.38 Special in a rifle

[COLT45SA]

I'd like to know what you've found to be the best cast bullet to shoot in a .38/.357 single shot rifle.
How much does barrel twist rate have on the weight of the bullet and it's accuracy~?
Rifle has a 26" barrel and the bore has a 1:10" twist rate.

 

[farmerjohn]

Been shooting cast out of the carbines for years, 38/357, 41 mag, 44 mag, & 45 colt but all with a lot slower twist. I can't see a 10 twist working for cast BUT I never tried it. If I was going to I would try a jacketed 158 with 2400, I like Skeeter's old ever day load of 11.0 gr, works in my 357 handguns and really well in the carbines.... you won't know till you try. IF they shoot well you can try the new coated cast bullets, they would be less apt lead the barrel... just MHO... John

 

[COLT45SA]

Been shooting cast out of the carbines for years, 38/357, 41 mag, 44 mag, & 45 colt but all with a lot slower twist. I can't see a 10 twist working for cast BUT I never tried it. If I was going to I would try a jacketed 158 with 2400, I like Skeeter's old ever day load of 11.0 gr, works in my 357 handguns and really well in the carbines.... you won't know till you try. IF they shoot well you can try the new coated cast bullets, they would be less apt lead the barrel... just MHO... John

that's the best response I've had to date. I have posted the question on other sites only to get negative remarks about the barrel twist rate.
Thanks~!!

 

[farmerjohn]

that's the best response I've had to date. I have posted the question on other sites only to get negative remarks about the barrel twist rate.
Thanks~!!

Hey Feller, let me know how it works out, I might learn something! ...John

 

[DGP4]

Rim Rock Bullets makes a 180 grain hard cast cowboy bullet that might work well with that fast twist.

 

[Longtrain]

I had a Marlin 357/38 lever gun many years ago, kicking myself for selling it. Shot lots of cast bullets from wadcutters to Keith style bullets with moderate loads. Loaded 158 gas checked ones a bit faster. Shot many more lead then jacketed.

 

[COLT45SA]

I've found tons of data on-line, What I need to know now are two things:
1) at what velocity should I use GC bullets!~?
2) will PC bullets eliminate the need for a GC~?

 

[Lkwebb]

158 grain wadcutter worked great in my Henry 38/357.

 

[divingin]

Gas checks were to to prevent gas blowby with lead bullets (which melts lead and deposits it in the bore), so I don't think there will be a cap on velocity other than the point you start getting leading again.

Powder coating replaces (and some say improves) traditional bullet lube (also used to prevent leading); so the decreasing velocity point that you no longer require gas checks would depend on what's happening in your barrel with your loads.

45 Colt is generally a fairly low pressure round, isn't it? I wouldn't think you'd have a big problem with leading either way, unless you're trying to push the bullets pretty hard. Then again, you're shooting rifle/carbine, so pushing hard might be normal.