Fired cases getting really stuck!!!!!

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deerslayerdfr

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Maybe someone can help...I have a S&W model 29-2 ser. # N499XXX. I bought it new in if I remember correctly, 1983 or 1984...Can't remember exactly...I have fire close to 75,000 rounds through this gun. 99% were reloads. I am a very meticulous reloader and keep records of all my reloads. Most of the reloads were avg. in pressure and about a 10th of 1% were experimental hot loads, but well within the industry standards. The PROBLEM.... in the last 2500 rounds + or - a couple of 100, the fired cases are really stuck in the cylinder and I have to pound on the ejector with a nylon mallet to remove the cases... The are avg. on the lower end of power loads as I'm still trying to figure it out...The gun fires and operates perfectly, with the exception of removing a fired case... Test 1..Load 1 round, fire, have to push hard to remove...next, load 3 cases, fire, have to pound out with some force with mallet...Lastly..full cylinder, fire, have to pound on extractor with full force of mallet to get cases out... Test 2...Fire same batch of reloads through Ruger Redhawk .44 and S&W .44 Classic Hunter... Result... All cases fired, come out easily from (2) separate firearms after firing.... Conclusion... Must be something wrong with the 29-2 cylinder... Is this a problem that can be corrected and if so, is it best to send it to the Smith & Wesson factory for repair for the best result and best repair warranty??? Would like to know what the problem is....What is the cause to prevent reoccurrence... What the solution/repair is plus any idea as to the cost??? Thanks for any help someone can give me...dfr...Riverside, CA
 
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Have you measured the outside diameter of the cases fired in the 29 and compared that measurement to the same load fired in one of your other guns? Is the bore of your 29 very clean and free of any lead deposits?
 
I've used so many to list, but if you reload, use any reloading manual and just about any load listed, I've used... Like I stated...99% are avg. and below....A microscopic amount were HOT, but nothing outside the listed loads in any manual...Sierra, Nosler, Winchester, youname it...
 
All reloads are tumbled after depriming, and then spot measured on length and width and all measurements are within specs prior to the reloading process...
 
I'm one of those CLEAN gun nuts... Cylinder is spotless... Sorry, didn't think to measure the spent cases after they came out so cleanly from the other 2 guns....
 
Greetings..
Just a couple thoughts...

I know... I know...I hate to suggest this but you asked...
How clean is your cylinder bore? Is it possible you're overlooking build up over the thousands of rounds?
I load thousands of .44mag as well and have many 29's. I've only experienced this when I approach excessive pressures.

35+ years ago, starting out, I used magnum primers thinking magnum primers went with magnum loads. Stuck cases were the norm until I started to back off loads and discontinued using mag. primers for all mag reloads.

I don't have any Ruger .44's to compare. Without this option, if my cylinders were clean and dry, I would consider something has changed in my powder recipe, primers etc. increasing my pressures over previous loads.

.44 Ruger's could have a larger cylinder bore tolerance...I don't know.
With all your loading experience, I would imagine you know how to diagnose your fired primers to determine excessive pressure.

But just in case, if your primers have a puddled look or are really flattened out with very little margin around the pocket, it could indicate high pressures.

Hope this helps. No doubt someone else has ran into this and will offer their thoughts

Merry Christmas! and welcome to the forum
 
I think Geno44 was talking about measuring the cases AFTER they are fired, both in the problematic and other guns.
 
Yes Sir....went through that issue back in the late 80's thinking you needed mag primers for mag calibers...even went as far as thinking I needed mag powder to... reloading experience and other reloaders helped on that one.......But all the reloading info I can give you would be that as I started out reloading, was very critical in every aspect, as I knew the dangers of NOT paying attention to details in the reloading process....So, think of yourself reloading your own cases, and the attention to the details YOU took when loading, I did ALL of that x's 2... A little anal if you think about it, but safe is a pretty good think when creating your own loads.... But when you think of my TEST #2...(2) different guns, a Redhawk and the Classic Hunter...machining of the cylinders in both guns should be within the specs required for each gun, for the caliber designed... ALL (3) guns load easily...but after firing, ONLY the 29-2...has the problem...Just for info...Redhawk(1986)...aprox. 12,500 rds. thru it based on my reloading notes for that gun and the Classic Hunter...dare I say, only 56 rds...bought brand new when they came out... Just a keepsake for me, but shot it as a test gun...Any Ideas???
 
