Lead Build-up

[stash]

Does anyone know if there would be any concern in lead build-up in the cylinder of a .357 revolver when shooting .38 sp lead bullets? Seems like if I remember correctly the build -up is caused by the .38 being a little shorter cartridge than the .357.

[AEA]

Never heard anything about lead......have heard stories about carbon build up.

There could be a slight carbon ring in the cylinder if a LOT of .38's are shot. But just take a fired .357 case and insert it fully in each cylinder and the sharp edges will remove any build up that may be of any concern.

It would take a LOT of .38's to cause a problem. But possibly a lot of really dirty ammo could cause a quicker buildup.

[stash]

Thanks for the tip AEA. Maybe I confused carbon build-up with lead build-up.

[RECIT]

Unjacketed lead bullets can cause build up or deposits of lead in the rifling of the barrel. I have not had it happen with a center fire cartridge, but had it happen really bad shooting some Winchester cheap bulk .22lr. It fouled up the barrel so bad it threw the point of impact of the bullet off the target. I stopped shooting that gun for the day, but when I got home I could not even get a cleaning rod down the barrel. I ended up soaking it with foaming bore cleaner for a day and the taking an aluminum cleaning rod and a mallet to knock it loose. A large cylindrical chuck of lead reluctantly came out after a few good smacks and a soak. I stopped buying unjacketed lead bullets for that reason. If it would have been a more powerful cartridge in maybe a different gun it could have easily turned into a catastrophic failure.