Measure 5 land barrel slug?

[ASCTLC]

I'm wanting to start using lead WC and SWC reloads for my new S&W 686. Before I purchase any bullets I wanted to start with slugging my barrel so I can begin all this with the best chance for success. So far so good (I think), but now how do I accurately measure my 5 land slug?

Thanks,
Andy

 

[rcmodel]

You would do better to not worry about the barrel and slug the chamber throats.

If the bullets fit the throats, the forcing cone will take care of the barrel.

rc

 

[Certaindeaf]

A .357 should "fall" through the throats and a .358 should have to be forced through the throats to shoot .358's. Take the cylinder off if you are going to do any pounding though.

 

[gpb]

Maybe one of the experts can chime in. I think a five flute V-Anvil Micrometer could be used on the slug. The problem is that these are very expensive and not that common. Does anyone know of a less expensive way to measure the land diameter using a slug in a barrel with an odd number of lands? I maybe faced with a similar problem with a rifle barrel.

 

[ryan3465]

There was an article by mike venturino recently in American Handgunner regarding this. I believed he used the V block method with some particular measurements. I don't have the link but if you search "mike venturino slugging barrels" I'm sure you'd find it.

Ryan

 

[ASCTLC]

I took a Mag Tech JSP and it measures just under .357 at .35675 and it pushes through the cylinder throat with just a touch of resistance as long as I get the bullet perfectly aligned. A .357 bullet (Powerbond) does not push in within the strength of my fingers.

Andy

 

[rcmodel]

Then you need .357 jacketed bullets and .358" lead bullets.

Regardless of what the barrel slugs or doesn't.

rc

 

[ASCTLC]

Thank you rc!

 

[gpb]

Ryan3465 wrote on Post #5

"There was an article by mike venturino recently in American Handgunner regarding this. I believed he used the V block method with some particular measurements. I don't have the link but if you search "mike venturino slugging barrels" I'm sure you'd find it.
Ryan"

I found the article. I have some small V block, caliphers, and pin gauges spanning the expected land diameter. With those I should be able to determine the correction factor for my measuring equipment. Thanks.

 

[ryan3465]

No problem! Hope you get what you need!
Ryan

 

[walnut1704]

Dardas Cast Bullets offers this as a free service. And they cast damn fine bullets.

http://www.dardascastbullets.com/