Lipseys New Model Blackhawk

[waggie]

I have a Lipseys New Model Blackhawk. It is a 45 colt/45 acp. I have been shooting mostly 45acp, because that's what I can find. I noticed yesterday at the range the holes in the target weren't punched, they were torn like the bullet was hitting the target sideways. What could be causing this? I was using Blazer aluminum 230 gn fmj and Federal 230 gn fmj. They were both doing the same. Any ideas?
Thanks
waggie

 

[Poco Oso]

It's called Keyholing, here's an explanation...(Sorry, removed expired link.).. You might look at cylinder throat size. Both of mine were tight.
A google search will bring up quite a bit of information. Good luck with your new convertible. I love mine.

Edit: Removed expired link. Lots of good info below.

 

[greenmtnguy]

As Poco says, check the diameter of the cylinder throats, and also, if at all possible, slug your barrel. You may have undersized/tight cylinder throats, that prevent the bullet from tightly fitting in the barrel. Or, you might have a constriction in the bore of the barrel ("thread choke") where the barrel is screwed into the frame which is swaging the bullets' diameter down as they pass through, and then they aren't tightly gripping the rifling as it goes down the rest of the barrel. You can read this article (even though it is about a 44 Special flattop, the issues he discusses in it can also easily occur in the 45Colt/ACP model) to learn more about these issues and decide how best to try to address it.
http://www.gunsamerica.com/blog/ross-seyfried-lipseys-ruger-flattop-44-special-bisley-revolvers/

 

[ADP3]

You don't mention the range you were shooting at, but the longer the range the more pronounced keyholing will be. If you saved your targets, push the torn paper from the bullet holes back into place and examine the holes. You may even want to tape over them from the back side of the target. If the bullets struck point on you'll see a nice round hole with the tears radiating (not necessarily in a regular pattern) out. If it's truly a keyhole you'll see an oblong, irregular bullet strike. Some targets are just on thin, cheap paper and can give the impression of keyholing. If you do have a keyholing problem have the bore slugged and the cylinder throats checked like others advised.

Best Regards,
ADP3

 

[dwayne]

In my experience, the 45 ACP cylinders are better than the 45 Colt cylinders regarding throat geometry. And, a FMJ bullet is a bit more tolerant than a lead bullet. And … a round nosed bullet won't "punch" holes in a paper target. They tear a hole in them. If your bullets are tumbling they will leave a hole in the paper that looks like a "keyhole" -- that is, obviously oblong rather than generally round. You may not have a problem at all. Don't sweat it until you do some more work.

 

[clayflingythingy]

And … a round nosed bullet won't "punch" holes in a paper target. They tear a hole in them. If your bullets are tumbling they will leave a hole in the paper that looks like a "keyhole" -- that is, obviously oblong rather than generally round. You may not have a problem at all. Don't sweat it until you do some more work.

This is the correct answer.

 

[Joe S.]

You don't mention the range you were shooting at, but the longer the range the more pronounced keyholing will be. If you saved your targets, push the torn paper from the bullet holes back into place and examine the holes. You may even want to tape over them from the back side of the target. If the bullets struck point on you'll see a nice round hole with the tears radiating (not necessarily in a regular pattern) out. If it's truly a keyhole you'll see an oblong, irregular bullet strike. Some targets are just on thin, cheap paper and can give the impression of keyholing. If you do have a keyholing problem have the bore slugged and the cylinder throats checked like others advised.

Best Regards,
ADP3

And … a round nosed bullet won't "punch" holes in a paper target. They tear a hole in them. If your bullets are tumbling they will leave a hole in the paper that looks like a "keyhole" -- that is, obviously oblong rather than generally round. You may not have a problem at all. Don't sweat it until you do some more work.

This is the correct answer.

i have experienced both of these.

 

[Chuck 100 yd]

Bingo ! What dwayne said +3

 

[waggie]

Thank you all for your responses. I will do some more work. Thanks again.
Waggie