Shooting lead with Ruger GP100

Ironsight

Ironsight

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Kitchener, Ontario, Canada
I am looking to buy a Ruger GP100 in their new 4.2" barrel configuration and blued not SS. Since the bulk of my shooting is with lead reloads, I was wondering if the GP100 barrels are smooth and polished.

I used to own a P89 in 9mm that did not like lead bullet and always extra fouled up, which needed lots effort for cleanup. It was contributed to its rough barrel. I own a CZ85 which has no problem shooting lead 9mm reloads, and its barrel is very smooth.

Could anyone with experience shooting lead through GP100 provide me with some feedback ASAP so I can proceed with a decision. BTW, how is their respective accuracy?

Thanks in advance
 
Can't say for sure on the GP100, but my 5.5" Redhawk in .44 Mag will shoot full house reloads with cast bullets all day and not have much in the way of leading problems. Hopefully, Ruger finishes all their barrels as well as mine.

Mark
 
i would expect that it should be just fine, since a lot of 38Spl are lead WC or SWC.

just guessing here, but wouldn't most 38Spl be lead and slow, and 357 be jacketed and fast? that ought to make the "keep it under 1000fps (if shooting lead)" part easy, no?
 
I only shoot lead reloads in my GP100, in 38 spl +P+ (1,000 fps) or 357 magnum.

My bullets are cast from WW in 158 grain Lee RN or SWC TL molds, re-sized to.357 and tumble-lubed with XLOX.

There is minimal leading after 500 rounds, not enough for concern, just the same as in my 686.

I cannot vouch for leading from commercial ammo or commercial reloads, or reloads that use hard-lubed bullets.
 
Bottom line on the OP's question is YES. You can easily shoot lead from your GP100 in either 38Spl or 357mag. Due diligence is in order in the fact that you need to inspect your bore regularly to see if you are experiencing leading issues. I have had my 4in GP100 since 1986 and it has seen countless thousands of lead in both 38 and 357 without a hiccup, but like the previous poster stated it depends on the lead bullet used. Commercial lead wont be a problem at all but using pure lead cast will be too soft obviously. And as for accuracy, the gun will more than do its part if you do. Its a fine choice of revolver and built like a tank.
dB
 
I have a GP100 w/ 6" barrel and I shoot it tonnes with my lead reloads. I wouldn't say I have "problems" with lead build up, but with the volume I shoot, I need to keep on top of cleaning it. Accuracy wise, mechanically it is. If I put it in a vise, my shots will basically be touching at 20 yds. However trigger-wise, you'll have to practice in order to get the full accuracy potential out of it. If you're just blasting away at 15 ft, then it's no problem. I make 50 yd shots shooting PPC and if I do everything I'm supposed to, my bullets will group in the 10 ring at least. I can afford to get a "better" brand, but I choose to stick with my Ruger and I like it.

Your mileage may vary though, as mine is fairly old and very well made. I don't know what the new 4 1/4 inches ones are like.
 
Shot ISU(ISS) with my 4" GP with nothing but cast bullet .38 target loads in .357 cases for years. No fuss. No idea what Ruger is doing with newer barrels.
 
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