Slugged the barrel, questions

[possom813]

I just slugged the barrel with a sized .358 boolit.

I drove it through the barrel and it came out .354/.355 Different readings on different spots.

I drove it through the cylinder chambers, they all came back .355-.357.


So, what should the boolits be sized at? Is .358 good, or should I size them down to .356?

[captaint]

possom - If it were me, I would size them at .356. That puts you at least 1 thou bigger than groove and in the middle for the cylinder throats. Just my .02. enjoy Mike

[possom813]

Would it cause a lot of leading issues if I left them at .358?

I only ask because the GP100 slugs at .357/.358 and all the cylinders slug at .357-.359


I don't really want to have to have two different .38/.357 rounds, but I guess I will if I have to.

[runfiverun]

i would just go shoot some of the g/p's ammo in whatever we are talking about.
then you'll know if it will work or not.
i'm betting it will be fine.

[possom813]

Sorry, the two .357's

Ruger GP100 4" Barrel

Ruger Blackhawk 5 1/2" Barrel.

I haven't actually shot any of it yet. I've always loaded up .358 158gr jhp's. This is the first time I've ever loaded cast, they're sized at .358.

I'm going to buy the same Lee mold, and was just trying to figure out which sizer to buy with the mold.

[44man]

Slugging with a boolit itself is not right. You do not know the lead. Use pure lead starting over bore size and upset in the bore or throats if you can. I would not trust those readings.

[mdi]

If you got accurate measurements (3 or 4 slugs and pin gauges for throats) I would say .357". Just my opinion but, I think Ruger cylinders normally won't vary .002", at least in my experience. Try again with as close to pure lead as you can get and make sure the cylinder throats are clean and slug goes through straight...

[runfiverun]

definaly do it with some soft lead.
a 355 bbl sounds like a tight spot somewhere.

[Freischütz]

Unless it's a Colt target pistol (like an Officer's Model Match) I'd want to find out why the bore is so tight. Is the bore tight the entire length or is there a tight place that requires lapping?

[williamwaco]

i would just go shoot some of the g/p's ammo in whatever we are talking about.
then you'll know if it will work or not.
i'm betting it will be fine.

I like this plan. It is the way I normally operate.

I have never seen a .38 Special / .357 Mag that would not shoot beautifully with .358 bullets.

In general, I don't slug a barrel until I find I can't make it work with my normal loads.


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[Wolfer]

I'm with William Waco on this. I guess I'm lazy but I don't slug a gun until it proves it won't shoot. I find slugging to be very easy it's just that I usually don't have to.

[possom813]

Took it out and shot it, I didn't have a proper target to group with, but 12 for 12 on aluminum cans at 30' and 60'.

I'm quite happy with that, 99% of the shots that will be taken with this pistol will usually be 15 yards or less. I just use it for the backup gun when I'm trapping hogs.

So it's looking like .358 will be the size.

[williamwaco]

Minute of pop can. That is good ammo.


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[44man]

Sounds good to me too. [smilie=s: