44 Mag bullet Testing

Josh

Well-Known Member
My biggest issue is getting my cylinder throats reamed out, nobody around here has the tools and I can't find anything for the 41 mag. My RBH 45 Colt has .449 throats and my RBH 41 mag is .408 none of that works for cast...
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
I used a drill, a split rod, and emery cloth. Go slow and make sure you don't round out the exit side of the throat.
I used a sized bullet as a gauge to know when to stop. I only did this on my 45 Colt which I don't shoot at longer ranges but it made a huge difference. It doesn't lead up and it is far more accurate.
 

Josh

Well-Known Member
Excellent idea, I will do that to my 45 Colt. Did you have to use any cutting fluid?
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Nope, I did it dry. I think a little oil would keep the dust down.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
revolver shooting for me is very hard but I am trying to self teach.

Odds are good that if your having trouble with the revolver that most of your problem is with your grip. The revolver is the most grip sensitive firearm there is. If your grip isn't identical on every shot you will shoot patterns, not groups.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
My biggest issue is getting my cylinder throats reamed out, nobody around here has the tools and I can't find anything for the 41 mag. My RBH 45 Colt has .449 throats and my RBH 41 mag is .408 none of that works for cast...

Look into renting the proper reamers and pilots. Brownells does or at least used to rent them. If not they aren't that expensive to buy.
 

Josh

Well-Known Member
Odds are good that if your having trouble with the revolver that most of your problem is with your grip. The revolver is the most grip sensitive firearm there is. If your grip isn't identical on every shot you will shoot patterns, not groups.
Sounds like you are on to something, I will work on that on my next trip out, first I am going to open these throats as Brad described
 

Josh

Well-Known Member
Look into renting the proper reamers and pilots. Brownells does or at least used to rent them. If not they aren't that expensive to buy.
Ok, I have seen them for sale, but I can't find squat for the 41 mag
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Grip matters. I'm finding that I need to focus on it more. It is all about hand position on the grip. I do find that the harder I squeeze the more I wobble.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
A call to Brownells would answer that question. If it were me I would get the proper reamer and not risk egg shaped throats with my ham handed abilities at such tasks. No alternative for me to the proper tool for the job. If you only need to smooth up the throats would be one thing, sounds like you need more than smoothing up.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
Grip matters. I'm finding that I need to focus on it more. It is all about hand position on the grip. I do find that the harder I squeeze the more I wobble.

Grip matters? Yeah, rank it right up there just above sight picture in importance. Grip is everything with the revolver.
 

Josh

Well-Known Member
A call to Brownells would answer that question. If it were me I would get the proper reamer and not risk egg shaped throats with my ham handed abilities at such tasks. No alternative for me to the proper tool for the job. If you only need to smooth up the throats would be one thing, sounds like you need more than smoothing up.
These cylinders need .003-.004 each, i looked at the Q/A and it seems most of those reamers will make a cylinder throat to nominal bullet diameter. No bushing is needed as these also cut the chamber.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
You could also call Clymer directly and explain what you need and see what they say. Trying to do it yourself without the proper tools the odds that the results will be different sized throats is good. Also a good chance of egg shaped holes.
 

Josh

Well-Known Member
Just emailed them, I may get chamber reamers with the proper cylinder throats on them. It is only an additional 40 bucks and it doubles as a nice finish reamer.
 

Rick

Moderator
Staff member
There ya go, nothing like a job well done properly. Why risk a nice revolver when it could have been done correctly?
 
3

358156hp

Guest
Also be careful of grip selection. I sometimes think that so many guys use SA revolvers for long range shooting is because there are very few fingergroove grips made for them. Notice fore example that guys like Jerry Miculek don't use them at all. Some grips seem to be a bit complicated designs that have given me issues with repeatable gripping. I really like the way Hogue fingergroove grips feel in my hand, but I start having trouble hitting with them once I get past about fifty yards. I'm now approaching this as a grip issue. Well that and caffeine :).

Before I go too far, we do have a really good thread on revolver grips:
http://www.artfulbullet.com/index.php?threads/musings-on-revolver-grips-stocks.188/
 

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
Right now I am more concerned about grip. Sight picture and calling my shots are traits that are shared will all other shooting.
Grip is something unique to handguns. I find it more difficult to master as it is a feel, not a visual thing.
Not sure if that makes sense or not?