Sizer question for a RCBS 38-148-WC

[hobbylink1]

I have a mould that I have been using, a RCBS 38-148-WC. I have been sizing it a .358 and have good results in my Ruger GP-100 with a 6" barrel. I have seen that some size the round to .357. Will using a .357 sizer make the round better?
Thanks
Kevin

[Wally]

You'd have to try both and see which is better. No one can tell you for sure, as each pistol is different, I suspect that you'd gain nothing using a .357" sizer die, but only testing will tell you for sure. I size mine to .358".

[GSM]

Kevin:

Try slugging each of your cylinders and look to size the bullet 0.001" over the largest cylinder.

[hobbylink1]

Kevin:

Try slugging each of your cylinders and look to size the bullet 0.001" over the largest cylinder.

Why would the cylinders make a difference. I would think the barrel would be the place to slug.

[BCB]

I don't size mine at all--let the barrel do the sizing...

They shoot well that way from a 38 Special Model 10 and a 357 Magnum Ruger Security-Six...

Good-luck...BCB

[hobbylink1]

I don't size mine at all--let the barrel do the sizing...

They shoot well that way from a 38 Special Model 10 and a 357 Magnum Ruger Security-Six...

Good-luck...BCB

I did that with my 9mm and I would get about 10" groups at 10 yards.

[BCB]

Interesting...

As a matter of fact, I don't size any of the boolits I shoot except the ones that have gas checks and then I only size the check area enough to hold the check in place...

Guess each handgun/rilfe has it's own happiness...

Good-luck...BCB

[hobbylink1]

With my 9mm, it is a ruger p89DC, it tends to like fmj the best. There is only one rule with that gun and that is the group has to be tight enough to hit plates for indoor combat match. That is what I use it for. And that is only because it hold 18 rounds with a mod factory magazine and can go most rounds on one mag. It does help on time.

[GSM]

Why would the cylinders make a difference. I would think the barrel would be the place to slug.

The barrel is another location to slug, but the cylinder is where the first "sizing" of the bullet occurs when it is fired.

Barrel equal to or smaller than cylinders - OK
Barrel larger than cylinder - bad news. Gas blow-by, leading, and potentially inaccurate.

[beagle]

Bigger is better when it comes to sizing.

When that pressure of firing pushes the slug through the cylinder and barrel, it will size to what it needs...never fear.

Too small a diameter and you'll get leading./beagle

[hobbylink1]

I will slug my cylinders when I get the time. but for now I will keep it at .358
Thanks
Kevin