Cylinder Dragging
I just aquired a used Ruger Security Six (38 / 357) on the auction side. After a good inspection and dry fires w/dummies, I decided to see how it shot. I used commercial Magtech 38 special 158 gr SWC, and Bitteroot 357 mag 158 gr SWC. The 357 mag loads were a step up from the 38 spl, but they seemed to be modest 357 mag loadings.
When shooting the 38 spl ammo, the cylinder would sometimes 'drag' when rotating to the next round. There were some times when rotation was prevented and required swinging the cylinder out and back in to restore operation. I could not find any 'pattern' in this occurrence other than it happened often.
The 357 mag loading shot perfectly, no drags at any time.
In my initial inspection, the cylinders were clean and smooth, but they did not look like they had been polished. I guess this could be an ammo preference, but I've shot the same 38 spl ammo in other revolvers with no problems. Any and all advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Reply--
I did give the brass a look, and the primers from the fired rounds were still slightly recessed below the case head. I did not notice any drag marks on the case heads. Your replies point to a light load and cases backing out as the culprit. I'll shoot some more, and NOT release the cylinder...but 'help' it to rotate for the six rounds. Then do a better inspection of the brass. If a case did slide back, I shold be able to see some indication on the case heads. I'll let y'all know.
When shooting the 38 spl ammo, the cylinder would sometimes 'drag' when rotating to the next round. There were some times when rotation was prevented and required swinging the cylinder out and back in to restore operation. I could not find any 'pattern' in this occurrence other than it happened often.
The 357 mag loading shot perfectly, no drags at any time.
In my initial inspection, the cylinders were clean and smooth, but they did not look like they had been polished. I guess this could be an ammo preference, but I've shot the same 38 spl ammo in other revolvers with no problems. Any and all advice would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.
Reply--
I did give the brass a look, and the primers from the fired rounds were still slightly recessed below the case head. I did not notice any drag marks on the case heads. Your replies point to a light load and cases backing out as the culprit. I'll shoot some more, and NOT release the cylinder...but 'help' it to rotate for the six rounds. Then do a better inspection of the brass. If a case did slide back, I shold be able to see some indication on the case heads. I'll let y'all know.
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ruger might have tighter tolerance 0 -
Sounds like an ammo problem; it may be dragging on the case heads or primers: Do any of the Magtech primers look like they aren't seated completely? 0 -
Is it the case head dragging, or the primer backing out?
A slighty rough chamber could be seizing the case causing the primer to back out.0 -
The Magtech ammo I shot in the past wasn't high quality stuff. It appears either the primers are backing out, or their ammo is underloaded. The brass is not expanding enough to grip the chamber walls on firing. Try some of the white box stuff from wally world to see if it works any better. If you have the same problem, you know the ammo isn't loaded hot enough. 0 -
My Security Six did the same thing with some 38 wadcutters. I upped the charge of Bullseye to 3.1 and it stopped. 0 -
I've got the same problem with one Sec 6. Haven't got around to shooting hotter loads in it. Maybe try that soon. 0
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