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AR15.COM
3/15/2011 3:45:10 PM EDT

Just received a case of Blazer 158gr, TMJ 38 Spl +P.  They look a little stubby and mic out to 1.397" in overall length.

Good to go or send 'em back?

3/15/2011 6:50:59 PM EDT
[#1]
Data I have says minimum OAL for .38spc is 1.425".
3/16/2011 4:40:21 PM EDT
[#2]
Quoted:
Data I have says minimum OAL for .38spc is 1.425".


So these are about 28/1000" under the speified minimum OAL. What concerns me is over-pressuring the case/cylinder. I intended to use these in a S&W 642.

Any ideas on how much additional pressure 28/1000" setback will generate?

FYI, they look exactly like this picture The cannelure is just visible below the case mouth (in person, not the pic).

3/16/2011 8:04:51 PM EDT
[#3]
Quoted:
Quoted:
Data I have says minimum OAL for .38spc is 1.425".


So these are about 28/1000" under the speified minimum OAL. What concerns me is over-pressuring the case/cylinder. I intended to use these in a S&W 642.

Any ideas on how much additional pressure 28/1000" setback will generate?

FYI, they look exactly like this picture The cannelure is just visible below the case mouth (in person, not the pic).



While I'm fairly certain there is a way to calculate that, I don't know how. I know i wouldn't risk fooking up my gun or myself for some cheapo Blazer ammo. I'd call CCI and see what they say. They  might replace it.
3/18/2011 6:28:06 PM EDT
[#4]


Thanks for the info. I'll probably be calling CCI.


Curious now - If shooting in a .357 which could likely handle the extra pressure, would the setback alone (the extra distance the bullet must travel) be problematic? Any issues for the cylinder or forcing cone?




3/22/2011 4:32:54 AM EDT
[#5]



Quoted:






Thanks for the info. I'll probably be calling CCI.





Curious now - If shooting in a .357 which could likely handle the extra pressure, would the setback alone (the extra distance the bullet must travel) be problematic? Any issues for the cylinder or forcing cone?


Call CCI and ask what the length should be. If they are significantly shorter than whatever CCI says they should be, I wouldn't fire them. It's not really possible to predict how much of a pressure increase there will be at .01" setback or .1" setback. If they were .01" short, I'd probably shoot them. Any more than that and I would probably pull the bullets + reseat.



As far as the extra jump... Many, many .38 Spl wadcutters have been fired through .357 revolvers, and they have significantly more jump to the throats and forcing cone that the load in question.



 
3/22/2011 6:06:49 AM EDT
[#6]
Post pics of the rounds. Are the bullets seated to the cannelure?

COAL changes with changes in bullet shape.

The .38 Special case is 1.155" long...wadcutters are seated flush...so I don't see how the minimum COAL could be 1.4"...
3/27/2011 12:06:01 PM EDT
[#7]
Thanks for everyone's help.

I tried calling Blazer all week and the line is always busy. I've sent an email to them and will post their response.

The pic I linked to is exactly what they look like. Here it is again. I cannot see a cannelure clearly, but I think I can see it just below the case mouth.

Perhaps a confusing factor: I thought I was ordering the advertised "38 Special +P 158gr. TMJ" (#3519) but these are actually "38 Special +P 158gr. TMJ CF" (#3475). "Clean Fire". I've never even seen these before. Maybe it is normal.

3/28/2011 1:23:26 PM EDT
[#8]
Live & Learn ...


TheOtherMike

Thank you for your email.

Nominal cartridge length specification for this Blazer product is 1.400"
± .015".    1.385" would be the minimum acceptable cartridge length.
Lot C13R27 was manufactured in March of 2010 and we have not received
any prior reports of problems on the lot.  


CCI/Speer Technical Services


Off to the range!

3/28/2011 3:58:45 PM EDT
[#9]
Quoted:
Live & Learn ...


TheOtherMike

Thank you for your email.

Nominal cartridge length specification for this Blazer product is 1.400"
± .015".    1.385" would be the minimum acceptable cartridge length.
Lot C13R27 was manufactured in March of 2010 and we have not received
any prior reports of problems on the lot.  


CCI/Speer Technical Services



Off to the range!




Nothing wrong with being safe. Let us know how they shoot.

4/2/2011 7:35:34 PM EDT
[#10]


They shot fine in a 642. Maybe a little less report than the non-Cleanfire (dirtyfire?) rounds.