Colt Python

[gman]

I purchased this Python new some time in the early 90's. Has not had a lot of rounds down the pipe. Today I decided for better records I measured and recorded the cylinder throats on all my revolvers. Keep from having to measure when the memory bank needs de fragging. The throats on this Colt go .360. That is with minus pin gauges. Plans are to shoot 38 special loads. I have to size .455 for a Ruger in 45 Colt. I know I should size to the throats. Just looking for opinions. Definitely want to be safe with this girl.

 

[waco]

I would think a tight slip fit through the cylinder with a cast bullet using finger pressure would be a great place to start. 148gr WC or 158gr SWC?
A dash of Titegroup or BE would be in order for either I would guess.
Sweet revolver! I have 6" King Cobra.

 

[Ian]

Same rules apply. Pressure will increase a minuscule amount by using bullets over groove dimension, but not to worry, the bullet is already moving at high speed and has plenty of chamber space behind it when it encounters the forcing cone.

I would use only .357 Magnum brass if it were me, regardless of load level.

 

[waco]

I would use only .357 Magnum brass if it were me, regardless of load level.

That nasty carbon ring that builds up in front of the cylinder throat is hard to remove sometimes when .38 brass is used in a .357

 

[gman]

Will be loading the NOE version of the 358477

 

[Winelover]

My 70's ish Python has large throats. Cast bullet sized to .360 diameter, is a slip fit. For years, I shot RCBS 158 SWCGC sized to .357 diameter. Why? Cause that diameter was what RCBS recommended, in their literature for 357 magnums. Accuracy with open sights, at 25 yards was stellar, with no leading. Internet was yet to be introduced. Cast bullet forums were unheard of.

Pythons are known for their smallish diameter barrels......I have no idea what mine is. Never ever slugged a barrel. As long as I don't run into issues, I probably never will. Rick as bore scoped most of my firearm's and has blessed them all, so far.

I do have NOE's 180 RNFP that I currently size to .360 for a Rossi carbine. I recently tried some of those loads, in the Python, that printed too low in the carbine. No issues were apparent, with the Colt or a Ruger 357 LCR (also with large throats).

I'd rather have large uniform throats, than those that tend to be small and not uniform. My 44 Mag RH and 45 LC BH also came, from the factory, that way.

 

[Intheshop]

Sorta with the above,in that I've never measured my Python hunter.And this coming from a metrology freak.To the point that we had a clean room,as an adjunct to our machine shop.

Our Python's shoot lites out with handloads ,sized .358...pretty much irrespective of mould,technique,powder,yada, yada.

Although,these days I'm not doing justice to how these revolvers were intended to be used.I did,shoot one...15,000 rounds in one Summer...years ago.My sons were baby's so,musta been 25 years ago.