Win.94 does not like cast bullets - help?

[guzzijohn]

This is my third attempt at posting here since my two previous ones would just disappear after hitting submit. Anyway, I have a mid 90s Win. 94 saddle ring carbine in .357. It shoots jacketed bullets reasonably but does not like the cast bullets I have tried. I tried Missouri Bullet Co. LSWC 158gr. in front of 8gr. of Unique in .357 and 4.0 and 4.4gr. of Unique in .38. My Handguns do very well with these loads but the 94 shoots large groups (3-4") at 25 yards to shotgun patterns past that. I can actually shoot better groups and any distance with my S&W 36 snubbie than this rifle will shoot with cast. I have read elsewhere that this is a common problem with cast bullets in .357 model 94s. Any experiences from anyone here?
GuzziJohn

[geezerbiker]

Have you slugged the bore?  It's possible the lead bullets are too small.


Tony
(formerly Guzzi Tony)

[Dee]

Had the same problem with a 44 Winchester of about that year model. It would keyhole cast bullets at 10 yes. It was a twist rate in the lands&grooves, so sent back. Good luck

[guzzijohn]

No, I have not slugged the bore, should try it and see. I have not seen any sign of key holing when I have shot paper.
GuzziJohn

[Dee]

Didn't key hole all the time, but it shot closer  to a pattern rather than a group. Also you could try reducing velocity, too much in some shallower grooved will cause what goin on with yours.

[Mikey]

John:  first slug your bore and then after you may have to fire lapp your rifle.  I have a 94AE in 444 that did the same thing until I slugged and then fire lapped the bore (Marlin microgroove bbl on a Winchester 94) and now she puts 3 into the same hole from the bench at 100yd.  I also found that gas checked slugs (from Beartooth bullets) are the most accurate for full powered heavy for the bore slugs.  Jacketed slugs are now very accurate and cast plinkers (non-gas check) have become 100 yd can kickers.  Good luck.

[guzzijohn]

Appreciate the input from everyone.
GuzziJohn

[Richard P]

Most commercially cast bullets aren't worth the trouble.  If they are undersize for your rifle throat gas will leak past and it may lead. If they are too hard you could get the same result because they don't seal the bore. Most are plain based which may do fine for low velocity plinkers.  The gas check aids in giving a grip to the rifling as well as helping seal the bore.
Do slug the chamber throat and match your bullet to it or .001 over it to begin.  Have you tried bullets from Leadheads ?