I have a S&W Model 14-3 in an excellet shape. I noticed, however, that the cases are slightly inflated. Distension is always located roughly in the same place and does not apply to a specific chamber. I carefully examined the chambers and they are in perfect condition, no deformation. A similar phenomenon I had once with a model 19. How do you explain the occurrence of such distension? Is it typical? By the way, my Walther GSP .32 (perfect condition) does the same to the cases.

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You may get a lot more response in the Reloading thread toward the bottom of the start page.

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Get off my lawn!

Thank you. May I ask Admin to move my post to Reloading forum?

but, it looks to me that either your chamber(s) are a bit over-sized, or you're shooting reloads that were sized down too much, (or factory ammo that was @ min spec). There are tolerances on every spec, you may be shooting min spec ammo in a max spec chamber. The area that doesn't look expanded is what is called the web, where the brass gets thicker before coming to the head. If it's not sticking, (hard extraction), or splitting, I wouldn't worry about it. If you reload you may get shorter case life, but it's no big deal.

Just my .02

-Klaus

Well, actually I do not reload and use only factory ammo (Fiocchi, S&B). The chambers should also be ok since the revolver is in like-new condition.

Are you having any issues with cases sticking in the Cylinder? If not it's possible these cases are constructed to withstand +P pressure levels with heavier webbing towards the base. If so what you are seeing is the effect of low pressure levels that can expand the case above the web but not in the area where the case wall thickens.

I'm not trying to say that anything is wrong with either your revolver or your ammunition. Per SAAMI, the maximum diameter of a .38 SPCL is .379", the minimum chamber diameter is .3809". I'm not sure what the tolerances are, (I don't cut chambers or manufacture ammunition), but if the ammunition is at minimum spec, let's say .376" and your chambers were cut at maximum spec, say .382", then your brass would come out looking "inflated". As I previously stated unless you're also experiencing hard extraction or they're splitting on you, I wouldn't let it concern me; it may be nothing more than that particular lot of ammunition.

-Klaus

I thought the case wall is equal in thickness...

Nope, the area just above the case head, the web, is where it's thickest. It tapers up to the mouth or neck where it's thinnest. Thickness varies among manufacturers and from lot to lot.

The case thickens toward the back, or primer, end. Cut one in half lengthwise and you will see. As long as your cases do not stick after firing, there is no problem. They can be resized and loaded again.

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Science plus Art

Try some different ammo, or rather several different brands and some +p if you can find it. Mostly, I go with the opinion above that if it works, don't worry about it.

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Richard Gillespie
FBINA 102

Even brand new firearms can have defects-minor and major. Back in the late '70s, I was a correctional officer. I was working the front tower, where a number of guns were located. There were several Model 10 .38 special revolvers that were checked out by officers that transported prisoners to the hospital, court, other prisons, etc. I was checking these Model 10s when I found one that wouldn't cycle in double action everytime. I notified my supervisor of this.

I brought my gunsmithing screwdrivers to work and had to swap parts from another Model 10 to get both of them functioning again. Remeber, this was a newly new S&W.

As several folks have said, if there is no sticky extraction, don't worry about it.

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John 3:16
WAR EAGLE!

In my gunsmithing days, I ran across a few M&P S&W revolvers in .38 Special which had chambers large enough to accept .38 S&W loaded rounds. It shouldn't be that way, but it was. For a non reloader, I agree that it is a non issue.

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Tom
1560

I had a couple of M-19 .357's that'd accept FIRED .38 S&W cases! (Shot in an early .38-200.) S&W has had periods of sloppy manufacture.