Chamber flame cutting

[Silvergoose]

I am very interested in the flame cutting question(s). I enjoyed looking at the photos Hapworth linked to in Google. After looking and thinking(not at the same time) it came to mind if the flame cutting is caused by the burning powder it would also erode the chambers, yes/no? If you are shooting .38 spl in a.357 magnum the gap between the bullet and the forcing cone is more than a .100.
What would be the effect of the chamber erosion, if any?

Should this be classed as much ado about nothing?

[Alk8944]

Originally Posted by Silvergoose

1) What would be the effect of the chamber erosion, if any?

2) Should this be classed as much ado about nothing?

Answer to 1, no effect. The much higher intensity .357 does not erode the chamber wall at the case mouth, does it? Then why would the .38 just because it is .135" shorter? People who believe this simply are not thinking it through logically.

Answer to 2, absolutely!

[Pisgah]

I saw those pictures and, frankly, what I saw was what I usually see -- a buildup of lead and powder residue that gets a groove worn in to it over time and LOOKS like flame cutting but is not. It's a tough area to clean, and many folks who think they are doing a good job of cleaning never put in the extra effort to do it.

As for chamber erosion from firing .38 in a .357 revolver -- that is likewise a cleaning issue. Allowed to build up, over time the residue can result in corrosion, just as never properly cleaning the bore can lead to corrosion, but if you thoroughly clean the chambers after a .38-shooting session you will never have a problem.

[Silvergoose]

Thanks for the responses. Those of us getting into the world of wheelguns must give the old hands a good laugh.
Education is cheaper than experience, thanks again for the input.

Good Luck