Which custom barrel for Contender "lettuce protector"?

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  • Last Post 24 May 2020
Slugflinger posted this 21 May 2020

I am ready to order a carbine barrel for a T/C Contender that is along the lines of the Ed Harris lettuce protector concept. I have decided to go with the 38 Spl. chambering since I already have dies, brass, bullets, powder, etc. The choices have been narrowed to either an EABCO barrel that has a 14" twist, or an MGM barrel with a 16" twist. Length will be around 22". The cost difference is so close as to be a wash. I am thinking that the 16" twist will be plenty enough spin for any bullet I will likely be using (up to 180 gr.). Does anyone think that a 14" twist is too much for cast bullets? I have read many good things about MGM barrels, and have an EABCO 22 Hornet barrel that is plenty accurate.

Any thoughts before I take the plunge?

Think! It's not illegal, Yet.

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Larry Gibson posted this 21 May 2020

Concur with 16" twist.

LMG

Concealment is not cover.........

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Slugflinger posted this 21 May 2020

Thank you Larry!

Think! It's not illegal, Yet.

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Ed Harris posted this 22 May 2020

Another vote for 16-inch twist.

73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia

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Slugflinger posted this 22 May 2020

Thank you Ed!

That about makes it unanimous. I can't wait to get this going. Have a 4-12 AO Burris compact scope to mount on the new barrel. This will be a cheap to feed plinker, and small game zapper. I have been wanting one of these since, oh about the early eighties. (Actually since way before that, from reading about the old British rook rifles). The load/component combinations possible boggle my tiny little mind.

Thanks again guys.

Think! It's not illegal, Yet.

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Eutectic posted this 23 May 2020

What about the chamber? Are there any choices which might be better than a standard 38 Special reamer?

Steve

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ray h posted this 23 May 2020

Interested in what people have to say about throat design too. I have a old Sav S.S.action , a #4 wt 16 tw barrel. I was thinking of a 357 Mag instead of the 38 Spec but really like the 38 Spec. I bought a 357 Max reamer  off Cabinfeversports last fall. I think it was M.Bellm that said the throat design of the 357 Max was a much better design for cast 180-200 gr bullets. Hopefully some of you can shed some light  on throat design for the 38 Sp/357 Mag/357 Max. I'm ready to dump things off at my gunsmith. Thanks

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Ed Harris posted this 23 May 2020

The .38 AMU (Army Marksmanship Unit) chamber was 3 degrees Basic (6 degrees the included angle) from the .378" diameter chamber mouth, with no ball seat transtion.  When I was at Ruger I had JGS grind a reamer of this profile with adjustable depth stop, so that it could be run in to any length.  Some No. 1 California Highway Patrol Commemorative rifles were rechambered to .357 Maximum with this reamer, and they were accurate with .38 Special wadcutters, despite the long jump.  For my .38 S&W Lettuce Protector Dave Manson used a forcing cone of .363" major diameter ahead of the case mouth and 3 degrees Basic, which has worked well. 

If ordering a .38 Special reamer you could do lots worse than to get one done to the .38 AMU profile, but using the standard diameter .38 Special rim seat, instead of the .38 Super semi-rim of the 1950s .38 AMU cartridge.

73 de KE4SKY In Home Mix We Trust From the Home of Ed's Red in "Almost Heaven" West Virginia

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beltfed posted this 23 May 2020

I really like my Martini Cadet, in original exterior configuration,

that had been rebored to 357Mag back in late '50s by Klein's in Chicago.

Very accurate with almost any 38  spl or 357 mag loads.

It likes the 358429, 160 gr Keith bullet./11.5 gr 4227

Another favorite load is with the Lyman 358315 ,200gr cast rifle bullet and a

stout load of IMR 4227. Also about to try the RCBS 200 gr FP. 

Versatile for plinking up to deer.

beltfed/arnie

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RicinYakima posted this 23 May 2020

Beltfed, I like my Klein's conversion so much  I restocked it in XX wood and rust blued it. One thing I didn't do was bush the firing pin hole, so am limited to about 36,000 psi, but that is OK for .357 loads. Ric

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max503 posted this 24 May 2020

My 357 Handi Rifle has been unfunctional for several years now and I still miss it.  It was an outstanding 100 yard groundhog gun.  It used to live in my garage, ready for groundhogs at the edge of the yard.  It was also good for night-time marauding coons.  It wasn't too awful loud loaded with 125 grain JHP 38's.

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Slugflinger posted this 24 May 2020

That is a very interesting question about the chamber/throat configuration. Thee is no information about such on the MGM website. I plan to give them a call after the holiday and see what they say. I will also relay the information provided by Ed about the AMU dimensions. (Thanks Ed). I will let you folks know what I find out.

Think! It's not illegal, Yet.

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