38 spcl 357 mag won't fit

[CIG]

I just started loading for my Ruger security Six.  I loaded some 38 spcl's - UMC brass, 148 grain Hornady HBWC, CCI 500 primers and W231 powder.  Started at 3.0 grains and went up to 3.3.

I shot 24 rounds and found that 3.1 grains had the best group at 25 yards of roughtly .8.  I then fired some factory loads in 38 to compare- 6 rounds.  This was a clean gun to start with.  I then tried to load in some 357 mags and they wouldn't fit all the way in.  I assume it is residue that is stopping the cartridge from going in.  Is this normal???

The other question I have is on crimping the 38's I noticed each had a little ring of brass coming off.  Am I crimping it too much or what?  

Thanks,

[ricciardelli]

Time for you to scrub the lead ring out of your cylinders.

As for the crimp...you don't have to use a dramatic crimp on mild .38 Special loads.

[Duffy]

You got it!
The 38"s leave just enough crud, (bullet lube, powder residue, ect.) to make chambering difficult. One of those RCBS handles that you can screw a cleaning brush into is really handy for quick scrub's.
On the crimp, just back it off maybe about a 1/4 turn and try it. Also check if your brass doesnt have a sharp edge on it (not chamfered) that can cause a little ring also. It doesn't really hurt anything but can get caught up in the dies and gun.

[RaySendero]

....

I shot 24 rounds and found that 3.1 grains had the best group at 25 yards of roughtly .8.  I then fired some factory loads in 38 to compare- 6 rounds.  This was a clean gun to start with.  I then tried to load in some 357 mags and they wouldn't fit all the way in.  I assume it is residue that is stopping the cartridge from going in.  Is this normal???

....

CIG,

For that very reason I quit mixing 38 and 357 reloads in the same gun.  For my .357 - I stay with the .357 case now and load down to the 38+P power level for practice/target to 50 yards.

[CIG]

I have run hoppes #9 with a brush through the cylinders for at least 6 minutes on each one and that ring is still there.  The 357's now chamber fine, but any way to more effectively remove the lead?  

Good point about not mixing.  May have to just load 357's cases from now on.

[Mikey]

CIG:  I had the same problem with my S&W Model 29 after shooting a bunch of 44 spls.  I had lead rings in each chamber that would not allow a 44 mag case to chamber.  I scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed and finally got whizzed off enough to make myself a Lewis type lead remover and that did the trick, almost.  I still have one chamber that's a bit too tight but I'm going to work on that.

In the interim, I'm buying a Lewis Lead Remover.  They always work and I have never heard of anyone having to return one for not working and getting the lead out.  That being said, I would now rather shoot low power 44 mag loads and not worry about chamber ringing than to deal with the 44 spls.

Funny though, none of my 357s suffer the same way.  Mikey.

[Questor]

RaySendero is right. Stick with 357 magnum cases for your heavy loads and for your light loads, or at least don't mix the two.  The ring may be a one-time thing with your new cases. Using the chamfer tool on new cases usually prevents this "problem".