Just got back from the bullethole and shot about 150 rounds of reloads through the 686 and man was that fun. Thats the most rounds I've put through any gun in one sitting and man it was awesome.

 

Only thing i was disappointed in was at how dirty my 231 was burning. Made a nasty mess of everything so I'll have to look into that. But all the loads worked flawlessly and all performed excellent. I'm definitely hooked on reloading!!

Dirty??? It was probably those Commie Wolf Primers

 

Matty If you think the W231 was dirty you should try Unique for your cleaning pleasure.

HAHAHA could be those dammn commie primers. I got 7k of them so I sure hope not!!

 

But it sure did make a mess of my 686 its gonna take me an hour to clean that damn thing on thursday when I get home.

It not the powder that was dirty Matt it's the lube on the bullets. If you are getting black all over your gun like on the cylinder edges that's the powder, try a bit more crimp and seat the bullet just a smidge deeper. I though they fired fine.

Oh really it's the lube huh!! I have those bullets seated to almost the max, I can't really go any deeper because of the cannalure.

Oh really it's the lube huh!! I have those bullets seated to almost the max, I can't really go any deeper because of the cannalure.

just adjust your crimp more but only if the gun is filthy. I still say they are good.

oh so you think I should crimp the bullet more??

It not the powder that was dirty Matt it's the lube on the bullets. If you are getting black all over your gun like on the cylinder edges that's the powder, try a bit more crimp and seat the bullet just a smidge deeper. I though they fired fine.

Yes, I forgot you are shooting lead bullets. Definately the lube. Some brands are worse than others

oh so you think I should crimp the bullet more??

Well I would leave them unless you feel they are no good.

More crimp just holds the bullet longer to burn more completely. Also light loads will have a tendency to be dirtier so you can up your powder charge some.

What I think I would do is try 4.0gr of W231 with a min. OAL of 1.50-1.55 my Lee manual says a max charge of 4.5 with W231 at OAL 1.55 but if you are going to use 4.0gr seat your bullet at 1.50 and it will burn cleaner and probably be more accurate. I use Unique for my .45ACP and I have a load that is not dirt at all, you just have to play with the loads a bit and find the sweet spot.

Oh really it's the lube huh!! I have those bullets seated to almost the max, I can't really go any deeper because of the cannalure.

What is the max?

I shot the light loads and there was less smoke with the light loads rather than the heavy loads that Matt finished the day with.

 

I'd put money on the lube.

Through a 6" GP100:

 

I'm shooting 158gr. lead SWC with 4.2gr. universal clays. They shoot real nice, but are dirtier than a plated or jacketed bullet. I seat to 1.47 which is to the crimp groove with a light crimp.

 

I just started trying 158gr. Berry HP with 3.9gr HP38. These also shoot nice, but shoot cleaner than lead. HP38 is the same as W231. I'm seating these to 1.40 with a light crimp.

 

There's a lot more smoking with the lube burning off the lead bullet. This is going to make your gun dirtier.

Klutch I'll let you know what they are seated to when I get home Thursday. I don't have my caliper with me.

 

I'm starting to think it might be the lube and possibly a light load.

Klutch I'll let you know what they are seated to when I get home Thursday. I don't have my caliper with me.

 

I'm starting to think it might be the lube and possibly a light load.

No doubt dude, get at me when you can. What manual do you use?

Klutch I'll let you know what they are seated to when I get home Thursday. I don't have my caliper with me.

 

I'm starting to think it might be the lube and possibly a light load.

No doubt dude, get at me when you can. What manual do you use?

 

Which manual don't I use

 

Lyman and Speer are my usual go to's

I've saved all my 38 and 357 shells. Can someone make me up some real smokey or real flashy loads while still being safe? It would make for some fun at the range with guests. :twisted:

I know someone. :shhh: