357 sticky cartridges

[beaverislander]

A week or so ago there was a thread related to cartridges that were sticking in the cylinder and not dropping completely down. I can't find the thread and now need to refer to it. I just started loading the 357 and am having the same problem. Can anyone remember the title to that thread?
Thanks.

[Skip Sackett]

beaver,
Semper Fi!

I don't remember the thread but can help you out if you need it. I think that basically it came down to one of two things. What was the load that was being shot, possible over pressure situation, or shooting 357Mags after 38spls with lead bullets.

Cleaning the carbon ring is simple. Take a fired 357 case and gently tap it into each chamber. I use, soak, the chamber with Ed's Red first then use the case, you don't have to but it helps.

As for the over pressure rounds, we would need to know what rounds you were shooting to be of much help in that area!

Let us know, we are always willing to help!

[Nygma]

Originally Posted by beaverislander

A week or so ago there was a thread related to cartridges that were sticking in the cylinder and not dropping completely down. I can't find the thread and now need to refer to it. I just started loading the 357 and am having the same problem.

Is the problem occurring before the cartridges are fired? You may want to mic the cartridge heads below where your sizing die reaches to see what diameter the case heads are. A snug fit in the chambers is a good news / bad news thing. The bad news is that the cases may have been loaded too hot in the past. The good news is that a precision fit in the chambers usually helps accuracy; along with a precision bulled fit in the chamber mouth, it helps align the bullet with the bore.

[beaverislander]

Hi Smith-Crazy,

Thanks for pointing out the obvious!

I was determined that I was doing something wrong in the seating/crimping stage but when I read your reply I thought I'd try the cartridges that fit tight in the other chambers and they fell right in. I have shot several hundred 38's out of both my 627PC and Python, and am pretty sure that it is the ring buildup that you mentioned. Will give em a good scrubbing tomorrow and see what happens.

Semper Fi. We have a birthday coming up!