FA model 97 in .357, max COL?

[tikka3006]

I have on order a FA model 97 in .357

What is the max COL?

[paul105]

Should be right at 1.600".  My .357 cyl measures 1.625" but it is recessed for case rims, reducing OAL accordingly.   If you are loading ammo in advance, be careful with cast bullets sized over .357" until you actually try them in the gun.  FA cyl throats can be very tight.

Paul

[HAMMERHEAD]

I use 1.610". Like paul105 said, throats are very tight, cast SWC's sized at .358" can be too large. I usually use Hornady .358" swaged SWC's seated deep or .358" LRN-FP's and let the throats re-size them on their way to the barrel.
Lately I've given up on .358" bullets and order everything .357", that works OK with my S&W and Handi rifle too.

[tikka3006]

Is the throat part of the cylinder or the front of the barrel?

Also I have a good number of quality SWC bullets in .358.
Work fine in the ruger 3 screws and my 27 - 2.

Can you describe how to decide go or no go for a bullet please.

[paul105]

The "Throat" is the portion of the cylinder forward of the chamber that supports the bullet and aligns it with the barrel.  In Freedom Arms revolvers, the throats are held to very tight tolerances.  In addition, there can be a very abrupt leed (the transition from chamber to throat) that can cause cartride seating problems with certain bullet profiles and slightly oversized bullets.

The bottom line is that if you can chamber the round, and it isn't to long to allow the cylinder to rotate, it will work in the FA Revolver.

When you get your revolver, try one of your .358 bullets seated normally (crimped in the crimp grove).  If it will fully seat in the chamber, you are good to go.  If it won't, you can try sizing the bullets to .357 (cheap Lee sizer kit if you don't cast your own), or you can crimp over the front drive band on SWCs.   Freedom Arms' revolvers are held to very tight tolerences and for this reason, FA tells you not to use .38 special cases the .357 cylinder.    

Paul

[HAMMERHEAD]

I agree, if it chambers and it's lead - .358" or less, you're good to go.
I have shot some .358" SWC loads where you had to push them in the cylinder hard, ejected, you could see where the throats were rubbing on the bullets, making a shiny ring.
I would never use .358" jacketed bullets, they are rare anyway, but lead squeezes down by .001" pretty easy.
Considering how popular .358" lead bullets are, I'm surprised they went with such tight throats.
Anyhow, you are going to love your new gun, congrats.

[Steve P]

My 353 likes 180 and 200 grain bullets much better than 158s.   More accurate too!!  These pictures from a well know bullet supplier are similar to mine.  I have RCBS 180SIL and LBT 200WFN bullets.

Steve