oneatatime wrote on Dec 30^th, 2025 at 5:03pm:


OT, but the 200 grain bullets are much more accurate in these revolvers than the lighter bullets.

First of all, full disclosure this was my first chamber cast, but the casting went well. I was unable to find a suitable bullet to use in slugging the barrel so I hacked off a piece of lead hammered it roundish and tapped it down the barrel with a brass rod. So that all went well, turns out I can’t take a measurement to save my life. I have included the numbers I ended up with but keep in mind just about each time I tried I came up with a different number.  All that said, while it may be a .38 Long Colt, it seems to me that any way you slice it the chamber appears to be tapered. Enough of a taper that I would be afraid that even with the correct hipped bullet I’m not sure the case wouldn’t just split as it tried to expand into that chamber. I could be wrong I’m obviously no gun smith.  I think I may be to the point of taking the suggestion of having it sleeved with something fun to shoot and plentiful like a .38 special or something. Any thoughts on this and recommendations on who does this type of work are appreciated. I really do like this old rifle and would love to see it shoot again.

I have the same rifle I bought locally at our collector gun show that was relined and chambered for .38 Special. I really like it, even though it's not a traditional chambering I would have chosen. I'd have had it I'd have had it bored and re-rifled to .38-55 myself, but it does shoot really well as a .38 Special.
I've shot it out to 500 yds. using a 158 grain round nose bullet, and it's very accurate. More hits at 400 yds. with me shooting, so I keep it at 400 yds. or less.