Author Topic: 357blackhawk leading problem (Read 689 times)

johns · « **on:** October 16, 2003, 04:09:23 PM »

Just bought a 357 blackhawk and trying to find a cast bullit load for it.Have been using burgess 158swc and 125 with either unique or tightgroup from min to max loads. The max in my speer manuel is only about 1000fps should I exceed this to obdurate the bullit more.Factory and jacketed shoot fine, what am I doing wrong.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #1 on:** October 16, 2003, 11:45:54 PM »

I dont know if the bullets your using are cast or swaged if there swaged Ive never had good luck with them in reguards to leading. First thing to do is clean your barrel real well make sure all the copper is out of it. Id also try bullets from a different manufacturer before I gave up on it. To use them up just shoot a jacketed bullet through the gun about every 10 shots the jacketed bullet will take care of alot of your leading

Alice Cooper · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2003, 06:09:20 PM »

when you find out, tell me, mine leads with my cast bullets, but the smith j frame doesn't!

Castaway · « **Reply #3 on:** October 20, 2003, 03:06:06 AM »

There are a couple problems with commercial cast bullets that give lead a bad name. First, as you mentioned, you might want to pump up the velocity a bit and see if the bullet obturates. That might or might not stop leading. The other problem is the bevel base. Bevel bases let commercial manufacturers cast a little faster as the bullet tends to fall from the gang moulds easier. Bevel bases also contribute to leading at high velocities. One solution you might try is to coat the remaining bullets in Lee Alox and see if that ends your trouble.

Winter Hawk · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2003, 07:30:35 AM »

In the cast bullet forum someone claimed that putting a filler of Cream of Wheat behind the bullet cleaned the leading. He said the C.o.W. becomes a hard bisquit which scrubs the lead right out. If you have enough room in the case you might want to try that.

-Kees-

Steve P · « **Reply #5 on:** October 23, 2003, 09:38:38 AM »

Well...............

I have two blackhawks in 357 and number of them in other calibers. None of mine have ever leaded. Maybe I have been blessed. I shoot my own cast bullets of wheel weights quenched in water. For faster loads, I gas check with Hornady checks and lube with Lyman Orange Magic. For the slower non-gas check bullets I lube with Tamarack lube. My guns get cleaned with Hoppe's and G96 Gun Cleaner/Lube if I ever get a "round tuit" which ain't often.

I have heard of the creme of wheat theory. I have not tried it myself, but would like to issue a word of caution and experience. You will get some minor lead spitting in the barrel gap (between the cylinder and barrel). You will also get some creme of wheat spit out here. It will hurt. Be careful of those around you or if firing in a confined area (out the window of a truck at a coyote).

I am sorry you are having leading problems. I am doubtful it is the gun, although it could be. I am inclined to believe it is your loads. The primer, powder, lube, with that particular hardness of bullet is not liked. Your gun is telling you to make some changes.

Shoot straight and watch out for flying creme of wheat.

Steve

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 23, 2003, 04:37:21 PM »

Try this: measure the chamber mouths, I'll bet you a nickle they're smaller than your groove diameter, seems to be a common ruger malady. Mine do the same thing with smokless powder. Bullets are being swaged as they leave the chambers, and skid down the barrel. chambers can be honed, in many cases this has helped. If that is the problem, it's a nusiance, but easily fixed. Another alternative is to use black powder, you won't have the leading problem.