Lead Splattering in 357?

[TheTinMan]

3.4 grains of Win 231 under a 148gr Hornady HBLWC in a .38 Special case seems to be accurate in my .38 Special revolvers. However, I noticed something odd when shooting this load in my "new" Model 357 (still .38 Special cases). There seemed to be a thin film of lead residue in the flutes on the cylinder. There also was visible lead build up on the frame around the opening of the barrel. A bit shy of 100 rounds.

It occurred to me that the HBLWC might not be the best shape for .38 Special Cases in a .357 revolver. Maybe the cylindrical bullet hits the shoulder of the chamber and starts splattering? Would a 158gr LSWC be a better idea, or do I need to check the timing on this pistol?

[Oyeboten]

Sounds like a fairly light Load...so far as I understand this, the HBWC would not likely be giving any trouble.

Might be at least partially that there are Gasses eroding microscopic Lead particles as the Bullet is heading to the Forcing Cone, particularly with the 'gap' your .357 Cylinder has for the .38 Special Cartridge length.

Maybe look up a comparable Load but for using .357 Cartridges, and, see how that does.

That, and, Load a few backwards, and shoot those first, and see if you are getting any Lead film on the Cylinder flutes.