Question about Missouri 38 cal. Bullets

[jeff43]

I bought 500 158 grain RNFP 38 cal. Bullets from Missouri Bullet Co. to load for my Uberti 1873 357 rifle . I got the RNFP because it didn't feed the SWC's that good.It grouped great with them ,just didn't feed them 100%.I shot some today and they group like crap!At 30 yards I'm getting about 6 to 8" group, where the SWC' are doing about 1 1/2" or better.Tried them in my Rossi M92 and same results, it also groups great withe the SWC bullet.Im using 3.5 grains of Bullseye in 38 special cases.Anybody else had problems with these bullets? Edited February 5, 2014 by jeff43

[Cherokee Slim]

I used that Missouri bullet for all the .357, loaded for .38 Cowboy guns that we shot in matches for years.  We used 3 of Bullseye.  It was a good reliable "beer can" load.  I also used that load to teach handgun shooting as a step up from .22s.  Accuracy wise it grouped well, under a paper plate size at 50 yards.  We changed over to Trail Boss because I found a lot of it and no Bullseye and just never went back.  I weighed & mic'ed maybe 20 out of each box of 500 and they were always consistent.   That's just my experience with them.  That said I've started to use the Tennessee made Falcon bullets.  They are exactly the same but made here.

Cherokee Slim

[Jonnin]

probably, its not the bullet but the load.  Have you tried a few different charges?  Might also try a slightly slower powder, just to mess with it.   Its strange how sometimes just a little variation can make a big difference....  that big a group sounds like a big issue, any chance they are tumbling?

[leroy]

Are ya crimping the loads?... I've shot the SWC's with no problem; but i always roll crimp the rounds.... Check and see if the round is dropping down in the chamber a bit... If they are, that is the problem...

 

Hope this helps.

leroy

[jeff43]

That's the load I've always used for 158 grain lead bullets,crimping them too.Ive got a RCBS Green Machine I load most of my 38's set up for 3.5 grains.All have always grouped great until these bullets.Their not tumbling . Don't think I can hit beer can with these.lol.bad part is I already loaded all of these.Gonna try some in my Blackhawk and see how they group.

[Jonnin]

hmm.  Yea try the revolver.  Could also diameter check some with calipers, maybe they let loose a bad lot somehow.   Also weigh a few.  If you have any you did not use, I mean.... if you loaded them all, you either get to tear them apart or shoot them up. 

[jeff43]

I checked them, measured .358.ive got some Falcon,Remington ,and Tn. Valley bullets.All SWC.And some FP's can't think of the brand.they all group good.

[jeff43]

Seems like the Missouri bullets had a lot of the lube coming off too.

[jeff43]

Well , I shot some a few minutes ago . Shooting 17 yards, they shoot really good out of my 4 5/8" Blackhawk . So I guess I'll burn them up through it.It's kind of weird how the rifles won't group with them.