weldernewt53

I was wondering if it is ok to shoot 38 spcl. wad cutters in my New model Vaquero. What weight bullet to use for the best accuracy? I have been using Winchester Target Loads 130 gr. full metal jacket with good results. But I have powder fouling in my cylinder thats hard to remove. Any ideas?

jperwin123

Do you reload? Powder fouling? Is it the dreaded .38 Spl crud ring? (there are REAMS of posts around THAT issue on here) If you reload, you can load .357 Mag cases with .38 Spl charges for your particular choice of bullet for a lot less money than factory 38's, a lot less recoil for practice and a lot less scrubbing of cylinder throats. I like 158 gr Berry's plated TCFP's over Trailboss. Very clean.

weldernewt53

Thanks for the info. I do plan on reloading this winter. It has been 20yrs. since I did it but I am semi retired and look forward to it. Any ideas on the best way to clean up my cylinder? The barrel does not seem to be that dirty after 50 rnds. or so. I clean after each shooting session with Hoppes No.9 but seem to be getting build up. I luv shooting this thing and with the Bisley grip it is very comfortable to shoot. Thanks for the reply

jperwin123

" I clean after each shooting session with Hoppes No.9 but seem to be getting build up."
+++
I had the same problem, it just takes a bit of elbow grease, a bronze brush of the right caliber and good ol' Mr. Hoppe's No.9 and little more time to bust it all loose. Some folks swear by strands of 'Chore Boy' (solid copper only) wrapped around the brush, speeding things up. But, you'll get it if you just work at it a bit. But that's exactly why I shoot .357 cases exclusively. Much less work.

ADP3

Try expanding the case mouth of a .357 case (a .357 Max case is the best if you have some) by taping a .308, 30-06, .270, .243, etc. case into the case mouth to flare it out. Don't flare it so much that it refuses to enter the chamber. Push the flared case into the chamber and it will scrape off most of the ".38 Special Ring" left from firing Specials in Magnum chambers. You will need to prepare several or else expand your case again every few chambers. This will remove the bulk of the crud and then you can clean normally with solvent and brush. You may have to tap the case out with a dowel or pencil as it will be a tight fit.
Best Regards,
ADP3

M Phil

I have had very good luck with hollow base wad cutters in everything I shoot. I use Hornady but I would expect anyone's to work just as well. The holow base expands and makes up for a lot of deviation in manufacture.

ADP3,

I have never heard this idea before. I will have to try it.

rclark

What I do for my .357s ... is not use .38 Spec cases. I load down my .357 to .38 spec pressures. Works for me . Of course if you don't reload then ... elbow grease it is!