I loaded up some pretty hot .357 loads (8.5gr of Power Pistol behind a 158gr JHP) and after I shot 50 rounds, I noticed that I got scorch marks on the outside front of the cylinder. I thought it was soot at first, but it wouldn't wipe off. Is this something I need to be concerned about? I know Power Pistol puts out a pretty big fireball, so is that the culprit?

Just to clarify, I am NOT referring to the burn rings on the FACE of the cylinder. The ones I am referring to are on the outside of the cylinder.

Cirrus,

Just saw your clarification. The answer is pretty much the same. The burn marks on the outside, like the rings on the face, are common and nothing to worry about. On a stainless revolver, they usually will come off with solvent and a bronze brush. On a blued model I would use a nylon brush -takes more elbow grease but still should work.

Regards,
Andy

Thanks Andy. Just wanted to make sure this wasnt a major problem since it's never happened on any of my other revolvers.

Happens all the time on my SS guns.

IF it's a SS gun, I have used a mag-wheel car product called Nev'r Dull to take that stuff off of the cylinder. It works really well without polishing it up. Comes in a small tin can with dark blue and silver labeling.

+1 on the Never-Dull

__________________
S&W Accumulator

Absolute normal - easilly seen on a stainless revolver.

I shoot my 617, 10 shot .22 a LONG time between cleanings. The sides of the cylinder is pretty black by the time I do clean it. Hoppe's on a gun patch doesn't faze it. However, soak it good and let it set awhile, then, a little more Hoppe's on a rag and a bit of rubbing and it is gone. I have never had to use a brush, except an old toothbush occasionally.

It's possible that hotter loads scorch the cylinder more than mild ones. I wouldn't know for sure, since all my loads are hot. Regardless, it's not a problem. Blaze away!

Andy

S&W stainless revolvers with the new rear sight (w/scope mounting holes, rounded front) show this phenomenon more than most. For some reason, the area under the front sight screw shows a much harder concentration of carbon than anywhere else on the cylinder. The area outside that has crud that is much easier to remove. On my 625-4, a vigorous rubbing with a Hoppe's-soaked cloth will take off most of the stuff, but that area under the threaded hole takes lots of scrubbing with solvent and a brass brush to even make a dent in it.

Buck

try using a large pencil eraser