.38 Special Ammo

[G26ster]

I recently bought my first revolver. I have zero experience with revolvers, other than the S&W Model 10 M&P Uncle Sam issued me many years ago. This one is basically the same. A used, but beautiful, S&W Model 64-5 4" heavy barrel in polished stainless. Being anal, I hate dirty guns, and after shooting clean them immediately when I get home. The first box of 50 FMJ I shot (don't remember the brand), left only a little residue of the outside front of the cylinders. Yes, as expected the front of the cylinder had the usual mess, but the front sides of the cylinder remained pretty clean.

Today, I shot some Federal Premium (from Wally World) and did not realize it was LRN (Lead Round Nose). Well after only 12 or so shots, the front sides of the cylinders were filthy. Not from the lead I imagine, but from the powder blowing out the sides. It's not that big a deal, but as I said I was anal, it annoys me as the powder gets all over my hands when I touch the cylinder to reload. Does anyone know if the Federal Premium LRN is particularly dirty ammo?

[CC Italian]

Lead rounds typically are dirtier and require a little more elbow grease when cleaning the barrel and cylinders. Of course they are cheaper usually. If you want something that is easier to clean stick with FMJ. Go to Walmart and get a box of Winchester white box 130 grain. Cheap accurate target load.

As for powder residue the black powder loads commonly labeled cowboy action are just dirtier then the smokeless loads and as far as I know they are almost always non jacketed rounds. Guys who reload will be able to answer better. I am not sure if that load you used is black powder but I doubt it. Try any FMJ round next time. I use these http://www.ammunitiontogo.com/product_i ... l-fmj-ammo They are always at my local Wally World.

[glbedd53]

I used to have trouble getting the cylinder and barrel clean after shooting hollow base wadcutters even after a lot of elbow grease. The old timers at the time said to shoot a few rounds of JHPs last and it works. They do what a brush won't.

[G26ster]

These Federal Premium Lead Round Nose left more powder residue than the first box I shot of FMJ (can't remember the brand of FMJ). I'm not concerned about the lead in the barrel and cylinders, and the elbow grease (I can take care of that when I get home), but mainly the amount of powder residue ejected during firing that makes it messy handling the reloading at the range. Just needed to know if anyone has experience with these Federal Premium LRNs in a revolver, especially a stainless one where the amount of powder residue if far more evident than on a blued gun. Not addressing the lead. Just trying to find out if this particular brand is dirtier (more powder residue) than others. Thanks.

[CC Italian]

No. I have no experience with those Federal rounds in .38 special but on my sp-101 which is stainless lead (non jacketed) rounds always have more residue on the front of the barrel. The lead rounds have more small particles that end up on the front of your barrel because it is not encased like an FMJ and when you add stainless in the mix you see every little thing. I know it is hard to leave alone if you have OCD. I wouldn't spend a ton of time worrying about it though.

Like I said though try some Winchester or mix it up. Try some Speer or Remington but no matter what there will be more to clean with non jacketed rounds in my experience, especially when you can see it all.

[WildBill]

I used to have trouble getting the cylinder and barrel clean after shooting hollow base wadcutters even after a lot of elbow grease. The old timers at the time said to shoot a few rounds of JHPs last and it works. They do what a brush won't.

Most lead bullets have grease grooves to hold lubricant. Without lubricant, at high velocities, the bullet can cause leading of the barrel. I always use reduced loads when using lead bullets.

The lubricant and the smokeless powder produce the residue. Most of my pistol shooting has been with lead bullets. The only reason I use jacketed bullets for practice is that I no longer reload. Cast bullets are much harder than swaged bullets and don't cause as much problem.

[G26ster]

UPDATE: It's Federal Champion, not Premium. My error. That said, I ran across several web reviews stating, "The only drawback to this ammo is that it does tend to run dirty." Guess that answers my question. Thanks all.