Extra cast bullet diameter with coating? .357 mag cylinder fit problems

[BigBore45]

From the MBC FAQ page (italics added for emphasis):


So the bullets are sized after coating and should be the same diameter.

Also, cleaning revolver chambers is one of the only places where I use a stainless steel brush. Another solution is Gun Brite Polish, which also is good for cleaning the carbon off the front of the cylinder.

i agree but sizing dies do wear out, seems as though on my batch of bullets i had received. maybe the slickness of the coating makes the sizer less effective? or might even be so tough as to wear the die out sooner?

 

[Esoteria]

Thanks for the reminder about consistent crimp with case length. It's probably time I trimmed them. Since I haven't been reloading for accuracy or using bottleneck cartridges, I really haven't done that on any of my cases yet.

To be clear, at this point I think 75% of my problem is the crud rings, which you guys have offered a lot of good ideas for (still working through them), and 25% is the extra bullet diameter. With BigBore45's experience and my measurements across 5 or 6 boxes of uncoated vs coated, I think it's clear this kind of thing is possible, but as others have pointed out that extra 0.001" really shouldn't make that much difference, which is why I say most of the problem is the rings.

I haven't heard back from Brad at MBC again yet, but I'll ping them tomorrow if I haven't heard anything more. I need to go ahead and get that next order in. =)

 

[jmorris]

To be clear, at this point I think 75% of my problem is the crud rings, which you guys have offered a lot of good ideas for (still working through them), and 25% is the extra bullet diameter.

Download 357 mag brass and don't use 38 spl brass and 75% of your problems are gone instantly. Next find a vender that sizes after coating and you will have cured 100% of your problems.

 

[Esoteria]

Update: Brad from Missouri Bullet Company got back to me. He said they discovered their special sizing die (which they use for coated bullets only) had become worn out, causing the small diameter increase. They sent me a replacement box. As an engineer who often sees people "pass the buck", I'm happy to see someone take ownership of a problem and correct it. I'm putting in another order later this week.

@jmorris
I use 38 SPL brass from time to time because I use a speed loader, and the longer magnum cases are not good for that at all, mainly because the grip starts to get in the way at that length.

I briefly swore off 38 SPL for this reason, but started using it again because of the speed loader.

 

[joneb]

He said they discovered their special sizing die (which they use for coated bullets only) had become worn out, causing the small diameter increase

Hopefully these coated bullets won't do the same to your barrels

 

[Dudedog]

Glad you found out what was going on with the bullets. MBC are good people to do business with. If there is a problem they are known for making it right.
I have shot lots and lots of MBC bullets with no issues.
They took care of BigBore45 and it sounds like they are taking care of you as well.
I find it refreshing that their are companies out there who still care about their customers.

 

[jmorris]

@jmorris
I use 38 SPL brass from time to time because I use a speed loader, and the longer magnum cases are not good for that at all, mainly because the grip starts to get in the way at that length.

I understand that and I have 5 gallon buckets of 38 spl brass is why I use it myself. Other solution is to never use 357 cases.

 

[Esoteria]

@Dudedog
Yeah, MBC's definitely my go-to bullet manufacturer. I do hope they offer other coating colors in the future like Eggleston does. I like to fiddle with loads and it can be tough to tell them apart. Plus, it's just kind of cool to have eye-catching bullet colors as a conversation starter at the range.

@jmorris
Yeah, going pure 38 SPL is a viable option, but I guess I just don't like the *idea* that I can't load 357 if I wanted to. Plus, in general I like the longer cases better because they're easier to handle when reloading. I find that extra 1/3" or whatever makes quite a bit of difference when putting cases in and out of the shell holder by hand.

 

[Dudedog]

I picked up a pack of wide tipped sharpies from Wally World. There were like 6 or 8 different colors in the pack. I just mark the bottom of the case and then make a note of what it is.
Green- 4.1 HP38, MBC 125 cone, Purple 4.3 WSF, MBC 125 SWC etc.
I use the RED one to mark any case I feel the primer pocket is getting loose in and I don't want to save that piece of brass.
Also makes it easy to tell your 223 brass that you have removed the crimps from from other 223 brass on the range.
(My Mini 14 throws them about 20', the AR is not as bad.)

 

[Esoteria]

Interesting. I'd have thought the markers would just wear off with a little bit of handling. I'll have to try that.

 

[Dudedog]

No issues with the markers wearing off in handling (permanent sharpies) When tumbled the marking comes off so you are good to go for the next reload.
The wider ones are easier to use.
I do like the colors on the bullets though. This one looks like a little lipstick
I just put them in the boxes and mark the bottoms