I have a s&w model 25-2 and reload for it with both 230 fmj and 200 gr target loads. Both drop in and out on the model 25-2. I recently bought a s&w model 22 classic and the reloads will not chamber without extra effort and extraction is HARD. BTW factory reloads are o k in the model 22. They drop in and out. Any thoughts on this. Thanks

Your 25-2 was made a generation ago when quality control was probably better than it is today. It's not uncommon to find cylinders cut with dull or marginally sharp reamers that have been resharpened too many times, giving minimum chamber dimensions. I would inspect the chambers and look for reamer marks or other roughness to explain the difficult extraction. I would also examine the reloads for excessive flare or crimp at the case mouth, a common cause for difficult chambering.

Thanks John
I agree my reloads are at fault as factory loads work fine. I was wondering on the difference in chamber size. You probably explained that too. I used quality bullets and the rcbs dies I use was never used that much.Thanks for your response. I also noticed on tight fitting rounds that the same gun has chambers that are tighter than others. The model 22 has never been shot.Thanks Dean

You might want to try something that works for me: I run my loaded .45 ACP rounds partially into the #1 sizing die (with decapping pin removed). This last step removes all flare from the case mouth, and any bullet base bulges from seating the FMJ bullets.

Check the diameter of the bullets you are reloading with your micrometer. If you are loading them unsized (as they fall from the mould), sizing them down 0.001" or 0.002" will probably eliminate the problem. The chamber throats of the Model 22, from your description of your experience, are likely cut to slightly (but correct) closer tolerances than your 25-2. If you approach the situation by actually measuring the throats of both revolvers and the bullets as you've been loading them, it's likely a size disparity will make itself evident. A smaller bullet sizing die will solve the issue, most likely.
Best Regards,
chunkum

The bullet base bulges seem to be the problem.I like the idea of running them through the sizing die without the decapping pin. The bullets I am using are hornady 200 grains and Winchester 230 grain fmj. I do not use cast bullets(yet).I appreciate all responses I have recieved.

quote:

cut to slightly (but correct) closer tolerances than your 25-2.

Chunkum you are probably right . I cannot fault the gun when factory rounds drop in the model 22
Thanks for your help....Dean

I have a lot of rounds loaded and already inserted in full moon clips. I guess I have some work to do. I have some auto rim loaded with 230 grain lead round nose and they drop right in. They were loaded with a Lee pro 1000. Does this tell us anything?

quote:

Originally posted by john traveler:
It's not uncommon to find cylinders cut with dull or marginally sharp reamers that have been resharpened too many times, giving minimum chamber dimensions. I would inspect the chambers and look for reamer marks or other roughness to explain the difficult extraction.

Acutally, dull reamers cut oversize. Since factory rounds fit fine, undersize reamers aren't the issue either..

Your culprit is brass fired in chambers on the maximum end and sizing dies that don't size all the way down the length of the case. There isn't much you can do about the sizing unless you get your die machined short to remove some of the tapered lead into the die. That would make alignment of case and die more critical during sizing.

A taper crimp die will remove any belling of the case left from bullet seating.

quote:

A taper crimp die will remove any belling of the case left from bullet seating

Would this work for the very slight bulge at the base of the bullet. My dies are RCBS and have been used very little.

When I load 45 ACP I set my taper crimp die so the mouth of the case measures .470" using dial calipers. Not crimping enough may leave the case mouth still belled, crimping too much may cause the case walls below the crimp to bulge as the case is forced down by the crimp die.
Measure your cartridges and adjust your crimp die until you get the proper crimp, and if the cartridges still don't fit then start adjusting the sizing die until they do. Try and see if the re-sized but unloaded cases will fit your guns chambers. If they do, then the re-sizing die isn't the problem, something later in the process is causing the problem. If the empty, re-sized cases don't fit, then you need to measure the base of your cases and see if they are in spec for the cartridge. If not talk to the factory service people and get an exchange for a new sizing die.

I removed two moon clips of the reloads and ran them through the resizing die with decapper pin removed and they now drop in as factory rounds and extract easily.I measured OAL to be sure they did not set deeper.So this slight bulge at the base of the bullet was the culprit. How do I prevent this in the future. Am I setting the crimp too low? I just flare enough to get bullet started and try to crimp only enough to take the flare out.

Lee's Factory Crimp die will solve your problem. It not only crimps but has a carbide ring at the base which will make certain no bulge will cause you problems. I use them in all revolver and auto pistols I load for.

I have a pair of Dillon 550B's and seat and crimp separately using the Lee FC die as the fourth stage.

Dale53

Dale 53
I think you are right. It is time I find a taper crimp die at least for the 45 ACP. I just hated to make a 4th step in the already slow process with a single stage press. The 45 ACP is the first time I have had a problem with chambering.I demooned about 600 rounds and ran through the sizer die with decapping pin removed and They will chamber fine now. I am too old to consider a dillion now.