S&W model 14-3 loads

[Jeryray]

Been using 158g berrys semi wad plated bullets with 3.0 bullseye.

I attached two targets one with remington factory loads and one with my loads.

Using a Dillon 650 press.

Could my crimp be too tight?

I do measure and confirm the loads and they are very consistent.

I also weigh the berrys bullets and they too are very consistent.

My barrel is 45 years old and does vary from cold to warm. But the factory loads are much tighter.

I re-load for better consistency, which I am not getting.

My 9mm head works fine. very consistant tight groups, the revolver should be tighter, and was years ago.

[Jeryray]

Anybody?

[USSR]

First, I would not use plated bullets. They are not noted for accuracy. Second, I would measure your cylinder throats. Then buy plain lead bullets that either match your throats or are .001" larger in diameter. Best of all, buy yourself some 148gr HBWC's. Model 14's LOVE 'em. Hope that helps.

Don

[Master Blaster]

If you are crimping them heavily then you are resizing the bullet as well. If you resize the bullet too small then it will decrease your accuracy. Back off a quarter turn on the crimp and see what happens.

[tranders]

What is the Remington factory load? Jacketed,weight and configuration?

[Jeryray]

Remington 158g swc

[Jeryray]

See photo of my load, next to it the bullet. You can see the depth, and possibly the crimp.

TIA

[USSR]

Um, first, that bullet is not a semi-wadcutter. Second, that bullet is not designed for a revolver since it has no crimp groove. You really should get a non-plated bullet designed to be used in a revolver.

Don

[Jeryray]

Since I have to use a speedloader in the 480 match, some kind of head must be present to get the rounds in the cylinder.

Does Berrys make any bullets that would work for me?

My old wadcutters were just flush with the case.


I ordered some HARD CAST .38/.357 (.357) 158 gr SWC - 250 ct from Berrys
Would these be accurate in a revolver?
What about Hornady Bullets 38 Caliber (358 Diameter) 158 Grain Lead Semi-Wadcutter Box of 300

I have them on order to try as well.

[USSR]

Jeryray,

Understand regarding the speedloader use. Go with the Hornady bullets that are .358" diameter. It don't matter how hard a lead bullet is, if they are too small for your barrel they will lead it. Personally, I won't buy .357" diameter lead bullets. Of course, I don't buy lead bullets, I cast my own.

Don

[jetinteriorguy]

First of all, absolutely nothing wrong with that bullet for accuracy. I've shot thousands through my lever action and a 3" group at 100 yds of the bench is no problem. Second, your crimp looks fine, no crimp groove needed. A good way to check the crimp is to do a dummy round and pull it with an inertia bullet puller, as long as it doesn't cut through the plating your fine, or you can switch to a taper crimp and eliminate any problems. As far as the crimp sizing down the bullet, this isn't an issue with a plated bullet like a lead bullet. I've shot well over 10000 plated bullets in my 9mm semi autos and .38sp, .357mag, and .41mag revolvers and lever actions in the last 8 years and get as good or better accuracy from them as any other bullets I've ever used. Now, all that being said, in your model 14 you will never beat a 148 gr HBWC over 2.8 gr Bullseye for just plain tack driving accuracy. Anytime I'm in a shooting slump, out comes the model 14 and the wadcutters and they make me look good again, just can't beat this combo.

[Jeryray]

OK, I am thinking the crimp may be too much, I can not remove the head with the hammer puller.

Will try a lighter crimp, then try the new berrys SWC.

Also sent my model 14 in for a new barrel.
Seems after 47 years of shooting the cone and barrel have worn, my groups with factory ammo are loose until I get about 20 rounds through.
Tomorrow I will try a new 686, 6 inch. Just hope it's not to heavy for me.

[USSR]

Also sent my model 14 in for a new barrel.
Seems after 47 years of shooting the cone and barrel have worn, my groups with factory ammo are loose until I get about 20 rounds through.

Highly unlikely that the barrel is toast. Did your local gunsmith tell you this? You have a pinned barrel on your 14-3, so I doubt that Smith & Wesson will have another pinned barrel just lying around. You really need to do some more load development work before blaming the gun.

Don