Recent content by drumsetdrummer

No idea. This one is likely on me since I did dry fire it in the past without the sideplate as a reassembly test, not knowing it would be an issue. I know now.

Latest (final?) update: Instead of shipping it off to S&W (long story), I took it to a well-respected local gunsmith. He discovered the firing pin retainer pin was completely missing and the firing pin spring was bent and snipped. This was a new gun. Not sure how the retainer pin could be...

No. I bought a lot of 100 from Midsouth and trimmed it all to 1.275 to make the crimps consistent. I haven't even shot it yet. Only their factory LEVERevolution ammo brass is shorter to accommodate those FTX bullets. (Unless you trim your brass down to load those bullets... something I am not...

Update Okay, I think I have this figured out. I did not have time for reloads this week. However, I was half suspecting the lock to be the culprit so I took the flag out and took it to the range with the hot PPU loads to see what would happen. I ran 3 cylinders through it with no issues...

I have mostly been shooting powder puff loads in it. The owner's manual recommended starting off with lighter loads, so that's it what I did. 8 to 9 grains of Unique with a 240 grain Barry's plated. It is way better to practice with light loads and not develop a flinch. That said, as I began...

You're right. I went downstairs to look at all my spent reloads and all 12 of the small dimples have more squared off edges and all 12 of the larger firing pin dimples are more rounded. Same with the PPU despite the picture. I am going to have to pay attention next time to which gun is making...

I did buy a bag of Hornady brass so I can try that. This was only the 3rd firing of the Starline so I would be shocked if the primer pockets are worn out already, but who knows. I will also start separating out the brass fired in the 629 vs. the Marlin and by which load, so I can view them...

Two Starline brass (my reloads) are below. I was shooting both my 629 and my Marlin 1894, so I assume one gun leaves a bigger dimple: Here is the PPU factory. Same one gun leaves a bigger dimple:

"Is there a reason why you need to be at the very top end of the maximum load data?" Yes/no. I bought this gun for deer hunting and it is a .44 magnum. If I find a load in the mid-range that is more accurate than hotter or milder I will go with the accurate load. But again, it's a 44 mag. I...

The thought has crossed my mind, but did not want to go there first.

The strain screw is tight. The ejector rod is also tight.

I forgot to mention I'm using 240 grain XTP's.

I appreciate the replies. I am using Hornady's loading data with Starline brass, CCI 350 primers, and up to 24.5 grains of W296. The locking started once I got close to 24 grains. The PPU loads were factory. The primers on the spent cases are all still flush and the cases don't wabble when...

Good question, but yes it does it with some cheap but hot factory PPU loads. I have been working up a load starting from minimum and it locked up as I got near max. So that is why I'm thinking it only does this with hot loads.

Hi all, This is my first post, so forgive me if this is the wrong forum. I have also searched and not found anyone reporting this specific issue yet. I have a 629 Classic 6 & 1/2" I purchased last year. When running hotter (at or just below max loads), the revolver will sometimes completely...