GP100 and lead v jacketed bullet choice

Status
Not open for further replies.

TargetTerror

Member
Joined
Feb 12, 2007
Messages
469
Location
Stalingrad, MA
I'm planning on getting a new .357 magnum revolver sometime in the next few months. I want a revolver that I can feed a steady diet of full-house .357 magnums. I own a 686 this has been slicked up real nice, and I don't want to wear it out by shooting too many hot loads through it. I've really got my eye on either a GP100 or a Blackhawk, as I like Rugers and they are incredibly strong in my experience.

I'm starting to reconsider, though, because I've been reading that the GP100, and possibly the BH, have very tight cylinder throats. While I'm not dead set on being able to shoot hardcast bullets, it would be nice to have that option (especially with material costs rising). So i guess my question is, how bad of a problem is it shooting hardcast lead out of a GP100 or BH? Are they really optimized for jacketed bullets to the point that lead will be inaccurate? And would any accuracy issues only exist with lead, and not with jacketed bullets?

I've read some accounts of accuracy improving greatly after reaming the cylinders, such as this one:
http://www.rugerforum.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=21413&highlight=gp100+lead+bullets

Is that the norm or or the exception with Rugers? I don't want to do that work on my own, and if I pay a smith to do it I'm already at the cost of a new S&W...
 
I shoot both- a bunch.
I reload mostly wadcutters-flat or round nose, which ever is available at the time. Minor lead fouling, of course, but no loss in accuracy. Consistant 25 yard 2" groups. Jacketed do the same.
And you won't have to worry about wearing it out.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top