Problem with plated bullets in revolvers.

andyo5

andyo5

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I have been shooting Ranier plated bullets for several years without problems. But recently, I have found that if I shoot an extended session (100 or more rounds) through a .357 revolver, I get a glob of copper stuck to the forcing cone. This has happened in a Ruger single action and also in my model 66-1. This go around, it is the M66 (see photo). It started out as two small globs, but after cleaning, using my Lewis lead remover, and various other efforts; it is now a single flattened glob.
I am at a loss regarding how to get this copper out and would welcome some informed suggestions.
Thanks!
 

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You could buy a copper solvent which removes copper from rifle barrels OR you could buy some hot jacketed 357 Magnum ammo and see if you can blow it out.

As a former user of lead cast bullets, I highly recommend you switch to Hi-Tek coated bullets. They are cheaper than Rainier and very clean shooting.
 
andyo5 said:
I have been shooting Ranier plated bullets for several years without problems. But recently, I have found that if I shoot an extended session (100 or more rounds) through a .357 revolver, I get a glob of copper stuck to the forcing cone. This has happened in a Ruger single action and also in my model 66-1. This go around, it is the M66 (see photo). It started out as two small globs, but after cleaning, using my Lewis lead remover, and various other efforts; it is now a single flattened glob.
I am at a loss regarding how to get this copper out and would welcome some informed suggestions.
Thanks!
Click to expand...


Since you have been shooting plated bullets for years with no problems, but now you have problems in two revolvers, then something has changed. It is either bullets, cases, powder or powder charge, crimp, dies, crimp, press or perhaps a switch from standard to magnum primers.
 
I use Barnes copper removing solvent to clean my rifle barrels when I see hints of copper. It works well enough, but you do need to be patient and stay after it. They recommend a nylon brush. I have never had any luck with that, although I understand their concern for the bore. When I get really stubborn deposits I clean the Barnes stuff from the bore and use a bronze brush (sparingly) with Hopes #9, dry the barrel again, then go back to the Barnes solvent. Eventually, I can get everything out, but it can take some time.

I suggest considering powder-coated bullets and forgetting the plated ones. I’ve had exceptional results with powder-coated cast lead bullets and don’t buy plated anymore, for either pistols or revolvers.
 
stansdds said:
Since you have been shooting plated bullets for years with no problems, but now you have problems in two revolvers, then something has changed. It is either bullets, cases, powder or powder charge, crimp, dies, crimp, press or perhaps a switch from standard to magnum primers.
Click to expand...

Does the build-up always occur at same location
on the forcing cone?

Possibly a cylinder/barrel alignment problem?

Bent or worn yoke cylinder tube?
 
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I've fired literally tens of thousands of Ranier plated bullets through my revolvers with absolutely nothing like this occurring. It seems like there's a revolver problem at work here instead of a bullet problem.
 
I should also mention that the only problems I have had was with .357 magnum revolvers. No problems with 45 ACP, 45 Colt, or 9mm using Ranier plated bullets.
The problem has happened twice, with a Ruger single action and with a S&W Model 66, after approx. 100 rounds shot over a 2 day period. With both guns, no problem if I shoot only 50 rounds or so. It seems like a snowballing problem. A little bit of plating sticks, both times at the top of the forcing cone. Then more sticks to that and so it goes until you open the action and see the shiny spot where it is sticking. Load is 158g HP over 7.5g of Unique. Federal standard primer.
 
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Great picture but I do not see of know what a "Glob" is. I see something but nothing major(at least from the picture)??


Could be a bad plating batch of bullets, try some other brand or as suggested some Coated. Could be a slight burr in the forcing cone?? I don't know.


There is actually no solvent that really dissolves copper. Some do a little. The only one that works a bit it KG 12. (all the rest are advertising nonsense) Yes, super strong ammonia does but will eat up your blueing.


Use a NEW unworn bore brush, most people do not change them often enough.;)
 
andyo5 said:
Load is 158g HP over 7.5g of Unique. Federal standard primer.
Click to expand...

Andy, I'm not familiar with that particular load as I've never loaded with Unique. The thousands of rounds of Raniers I've shot have been standard power .38 Special loads in .38 cases, shot in revolvers chambered as .357.
 
S&WIowegan said:
You could buy a copper solvent which removes copper from rifle barrels OR you could buy some hot jacketed 357 Magnum ammo and see if you can blow it out.

As a former user of lead cast bullets, I highly recommend you switch to Hi-Tek coated bullets. They are cheaper than Rainier and very clean shooting.
Click to expand...

I switched and will never go back to plated. The Hi-Tek Coated bullet is the best thing that I've ever tried in 40 years of loading. Clean, accurate, cheaper than plated, and you can push them as hard as you want with no leading
 
Eddietruett said:
I switched and will never go back to plated. The Hi-Tek Coated bullet is the best thing that I've ever tried in 40 years of loading. Clean, accurate, cheaper than plated, and you can push them as hard as you want with no leading
Click to expand...

Okay, you coated bullet shooters. Recommend me some good brands of 158g coated bullets. SWC or RNFP.
I tried some a year or so ago but was not very impressed. They still smoked a bit, and gave off a sour smell like burning plastic. I also had some leading, although less than with regular lead bullets.
I also found that my blood lead level was elevated, and my doctor suggested reducing my exposure. I have COPD, and wish to avoid inhaling smoke or other noxious materials. That's why I went to plated bullets. I used to use Hornady jacketed bullets with no issues. I may go back to them.
 
I would use a good Copper remover like made by Shooters Choice.
Shooter's Choice Copper Bore Cleaning Solvent 8oz Liquid
It looks like the plating stripped off when the bullet hit the forcing cone and is in the barrel. Are you exceeding the recommended limits of the plated bullets? It looks like you might be.

I agree, you might want to switch to a Hi-Tek coated bullet.
 
I think that many of the posters here have mistaken the problem I have as copper fouling. It isn't that. It is copper that melted and fused itself to the forcing cone. It was very thick and concentrated in one spot. Which is why I called it a glob.
Anyhow, I got it out with a combination of chemistry and elbow grease. I had to abrade it out. It never did loosen and just fall out. I used my Lewis lead remover with some fine steel wool on top of the screen. Little by little, it came out.
Sweets 7.62 copper remover had no effect on it at all. Wipe out/Patch out removed a little bit at each application. But these copper fouling removers would not have got it done by themselves.
 
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