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Hi All,
Question from a DW newbie here. I just purchased a very nice DW 357 Supermag, with 8 inch barrel and scope. I took it out shooting today, using 38 specials, as that is all that I had loaded.
I found that the accuracy was terrible. I am a reasonably good revolver shooter, but with the 38 sp in the supermag, the bullets were all over the place, without any noticable pattern. At 15 yards, I was getting 3 inch groups, using a scope, shooting from a sandbag rest. With other revolvers shooting offhand, I can drill a 2 inch target at that distance.
I assume that the gun is fine, since it is like new, and DWs are known to be very accurate. So either the scope is bad (possible), or the gun doesn't like 38 sp ammo (loaded with 158 grain wadcutters over 5.1 grains of Bullseye).
I know that the jump from a 38 sp case to the throat in the 357 supermag is fairly long (about an inch), would this be causing the poor accuracy? I regularly shoot 38 sp in my 357 magnum revolvers, with excellent accuracy.
Any thoughts? I would appreciate any light you guys can shed on this. Thanks!
Here is the gun:
(See next post for picture)
Supporter
Moderators
January 24, 2009
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Here ya go, I fixed your picture link. Beautiful DW, by the way.
I haven't tried .38 special ammo in a .357 Supermag, myself...but I believe your suspicions are correct. By the time the bullet jumps that gap, it's probably wobbling as it enters the barrel.
If it was me, I don't think I'd shoot another .38 round through it, for fear of buggering up the barrel.
December 17, 2008
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Have to agree with everything Charger said - including that being a beauty of a DW!
One of the Supermag guys will ellucidate that issue...
February 2, 2009
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As a fellow model 40 owner, I know your frustration with the 38's in the supermag. You diagnosed the problem correctly, the long jump to the forcing cone causes the bullet to strike at slightly different spots with each round, resulting in enough deformity to alter flight. You'll find that the longer the bullet the better the accuracy. I use LBT cast 200gr bullets, crimped to allow only .10" space from the end of the cylinder. These bullets will give less than 1" groups at 50yds off sandbags, with 357 mags that opens to 3" and with 38's I'm lucky to hit the target with all rounds. I've loaded the rounds down to 357 mag velocity for plinking and to get more rounds per Lb of powder. My length is a little excessive and any bullet creep from recoil will jam it, so I crimp heavy, which is a good idea with any mag ctg. Congrats on your supermag, I've had mine since 1992 and it took me almost 10 years to find the best combo, but with full loads I can ring the gong at 200yds consistantly with mine. They are accurate, but like most guns they have a particular bullet preference.
Thanks Guys for the prompt response, that is very helpful to know. I guess I need to get some 357 supermag brass and heavy bullets from Midway.
The gun itself is really nice, probably was not shot much at all. It sure is a heavy piece, it dwarfs even my Ruger Redhawk 357 Mag, which in itself is pretty hefty.
February 2, 2009
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Check some of the auction sites for brass too, I scored a large amount of brass awhile back for much less than Midway. The 357 supermag's prefer 180 to 200gr bullets for best accuracy and again the longer the better; as long as it doesn't extend past the cylinder. I love that zebra wood grip.
Range Officer
Range Officers
Dans Club
February 9, 2009
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You have all the guidance handled I believe, but I wanted to add that you have a beautiful Supermag. I too like the zebra wood grips. They really set off a DW revolver. You may wish to add a line in the wanted section as I believe there is another member looking to sell some 357 Max brass. Maybe you can connect.
Good shooting.
Supermagfan
A man cannot have too many SuperMags
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