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DavidAGO · April 27, 2009, 05:10 PM

I took out my Ruger GP100 and S&W 686 Saturday. Shooting a 158 gr SWC driven by 3.2 gr of Bullseye. The 686 shot beautifully, at 50 yds 1.5" group using a red Dot sight. The Ruger would not hit the target. At 50 ft, the 686 beautifull groups, the Ruger would hit, but all shots were tumbling. At 30 ft, still tumbling. I had some loads with 158 gr SWC but with 3.4 gr Bullseye, same result. Both guns were newly cleaned, no leading. Getting frustrated, went home and loaded a few 148 gr wadcutters, 3.2 & 3.4 gr Bullseye. The 686 shot beautifully, the Ruger better, but some obvious ovalling of the holes. Both the 158 gr and the 148 gr bullets are my casts, Lee tumble lubed. Both have shot well before in the Ruger.

I am not sure what to do next. Obviously, with the 686, nothing. for the Ruger, would you load up hotter loads, same bullet, or go to lighter loads, same bullet? I have examined the gun, no signs of lead collecting on the forcing cone, no unusual buildup in the barrel. The only new variable in the reloading process is I am using a heavier roll crimp with the Lee Factory crimp die than I have been using in the past, but nothing too excessive. My roll crimp still does not look as rolled as the factory crimp on commercial loads.

Thanks for any help

DavidAGO

April 27, 2009, 05:10 PM	#1
DavidAGO Senior Member Join Date: October 7, 2008 Location: Magnolia, AR Posts: 340	.38spl tumbling I took out my Ruger GP100 and S&W 686 Saturday. Shooting a 158 gr SWC driven by 3.2 gr of Bullseye. The 686 shot beautifully, at 50 yds 1.5" group using a red Dot sight. The Ruger would not hit the target. At 50 ft, the 686 beautifull groups, the Ruger would hit, but all shots were tumbling. At 30 ft, still tumbling. I had some loads with 158 gr SWC but with 3.4 gr Bullseye, same result. Both guns were newly cleaned, no leading. Getting frustrated, went home and loaded a few 148 gr wadcutters, 3.2 & 3.4 gr Bullseye. The 686 shot beautifully, the Ruger better, but some obvious ovalling of the holes. Both the 158 gr and the 148 gr bullets are my casts, Lee tumble lubed. Both have shot well before in the Ruger. I am not sure what to do next. Obviously, with the 686, nothing. for the Ruger, would you load up hotter loads, same bullet, or go to lighter loads, same bullet? I have examined the gun, no signs of lead collecting on the forcing cone, no unusual buildup in the barrel. The only new variable in the reloading process is I am using a heavier roll crimp with the Lee Factory crimp die than I have been using in the past, but nothing too excessive. My roll crimp still does not look as rolled as the factory crimp on commercial loads. Thanks for any help DavidAGO