BTW....everything on the gun is SPOTLESS....cleaned like a babies bottom.... Guns are built to last a lifetime.... I want mine to last longer than mine, for someone else to use and enjoy someday...
 
Take the rounds from your 29 after fired & see if they will chamber in another 44. If not you may need to go cylinder shopping. Also take some fired cases out of another 44 & see if they will chamber in your 29 to prove it. With luck you can get a cylinder for under $150. I am not a gunsmith but see a lot of problems at our 600+ member club. I have seen this on a .357 but not a 44. I would think 44 specials will also stick if the cylinder is bad.
 
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4barrel..... THANKS SO MUCH FOR THAT INFO.... That is another test that literally slipped by my thoughts..... I was resolved to think I might have to replace the cylinder, but testing and getting the best conclusions with the facts to back them up really helps gunsmiths in the troubleshooting aspect of their trade... Do you think this is a problem for the S&W factory or do you think that replacing the cylinder is the problem... 5 minutes lapse.... Just did your test... Fired cases from the 29-2 will not slide into the Classic Hunter....but, the Classic Hunter fired cases slide pretty easily into the 29-2...Conclusion...Something is wrong with the 29-2's cylinder...Would you agree... Do you think this is something that should go to the factory for replacement or just replace the cylinder myself... Thanks for your help in the diagnosis...I guess 2 minds are better than 1....hehehehehehe
 
Just a random thought, but how many loadings does your brass have? Might older used brass have less spring back. I admit I have no ideas that have not already been covered above.
 
Have you tried fresh factory rounds? It may not prove anything but, it is worth a chance that they might eject. It is doubtful that S&W can provide a cylinder with counter bored chambers. I believe that the non counter bored cylinder is shorter than the cylinder in your revolver.You will more than likely have to search the used parts suppliers in order to find the cylinder that you need.
 
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If you can find a cylinder from a 29-2 from about 1878 until the early 80s with the pinned barrel chances are it will fit. Try to buy a cylinder assembly with the same barrel length as yours and you will have spare parts. I replaced one in a 19 & one in a 15 and they functioned perfect. There are three gunsmiths on the forum that will probably be along later with better answers. I am just a parts changer. I didnt invent the wheel but know how to change it:D EBAY & Gun broker have cylinders. RELOADS VOID THE WARRANTY --
 
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If you let the cylinder cool before trying to eject them do the shells still stick in the cylinder?
Another question is after you do get the shells ejected will they fit fairly easily back into the cylinder? It could be when you force the shells out they might possibly become resized?

I am also wondering if the cylinders have some minute burn out that the shells are swelling out into. If you have an inside micrometer you might check the cylinder bores for discrepancies end to end.
Just some suggestions or maybe more like questions from a non expert.

My LCR 357 when firing full mag 357 rounds the shells are sometimes hard to eject right away. If I let the cylinder cool they will come out easier. Realize hot magnum loads the shells will get really hot and no doubt expanding. Which makes sense that after cooling the shells eject easier.
 
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This could be symptomatic of mixing brass fired in different guns.
Are you using carbide dies? Not everyone is aware that they don't truly full length resize a fired case.
Maybe try some fresh brass and only use it in the 29-2. Put them through a few cycles of reloads and see if the problem disappears.

Best Regards
 
Old brass loses elasticity. Additionally, try loading midrange loads as they may extract better, with good brass of course.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
 
Send it to S&W for repair. Why suffer any more over it. Since it probably is still under warranty you may get the cylinder replaced no charge. They ain't cheap!
 
S&W won't work on the older revolvers.
M vote is that your brass is old and the 29 has tighter chambers that the Rugers.
Try new brass.
 
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