Jacketed bullets okay in USFA SAA's?

[jphendren]

Does anybody know if it is okay to shoot jacketed bullets in a Pre-War O.W. Ainsworth model revolver?  I would like to use 250gr. Hornady XTP's.

Thanks,

Jared

[Charlie Bison]

Yes 

[jphendren]

The reason that I asked is that I have read (in a reputable gun magazine) that you should not shoot jacketed bullets in some older Smith & Wesson's, as the they were not designed for them.  I always felt that it was a bunch of boloney, but what do I know.  I am getting tired of cleaning out leading that invariably comes with shooting lead, and felt that I might give some jacketed bullets a try.  I also have some hard-cast lead bullets with gas checks, those should fit the bill as well.

Jared

[Capt. John Fitzgerald]

Jared,
I have put numerous jacketed rounds through several of my USFA'a and have never had a problem.
CJF

[Doc Sunrise]

I thought I read in Handloader Magazine this very discussion, and I can't remember it exactly.  There used to be a concern about jacketed bullets wearing down revolver barrels, but today's barrels are much stronger.  The 5 degree cones work well with most jacketed bullets and some types of lead bullets.  However, wad cutters, semi-wad cutters, or any bullet with a set back ogive really work better with 11 degree cones.  Because 11 degree cones also work very well with any other lead or jacketed bullets, it is considered the most versatile.

Your USFA will handle both types without problems, but experimenting for accuracy is still prudent.

[Shotgun Franklin]

Jacket material also builds up in barrels. Lead is easy to remove, a Lewis Lead Remover works very well, jacket material takes more solvent and more scrubbing. I've never used one of those electric rod type cleaners but understand they work real well.

[Virginia Gentleman]

Should be fine on a modern gun like a USFA, now older guns can shoot them, but it will wear them out somewhat faster.  You may find after shooting a decent amount of jacketed ammo (200-500 rounds) out of your gun, then cleaning the jacketing fouling out, you may find that lead bullets will lead less after the barrel is broken in this way a bit.  I have done this many times with good results.