So I took the M460V X Frame to the Range with a Few Dozen Handloaded Rounds. I fired the first couple of Cylinders single action and everything was ok. When I tried to fire Double Action about every other round misfired and exhibited light primer strikes. Rounds were made from Starline brass with CCI 200 LR Primers firmly seated. The Mainspring is Factory. Someone suggested installing an extended Firing Pin. I would rather fix it myself than sending it in to S&W if possible. Has anyone here experienced a similar problem?

Always check the obvious first...

Is the strain screw tight?

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NRA Benefactor Member

If it has been shot quite a bit , there can be carbon build up under the firing pin . I would remove the firing pin , use a cotton swab to clean out the firing pin well and clean the firing pin as well . This might fix it . There are good youtube video's showing how to remove the firing pin . I have done it several times and it's easy . You do need a set of gunsmith screwdrivers . I bought a cheap set from walmart for about $10 . Hope this helps , Regards, Paul

Main cause of fail to fire in 460 in order

1. reloads- Do they fire when struck a second time? if yes then primer was not seated.

2. Strain screw not turned in all the way. Not uncommon in the 460 or 500. As an aside the strain screw is not an exceptable trigger adjust method.

3. Dirty/gummed up firing pin.

Less commonly

4. Main spring issue- replaced with to light of spring or mainspring is cracked


Note: On the use of extended firing pin- unless the firing pin retaining pin location was machined in the wrong place there is no need for extended firing pin- wrong solution to fix a problem easily corrected by proper means.

You risk punctured primers when using extended length firing pins, and with pressures typically in the 55 to 60 kpsi range the damage to firing pin bushing is highly likely.

be safe
Ruggy

All the previous suggestions are exactly right. I would only emphasize the primer seating point. Even if you're positive the primers are well-seated, it won't cost anything to re-seat them as deep as possible.

You would hate to send the gun in only to be told your handloads had to be the problem.

Good luck!

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Bob.
SWCA 1821

Thanks to all who responded. I checked the Strain Screw and it is tight in the Frame. The Firing Pin Channel is Clean as is beneath the Extractor. I ordered an Extended FP from Brownells, but before I install it I'm going to try another Brand of LR Primers. I did check the seating depth of the CCI Primers in the remainder of the Ammo and they were seated to the bottom of the primer pocket. I do notice that when the Revolver is fired D/A, the Hammer does not go back as far as when it is fired S/A. That seems to make a difference since the problem only occurred in the D/A mode.

My suggestion for primers are WLR- Winchester. I have yet to have any issue with any powder when loaded with proper case fill in 460 or 500.

be safe
Ruggy

Have you checked the cylinder for excessive endshake (front to back movement) which could lessen the hammer's impact force on the primer?

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Waiting for the break of day