I have 2 main loads for matches/practice. Both are just into +P range using 38 spl. cases, Fed. primers, and Berry’s 158 rn copper washed bullets.

“B” load is 5.8 gr. AA#5 COL 1.450 Vel 800fps 4” bbl
“S” load is 4.5 gr. HP 38 COL 1.450 Vel 850fps 4” bbl

“B” load starts to cause cylinder binding and hard cartridge insertion after just one cylinder fired in two revolvers, my 686nd and 686-4. One is 6” the other 2 1/2”.

Both have had the chambers chamfered. Could this cause the problem?
I just ran 200 rounds in the 686-4 using the “S” round with no issues.
My 66nd and 65-3 shoots both with no issues.

Any input appreciated. Thanks in advance.

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Fide Et Amore

There are a lot of things that will cause this. Assuming the cylinders are in spec., try changing your brass. It could be that it's a bit tired and the primers are backing out. The AA#5 load isn't really that hot and shouldn't be causing an issue with an in spec gun. The HP38 load is warm for a 38 but that shouldn't be causing an issue in a 686. If those loads seem dirty, try using a different primer. If factory loads create the same condition, then it is obviously a problem with the gun.

Even if your brass is old..................
if you seat the sizing die for 100% sizing and not just a partial job on the case...........
and the cylinder is clean at the start.................

you should be able to go through 200 rounds..........
not just 12 before the cases have problems on ejection......

even if you use dirty powder and get blow back, etc. etc. during shooting.

If the brass has splits or mouth cracks, I can understand the problem of the cases not ejecting........ but not with cases in good used condition.

Sounds like a dirty chamber or bad case spec's , to me.

Good luck.

Try a load with Accurate Arms #2 powder
The Western Reloading and Load Data Guide shows :
38 Special +P
158 (plated) Berry
AA #2
4.0 grs. @ 790 fps
4.4 grs. @ 880 fps

4.2 grs. AA #2 should give about 835 fps and should burn more completely thus cleanly .

I found I did not get a complete/ clean burn with AA#5 until I loaded 6.5 grains with 158 gr. plated SWC in a 357 magnum .
6.0 grs. of AA #5 still left a little more residue than I like .
Evidently AA #5 is slower burning than I was led to believe and requires a fairly heavy charge and heavy crimp to burn cleanly .

After my dismal 38 special / AA #5 experiments I went back and purchased AA #2 and this powder seems better suited to 38 Special / 38 spcl+P loads ... much cleaner burning , no undue residue build up .

You might want to try it ,
Gary

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Certified Cajun
NRA Member

I’m with gwpercle: binding and hard to load new rounds - looks like #5 leaves plenty of soot behind. How does brass look ? Even though your charge of #5 is starting for +P it’s just might not be “the” powder.


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AA#5 is a good powder, in the same class as Unique, but just like Unique, it burns dirty at lower loadings. I find AA#5 and Unique to be better when loaded closer to their maximum safe charges. For 38 Special, I'd recommend AA#2 instead of #5.

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VCDL, GOA, NRA

Loadd "B" is the high end of Accurate 38 special data and the low end of 38 +P
So to me it is a brass, issue, or a dirty cylinder issue.


Just a WAG

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Still Running Against the Wind

Yep, and the only cure is a faster powder loaded up a bit. I use Red Dot or Titegroup for that kind of problem, and they are quite a bit more economical.

I have several Ruger's and Smith's, the newest ones have less cylinder gap than my older revolvers. They all crud up quickly when loaded with slower powders at the low end of the charge weight range. Sometimes in as few as a dozen rounds.

I would first find out what causes and where the binding occurs. Primers backing out? Cases backing out? Gunk, debris on the cylinder face?

I can't help as I have never had that problem in my El Cheapo revolvers or my quality revolvers except with very light loads. Occasionally my 629 would suffer from cylinder binding with light loads and slick cases (not oily, but with a bit of auto polish residue from tumbling), I cleaned the cases with mineral spirits for my light loads. Normal 44 Magnum loads were no problem with any brass, but some light 44 Special loads in 44 Magnum brass were problematic...

It looks like the consensus is that the AA#5 charge is too dirty at the Lower weights, since the brass and cylinders are in good shape. Unfortunately I have a lot of loaded rounds of “B”. I will use them up in guns that digest them okay. Too bad as they are accurate, and have a nice low extreme spread.
Thank you all for your help!

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Fide Et Amore