.38 Kirst with heeled bullet

[John E. Ringo]

Howdy.

This is my first post.

Has anybody shot the .38 Kirst in a conversion cylinder? It's my understanding that it uses a true .38 (.375 diameter) bullet.

I own an 1858 Pietta Navy.

Many thanks in advance.
John E.

[Marshal Will Wingam]

I have a pair of them. I had my barrels sleeved to .357 so I don't need to mess with heeled bullets. They shoot great. Kenny at R&D sleeved mine for a really reasonable price. One has an R&D drop-in cylinder and the other is a Kirst gated conversion. Certainly a great pair of pistols.

[John E. Ringo]

Howdy.

Unfortunately, Kenny has a massive backlog and, from what I've read, it's taking months to get a gun back from him. Also, I like shooting cap & ball now and then, and so I need a .375 bore.

The .38 Kirst looks like my best option. But few have shot it, it seems.

[warbucks16]

In reply to your question.

I shoot two Pietta 1851 Navys with the Kirst Konverter in 38LC.  I have used the 38 Kirst 140 Grain sold by River Junction Trade Co. and also the 38 Kirst 120 Grain sold by GAD Custom Cartridges.

They both seem to perform very well but I like the 140 Grain best, it seems to be more consistant.  Both are Outside lubed and have caused me little if any leading Problem.

I have been told that GAD Customs loads both cartridges, but I am not sure of that.

I can't tell you how to go but I have enjoy shooting mine.

Hope this helps.

Regards,

Warbucks16

[John E. Ringo]

Yes, that helps.

Is the case the same length as a .38 Special case?

I had only seen the 140 grainer at River Junction; I didn't know there was a 120. I'll probably get the 140, based on your recommendation.

How are your Kirst Konverters holding up? Are they gated? How do you like the Piettas?

[warbucks16]

Yes, the case is a regular 38 Special case and the bullet is a Heel based Bullet that expands to fit the grooves of you revolver.

River Junction Trade Co. also has 38LC cartridge that has a 148 Grain Round Nose Hollow Base Bullet that is loaded with 3.5 Grains of Unique. It is a Pretty Good shooter also but has a little more recoil that the 38 Kirst.

Good Shooting.

Warbucks16

[Halfway Creek Charlie]

Your 38 Heeled bullets and ammo are available at Old West Moulds Fruita Co. Bernie Knowles is the owner. I shoot his 44 Rem. C.F. heeled bullet and it is very accurate. He can tell you what brass to use.
Contact Bernine here: allisonmonument @ aol.com