Bullet Stuck in Barrel

[Tyrenlds]

I handload for my wife's 357. Got a real nice light load worked up for her in .38special using 125gn Berry's plated bullets, 3.5gn Titegroup, 1.500" COAL, CCI 500 primers. The last two range sessions have resulted in a bullet stuck in the barrel. No problem getting them out and luckily we both noticed before firing another shot. The first time I thought it was a squib and really beat myself up over it. Loaded up the following week and was METICULOUS about charging. Checked & double checked that every case was charged and it happened again. It was not a squib. Something is happening. I'm using mixed brass so possibly there is a crimping issue? The brass has been reloaded 5-6 times as well. What is causing this?

The load is well within published data. I've considered that powder positioning in the large 38sp case could be at fault, or possibly the cold weather? I'm still relatively new to reloading and would appreciated if any of you more experienced guys could chime in.

 

[USSR]

The load is well within published data. I've considered that powder positioning in the large 38sp case could be at fault, or possibly the cold weather? I'm still relatively new to reloading and would appreciated if any of you more experienced guys could chime in.

Just as a Maximum load in one firearm is not necessarily a Maximum load in another, your "published data" load is not generating enough pressure in YOUR firearm. You have to either use more powder or switch to another load.

Don

 

[Tyrenlds]

would reducing the overall length be an acceptable alternative to increasing the charge? It just so happens this load works for my 9mm as well and it's convenient to just switch out the die and go.

 

[BADUNAME37]

If you are using regular primers, you could switch to Magnum primers. Either way, I agree that you are going to have to bring up the power of the load a bit. Yes, cold weather will result in lower pressures, hot weather will increase pressures.

 

[243winxb]

.38special using 125gn Berry's plated bullets, 3.5gn Titegroup,

3.5gn Titegroup is to light of a charge.

 

[Tyrenlds]

3.2gn is the starting load for 125gn lead according to Hodgdon website. http://data.hodgdon.com/cartridge_load.asp

I've read to use lead data for these plated bullets. Is this correct?

 

[243winxb]

.38special using 125gn Berry's plated bullet,

In your case, no. You need 750 fps for the bullet to get out of the barrel. You need to read all the FAQ here. http://www.berrysmfg.com/faq.aspx?n=641540

 

[243winxb]

.38special using 125gn Berry's plated bullets

we have found best results using low- to mid-range jacketed data in the load manual

Load 4.3gr. , the starting load for a jacketed 125gr, per Hodgdon website. But i would guess, as low as 4.0gr would be fine.

 

[Tyrenlds]

thanks. I'll try 4.3 and report back next monday!

 

[TonyT]

In my limited testing the plated bullets will provide lower velocity than lead bullets with the same powder charge.

 

[ReloaderFred]

There is more friction with a plated bullet than there is with a cast bullet, so it takes more powder to produce enough pressure for the round to clear the barrel. As noted, your load was way under the starting load for a jacketed bullet, which is what Berry's recommends using. Or more specifically, they recommend using mid-range jacketed data.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[AXI]

A little off topic, but now I want a wife with a .357...

Texas is only 21 hours away, hmmm. lol

 

[Win1892]

Also off topic... I think it does everyone some good to catch a squib at some point. Coming that close to a dangerous situation elevates your attention to detail. Not a bad thing with this hobby.

Kudos for not running that second shot down the barrel.

 

[Walkalong]

Not only is that a light load, there is a lot of empty space in the case with that tiny charge. A round with the powder back against the primer will give more velocity than if the powder is forward against the bullet. (Like when we hold the gun pointed down, bring it up and fire) Sometimes the velocity differences can be quite a lot, so a load that is safe powder back, can sometimes stick a bullet powder forward. It is easy to test. Shoot a string powder back, and then shoot a string powder forward. The difference might surprise you.

 

[rocketdoc]

Some loads are meant for short barrels too. I noticed that some of the reloading books have a test pistol named and I pay close attention to the barrel length etc...I also only START with the min and typically the best loads for me are above that (yet still below the max).