617 spittin' lead

Longcarbine · #1 01-30-2021, 02:42 PM

My 617 is spitting lead out of the left side, when looking down the barrel into an empty cylinder, duh, everything looks to line up perfectly, any advice? She is still deadly accurate though.

bigggbbruce · #2 01-30-2021, 02:45 PM

That's why I no longer 10 shot 22's..

I sent mine back to try to fix it..and it was always a spitter...

Longcarbine · #3 01-30-2021, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigggbbruce

That's why I no longer 10 shot 22's..

I sent mine back to try to fix it..and it was always a spitter...

Well that's not encouraging.

.38SuperMan · #4 01-30-2021, 02:55 PM

No problems with mine but I think what we think is lead spitting is nothing more than bits of burning powder Or carbon residue blowing out between the cylinder and forcing cone. I’ve watched my wife shoot her 317 and seen sparks flying out and had it happen with a number of 22’s. Seems like they always hit you in the face too. I’ve noticed It seems to only happen with 22’s.

lscocoa · #5 01-30-2021, 05:58 PM

I believe they all spit . My top straps always get a little gas/carbon/ lead build up which we all clean off and some of that looks like lead. That’s the bad part about the barrel cylinder gap . I think from the looks of your dinner there’s nothing to worry about , nice shooting !

walkin jack · #6 01-30-2021, 06:17 PM

My new 617 only has 200 rounds through it an so far so good. Cylinder locks up good and tight. Keepin’ my fingers crossed.

Telecaster · #7 01-30-2021, 06:21 PM

My 686 is a spitter. My left thumb turns grey after a hundred rounds of .38 Special lead bullets. I’ll feel something caress my left hand a time or two when shooting that many.

armorer951 · #8 01-30-2021, 07:05 PM

Many, many variables here including, but not limited to...... ammunition with all it's parameters, barrel/cylinder alignment, yoke alignment, "proper" carry up, each revolver's individually fit hand/ratchet interface, barrel/cylinder gap, forcing cone layout and fitness, cleanliness or lack thereof....and many others.

Congratulations to all those who are fortunate enough to have found a consistently accurate, and fully functional example of this seemingly "simple" engineering marvel we affectionately call, the revolver. Like us, they are all "imperfect" and unique.

bigggbbruce · #9 01-30-2021, 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by armorer951

Many, many variables here including, but not limited to...... ammunition with all it's parameters, barrel/cylinder alignment, yoke alignment, "proper" carry up, each revolver's individually fit hand/ratchet interface, barrel/cylinder gap, forcing cone layout and fitness, cleanliness or lack thereof....and many others.

Congratulations to all those who are fortunate enough to have found a consistently accurate, and fully functional example of this seemingly "simple" engineering marvel we affectionately call, the revolver. Like us, they are all "imperfect" and unique.

My 10 shot 617s were always dirty shooting guns compared to my 6 shot 17's or 617.

I had timing issues with the 10's they just never clicked on all 10..S&W tried.. I tried.. just to touchy.. YMMV...

One trip to S&W with 2 that didn't carry up.. it came back with 3..

AzShooter · #10 01-30-2021, 07:46 PM

Sounds like it's out of time. You could also have the barrel chamfered to 11 degrees, it will cut down on the spitting and will add to the accuracy of your weapon.

Mine split lead a few times but those two solutions solved the problem. You can get a chamfer too from Brownell's/

I should have said forcing cone.

chief38 · #11 01-31-2021, 10:41 AM

I'd check the Barrel / Cylinder Gap and End Shake. Also check to see of the Forcing Cone has an even and consistent gap all the way around. If the gap is larger on the left side where it is spitting, that could be the reason - least resistance!

steelslaver · #12 01-31-2021, 02:03 PM

I think 22s always spit a bit. It is part of the healed bullet design. That piece of lead that is gripped by the case and then gets ripped loose and has hot powder blasting it is going end up having some leave out the nearest exit. The B/C gap is an exit. Get some card board and make a tunnel about 18" over you gun and see if it spit anything more than powder and maybe some real fine lead dust from that bullet skirt.

Good alignment, forcing cone and B/C gap will help off course.