Loading Blocks

[Marshall Rooster Cog urn]

I'm in the process of making some loading Blocks,but I measured my .38 and it said it was a 3/8" . But when I drilled the hole it was to small, any suggestions ?

[Marshal Hangtree]

Bigger drill bit?

[High Spade Mikey Wilson]

The case OD is around .379-.380".  A 3/8" bit at .375" is just a tad small. I use a 25/64" drill bit at .390"

[Prairie Dawg, SASS #50329]

Courtesy of Missouri Marshal:

  31/64 is the proper size drill bit for 45. 44-40. 44spl, 38-40 loading blocks.

38s --  25/64

 You can get them at any Home Depot or Lowes.

Thanks Marshal

--Dawg

 

 

[Sedalia Dave]

A Forstner bit will make a much nicer hole than a conventional drill bit as it has less tendancy to splinter the wood.

 

For 38 Special and .357 I use a 10mm Forstner bit

For 38-40, 44-40, 44, and 45 I use a 12mm Forstner bit.

 

You can get one via Amazon Roman Carbide DC1887 Carbide Forstner Bit, 10mm  

 

For reference rounded to 3 decimal places

10 mm = 0.394"

25/64 = 0.390"

12 mm = 0.472"

31/64 = 0.477"

[Marshal Hangtree]

Good to know, Sedalia Dave.  Thanks.

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

33 minutes ago, Sedalia Dave said:

A Forstner bit will make a much nicer hole than a conventional drill bit as it has less tendancy to splinter the wood.

 

For 38 Special and .357 I use a 10mm Forstner bit

For 38-40, 44-40, 44, and 45 I use a 12mm Forstner bit.

 

You can get one via Amazon Roman Carbide DC1887 Carbide Forstner Bit, 10mm  

 

For reference rounded to 3 decimal places

10 mm = 0.394"

25/64 = 0.390"

12 mm = 0.472"

31/64 = 0.477"

 

thanks for info

just ordered a pair

back to making loading blocks

[Hoss]

Just “Waller” it out some with the 3/8 bit!!!!

[Rattlesnake Slim]

I also used a 25/64 until the first time I shot in the (Winter Range) rain. They were a little snug getting out, but next day no way was a .38 going in any of them. I like the 10mm idea. I think I'll try one.

[Eyesa Horg]

Brad point bits work well also. Thanks for the tips on MM sizes.