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Author Topic: .38 Spec. accuracy  (Read 560 times)

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Offline Mayor of Hobbs Knob

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« on: February 07, 2004, 05:05:38 AM »
My indoor range limits power to .38 Spec.  Would like to shoot inside so am looking for another barrel.  Want the best possible accuracy.  How much might I lose shooting .38 Specials through a .357 mag chamber?
.357 mags are plentiful around here and quite reasonable, but I see very few .38 Special.  Is it worth waiting to find one, or would I be as well served by the .357 chambered barrel?  I'm sort of picky about accuracy.  Thanks for the feedback.

Mayor
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Offline doc-and

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #1 on: February 07, 2004, 05:18:54 AM »
Howdy Mayor :D

Give Ed's Contenders a try.  The listing of barrels available dated 12-29-03 list a 10inch 38 Special barrel for $175.00.  Personally, I'd buy a .357 barrel and shoot .38's in it.  He list a 357 barrel for $130.00.

Good luck with your decision

doc-and 8)
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Offline HAMMERHEAD

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #2 on: February 07, 2004, 03:01:16 PM »
In my old contender years ago, I got exellent accuracy with .38 lrn in a TC .357 barrel. Had a Burris 1X LER scope on it,and would get on hole groups from a rest- can't remember the distance though, informal woods shooting over a log. I remember being impressed, so it must have been at least 20 yards.
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Offline rickyp

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #3 on: February 07, 2004, 03:21:16 PM »
There are a few downsides to shooting 38 out of a 357 mag.

1) flame etching if you feed your barrel a steady diet of 38 you will see a ring form just at the mouth of the 38 case. this will not cause much trouble but it will shorten the case life of the 357 mags. I know this because I got a used 357 barrel and it has such a ring and the 357 brass will only last a few reloads before the mouth starts to split.
2) you must keep the chamber clean besides the etching you will also get a build up of lead and powder which will cause the pressure for the 357 mag to rise if you do not keep it removed

This also goes for the 44spec/ 44 mag and 45 colt and 454 this is why freedom arms sells cylinders in 45 colt for the 454 revolvers.
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Offline ROB

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #4 on: February 07, 2004, 06:43:33 PM »
Mayor, I have a.38 barrell, 10" octagon. My experience with it is that no light load, i.e. 2.7 grs. Bullseye, will work very well. The 10" barrell with no cylinder gap just gives too much velocity for accuracy with wadcutters. My most accurate loads are of a +P type with jacketed bullets. I admit to not having tried 158 lead moderate loads, but wasn't constrained by an indoor range either. Just something to think about. ROB
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Offline Mayor of Hobbs Knob

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #5 on: February 08, 2004, 01:46:59 AM »
Thanks for all the information on .38's in the .357 barrel.  One of my concerns was build up in the chamber from constant us of .38's.  I have plenty of great hunting calibers so would have zero need to shoot .357's.  Winter is nearly over and my shooting will soon be outside.  I have always felt that dual purpose anythings sacrifice the best of both---soooo, I think I'll stick with my two .22's  for the rest of the winter, and I'll look for a good .38 Spec. barrel over the next few months.  I'll have a new toy to enjoy at the range next winter.

Once again, I can get information at GBO that would be nearly impossible to find somewhere else.  Thanks again, guys. :D

Mayor
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Offline OLDMAN

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #6 on: February 08, 2004, 02:29:24 AM »
Mayor,
     A year or so ago I got a 38 SPL from SSK.  It is a 12 inch bull barrel.  I had problems with getting acceptable groups with the barrel.  I tried every combonation of bullet and powder known to mankind.  Except one.  I was told to try Blue Dot powder and use 158 grain or heavier bullets.  Sure enough that was the ticket.  I get great groups now.  My barrel was the same price at SSK as their other barrels.  The best part was I got the barrel 16 days after I made the order.  I won't give you the load because I don't feel comfortable in doing so.  But I am sure you can work up a load in no time.
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Offline Hopalong7

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #7 on: February 08, 2004, 05:27:32 AM »
Mayer,  Check w/ your range to see if they will allow you to load 38Spl loads in .357Mag brass.  Some will...Some won't.  I have gotten very good accuracy out of my Mag barrel with wadcutters and small dose of Bullseye loaded in 357 brass.  Its also easier on chamber.  One of my favorite squirrel getters too.  GOOD SHOOTIN',  Walt  :D
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Offline Lawful Larry

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #8 on: February 08, 2004, 06:24:26 AM »
Hey Doc-and, does Ed's Contender have a web site?

Thanks,
LL
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Offline Lawful Larry

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #9 on: February 08, 2004, 08:09:50 AM »
Thanks very much.  I found the site and it appears to be a good one.  

Has anyone done any business with these people or have any problems?

LL
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Offline doc-and

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #10 on: February 08, 2004, 08:15:30 AM »
I've done business with Ed's on a couple of occasions.  Great service and prices!  I ordered a barrel he had on hand on Tuesday and had it in my hands on Friday of the same week!  It was a new barrel he had in stock from FoxRidge (TC's Custom Shop)  I've been extremely happy with each of the barrels I've gotten from Ed.  You may have to call a couple of times to get ahold of him but its a pleasure doing business with him.

doc-and 8)
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Offline Lawful Larry

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.38 Spec. accuracy
« Reply #11 on: February 08, 2004, 08:22:32 AM »
Thanks Doc!    :D

LL
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