Shadow 9mm barrel life

[Magnus_no1]

Been have some issues with some softer bullets tumbling. But never shoot those bullets when the gun was new so I cant tell if it's the barrels fault. When I look inside the barrel I imagine the lands are not as sharp as they used to be. But since I have nothing to compare it to I'm not sure.

How much life can you expect from a barrel?

[burningsquirrels]

i had 30k+, 22k+, and they are still shooting like new.

[burningsquirrels]

if your bullets are tumbling, please share your load and bullet recipe that you are using.

[Magnus_no1]

if your bullets are tumbling, please share your load and bullet recipe that you are using.

I tried a 147gr bullet from ARES. It's lead bullets whit som plastic coating. I use 3.3gr N320. About 25% tumble.

[burningsquirrels]

not familiar with those, but many of us have had luck in the 124-135 bullet weight range. i know some that shoot 147, but they use a jacketed bullet. i had some 147 lead that did tumble before.

[Jody Waring]

Just a thought, but try backing off to a slower powder. I have so far had no issues with my Shadow and heavy cast bullets. I think it helps stabilize them.

[CeeZer]

Over 35K rounds thru mine - no accuracy issues or visual excessive barrel wear.

I think Angus shoots 100K or close to 100K out his barrels (before complete gun replacents).

[JamesLovesJammie]

Been have some issues with some softer bullets tumbling. But never shoot those bullets when the gun was new so I cant tell if it's the barrels fault. When I look inside the barrel I imagine the lands are not as sharp as they used to be. But since I have nothing to compare it to I'm not sure.

How much life can you expect from a barrel?

When you say softer, I am assuming you mean lead. Tumbling lead bullets usually means they don't fit the barrel. If you are shooting lead, slug your barrel, measure with a caliper, and add .001-.002 in diameter for what you want to shoot. If you switch between jacketed and lead, you want to make sure you clean the barrel down to the steel inbetween. Also, if you bought .356 bullets, measure them anyway. Just because the box says .356 doesn't mean they are.

[KPIC24]

I found that if the bullets are sized correct .356 it comes down to crimp with molly, try putting a little more crimp on them. I have tried .355 bullets and they are not very accurate and tumble out of my shadow. 50k plus and still more accurate than me

Edited January 18, 2012 by KPIC24

[tavman]

I had the same experience with 147g Bear Creek molly coated bullets. I had to put a little more crimp on them and the result was no more tumbling.

[Magnus_no1]

Maybe i misunderstand. But are we talking about the normal crimping the case after bullet seating? And just do that harder?

If that helps it's great. But I don't understand why i should. You are making the bullet i a way smaller which to me would have the opposite effect.