38 special bullets

[VICIOUS]

Howdy ; leading is due to the wrong velocity for the hardness of the lead. Hard bullets need to go fast and soft bullets need to go slow. DRG is ususlly hard lead. Now you need to find the velocity that leads least and is accurate for you. Easy right!

 

[mmcintyre1220]

I was loading 3.9 grain 231 I don't think thats too fast. Could the leading be from the bullets being undersized? I understand the SWC are 358 would thoes be a better choice?

 

[hk33ka1]

Bullet sizing is more of a factor than lead hardness for leading and accuracy. I would start with .358" at a minimum for 357 mag or 38 spl loading.

 

[ben hunchak]

Even very hard bullets will lead badly if they are too small for the barrel, soft cast bullets may actually lead less if they are undersized, as they may bump up slightly to fit somewhat.

 

[mmcintyre1220]

This is sure a royal pain in the butt. I'm trying to find some .358 diameter cast bullets but it seems that my only option near me is to order from bullet barn. For that price it may be easier to look at plated.

 

[Brutus]

Dam! I have 1000 DRG RNFP sitting around and I just measured them after reading this thread. Pretty consistant .355 with the red lube.

 

[mmcintyre1220]

It seems like drg is consistantly inconsistant. Apparently frank at drg uses a temporary set. A friend of mine has a really old box of drg 158 grain rnfp that are all 358 and mine are all 356. Now a new post saying 355 lol time to find a new supplier.

 

[Brutus]

I was hoping I was reading the micrometer wrong late the other night, so I gave this another go this evening with a bit more attention.
Not good news, 15 checked at a very stubborn .3555, ick.......