading and casting components. In with the components was about 500 complete 9 mm and .38 special loads. the 9 mm were marked with load data and the specials were not. Long story short i pulled apart the 9 mm (FMJ)and they were dead on to the load data. The .38's were wadcutters so I could not pull them. I know how most of you feel about shooting other peoples reloads, but I took the chance yesterday. I shot them out of a ruger security six .357 mag. They shot well, very mild loads but there was a puff of white\grey smoke upon firing. Any Ideas of what this could be ? There were no signs of leading at all. Thanks.

BSIBJR

[pumpguy]

Sounds like the lube burning off.

[bsibjr]

Thanks for the response pumpguy, I forgot to mention that it had a sulfurish smell to it. These are also old reloads, probably 80's. Could the powder be the culprit, These loads were deffinatly smokier than any other loads Ive shot.

BSIBJR

[MT Gianni]

I have had lube that smokes some as well as powders that smell but don't recall any in a 38 spl. I would be very concerned about a squib load so make sure that you feel recoil with each shot and check the bbl if you havve any doubts. I am still loading powder I bought in the early 90's but have more temp control on it than many folks do. Gianni

[mroliver77]

Heck it could be BP or one of the black substitutes.(sulpher smell)
J

[runfiverun]

light loads of w231 will give a puff of smoke at times in a 38.
ive noticed it varies with some different lubes also

[Saint]

After you shot was their any powder fouling in the barrel. Sounds like BP or a substitute to me too. That sulfur smell is the greatest part of muzzleloading.