When did S&W switch to the ECM rifled barrels? My newest revolver is a 625 JM, I think I bought it in 2008.

I usually shoot jacketed bullets in it, but I recently bought some 230 gr LRN bullets I want to load up and shoot it in it, but I keep reading that lead and ECM barrels don't get along too well.

Several reloaders have posted that with the proper lubrication it's not a problem. However, I cannot give you any guidance on what specific lubes to use.

What I can tell you is that just 1 box of Blazer 158 gn. LRN 38 spl. in my model 620 with an ECM barrel produced so much leading that it took 10-12 hours of scrubbing to get the barrel clean. I also believe that if I had tried shooting some FMJ in the 620 without cleaning the barrel it would have probably resulted in a bulged barrel.

If you want to try shooting cast bullets I have two suggestions.

One is to plan on patching the barrel after just 30 rounds fired. On my 620 running a solvent soaked patch down the barrel left the patch in shreds after just two strokes and I nearly had to use a hammer to get the patch through the barrel. Quite simply, if you feel a lot of resistance when patching the barrel after just 30 rounds you should plan on trying another lubricant.

Second suggestion is to try posting a question in the reloading forum about what lube to use for an ECM barrel. Someone shooting cast bullets in an ECM barrel just might be willing to give up their secret.

I did a little more research, and apparently S&W has been using the process since 1993. I have a 686-6 which I am assuming uses an ECM barrel. It has seen tons of lead bullets, both soft swaged and hard cast, it has never had a leading problem. So I am going to try my lead bullets in the 625 and see how it goes. I'm currently out of town, so it may be a while before I can get to the range to try it though.

I have had some S&W ECM barrels/guns that leaded up and some that don't.
Don't know why.

I have a bunch of Smiths made since 1993.....ALL are on a LEAD DIET...I don't have a leading problem with any of them. I shoot my cast bullets made of air cooled wheel weights. I use a homemade lube consisting of a 60/40 mix of commode seal and canning wax. Started using this years ago when lube sticks went above a $1. My latest.......A 22-4 doesn't lead with any of my bullets.
The acid test I think is the high velocity .357 mag. I use a lyman 168 gr. cast with one large grease groove. Pushed by 13.5 grs of #2400. I get just the smallest amount of leading at the forcing cone area. But a couple of brush strokes and its gone.

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S&W Accumulator

I suspect that my two .500 Mags are ECM rifled. I have had zero leading with loads from puny to heavy. Don

I used to work for a manufacturer that made gun parts, including ECM barrels. If everything is running correctly during the process AND tight spec's are held, the ECM barrel should be super smooth. Smooth means that it should not trap lead particles, assuming the ammo/bullet combo doesn't contain factors to create a "lead storm".