Model 19 reload issues

[alphabrace]

I reloaded some 38's for my model 19 and after loading up and shooting 6 rounds the cylinder was very tight and did not want to release. After monkeying with it I got it open and found some small particles of something between the star and the cylinder. Once remove it was back to normal. I tried another 6 rounds and the same thing happened. Everything seems fine with the reloads but something is amiss. The gun shoots factory ammo no problem. So what is happening?

[max]

That is a pretty common problem. It is powder residue or unburnt powder that is causing the problem. You may need a different powder or maybe more of a crimp.

[cp1969]

What is the load that causes this problem?

[GyMac]

Had the same problem with a 586. A single flake of Blue Dot on the pin tied up the gun. Thought I'd ruined the gun with a really mild handload, until I saw that flake.

[epj]

Try holding the muzzle of the gun up as you eject the spent casings. It will help keep junk from underneath the ejector star. Some powders like 231 or Unique don't burn well in light loads. Try upping charge slightly and be sure you have a good crimp.

[thomashoward]

I carry an old tooth brush in my tools box. only takes a second to sweep under the star. Make sure you have ruled out High primers
th

[Skip Sackett]

One of the worst powders for this is AA#5 if the load is on the light side. Turning the muzzle up will only aggravate the problem.

What is your load?

There are other powders that do the same thing, leave unburnt powder or particles behind if the load is on the light side.

Other folks will need to know which powder you are having problems with.

[Kaumheimer]

I had the same thing happen with my model 57 the other day. Perhaps I was shooting too light a load of 2400. Seemed like the cylinder wouldn't rotate well, as if someone had stuck some chewing gum in the works when you cocked the hammer back, but after I cleaned it up it was fine. First time it happened. Was unsettling, as if there were a mechanical problem.

[alphabrace]

I'm reloading with 231 at 3.8 grains. As far as the crimp are there any rules of thumb I can go by? I think I turned the die about 1/2 a rev after touching the bullet with the crimp die. Thanks for the input so far!

[Lowpower]

I have a Model 19-4 and I load W231 with 3.4 grains behind a 158 gr LSWC and have never experienced your problem. I load light because I'm down to around 5lbs of W231 and it seems be getting scarce in my area so I'm minimizing the load without stopping the fun.

I also load .44 spec (now), .44 Mag and .45 ACP with W231.

I crimp by turning the die until I can see the crimp turn into the cannelure without compressing the case at all. My crimp can only be seen around that area. If you see the case begin to compress from the case edge back toward the head of the case then its too much.

I've found it the case had been properly resized in the first place then the crimp will be tight.

I hope this helps.

Lowpower

[marc257]

I had some light loads loaded with some leftover IMR PB, my Mom wanted me to take her beautiful early 80's Mod. 10 out and shoot it and clean it for her. Thought I had ruined the gun. The cylinder would barely rotate in a couple spots. I started looking for gunsmiths in the phonebook. Then when I cleaned all the **** from the star extractor it worked like new money. I always think worst case scenerio first.

[ArchAngelCD]

You told us the powder and the charge weight but no the bullet weight so there's no way of knowing if the charge is correct. I use mostly W231 in my .38 Special ammo and never have a problem with unburnt powder.

[Steve C]

If you tilt the barrel up closer to vertical when you kick out the empties all the powder residue will fall out, usually inside the case and not get caught under your extractor. I've shot double action Smith and Colt revolvers for over 35 years and never had one hang up from powder residue under the extractor.

[hamourkiller]

Old but tried and true is Bulseye for light plinking or target loads. Will not bind you star ejecter.