Well, I've had this one a while now and am thinking about some changes. I've discovered it has a belt Mountain base pin, too.
I've mostly been shooting hot stuff in it, as that's mainly what I got it for, some thump. I enjoy long-range handgun plinking and busting concrete with LBT 350gr LFN over Linebaugh data 296 loads, and some hard Penn 255 RNFPs over Linebaugh data Unique loads.
Linebaugh data: http://www.customsixguns.com/writings/dissolving_the_myth.htm
I decided to back it off a bit and try for some accuracy. I found some Taffin data and loaded the two loads noted for accuracy, 231 and Herco with the 255s.
Accuracy at 25y was dismal, all over the 8x11 paper. I shoot 1911s a lot, and also have a 357 BH, and average maybe 3" groups with them when I work at it, sub 2" when I'm "on".
I decided to slug the 45 and see what was up with the cyl throats, barrel constriction, etc. I discovered a ton of lead in the bore, mostly towards the chamber. Well, probably just several grains, I should have measured it on my powder scale. I got a 185gr jacketed SWC with a sharp base, bumped up the diameter a couple thousandths, and ran it through the bore a couple times to scrape out the lead. Worked pretty good, left quite a pile of lead in the cylinder window.
I measured the cyl throats and found them to be .455", so I bumped up some jacketed 230s to fit, loaded them backwards to ~850fps and cleaned the rest of the lead out...and shot a 2.5" and 2.25" group with them.
I measured the bore to be .450" at the constriction in the frame and .451" at the muzzle...and a rough bore it is. I have some LBT lapping compound on some .455" 350s loaded over 4 gr of Trail Boss now waiting to fire lap it, hopefully it will shoot well with a .454" or so after lapping, compromise between the loose throats and tight bore.
My other discontent with it is the .489-490" chambers...hot loads bulge brass pretty badly. I'm considering having another cylinder fitted, if anyone could recommend a smith for that on a tight budget, I'd appreciate it.
I noticed that I think the sights on the 4-5/8" 357 seem to lend themselves to accuracy more readily, as the front sight is closer to the rear notch and fills it more completely. So...I'm thinking about lopping a couple inches off the barrel, I'd like it to be a little handier as well. I have a 5" ejector rod and housing to install (Thanks, Hondo!) and am trying to decide between 5.5" or 5" and flush with the ejector housing.
I'm also thinking about heating and bending = lowering the hammer spur or going to a SBH hammer for a little easier reach, I have medium sized hands.
Any and all thoughts, comments, pictures, and input are welcome.
Thank You
