MI2600
Member
I have five New Army Colts in .38LC. All have the last patent date of 1895.
Two have steps in the chambers. I haven't fired these two because of some looseness in lock-up. The other three have been fired using .358" HBWC bullets that were recommended in previous queries. The hollow base theoretically would expand to fill the barrel.
Today, I searched and found the bullet is supposed to be .361" (wikipedia). Further unconfirmed information alleged that there were two different barrels used by Colt. The early type was reported to be .375", but was changed to a smaller .358" in 1902.
I have .361" Missouri Bullet castings (brinnell 12) that I have used for my .38 S&Ws. They drop right through the chambers and fit about half way into the forcing cones.
Would they be satisfactory/safe? Or, should I stay with the .358" HBWCs? None of my old manuals have any data.
Two have steps in the chambers. I haven't fired these two because of some looseness in lock-up. The other three have been fired using .358" HBWC bullets that were recommended in previous queries. The hollow base theoretically would expand to fill the barrel.
Today, I searched and found the bullet is supposed to be .361" (wikipedia). Further unconfirmed information alleged that there were two different barrels used by Colt. The early type was reported to be .375", but was changed to a smaller .358" in 1902.
I have .361" Missouri Bullet castings (brinnell 12) that I have used for my .38 S&Ws. They drop right through the chambers and fit about half way into the forcing cones.
Would they be satisfactory/safe? Or, should I stay with the .358" HBWCs? None of my old manuals have any data.