18-4 question...

[loutent]

I took my "new" (c.1980) 18-4 to the range today and in general, was pretty satisfied with it - put about 150+ rounds through it. The one thing I noticed was that the more I shot it, the more difficult it was to seat the cartridge - toward the end I had to apply some force (not a lot). This is my first 22 revolver and all my other Smiths, the cartridge just drops in with no effort. I did give it a prior cleaning - maybe I didn't hit the cylinders enough or is this normal. I would think that if heat was the issue, the cylinders would expand, not contract.

I was shooting pretty good CCI mini-mags, not the cheap stuff.

Any input appreciated.

 

[diamonback68]

You have experienced what is typical of model 18s and most other .22LR revolvers. Same happens on my 18-4. Tolerances are small on these chambers, 22LR ammo of most varieties is usually dirty and they get gummed up rather easily, usually before less rounds than you fired. Others will expound I am sure.

 

[jpwhel]

Many on the forum have similar experiences. Take a bore brush with you to the range, one larger than 22lr, and make a pass or two through the cylinders when they become sticky. I have a Mod 18-4 and a 34-1 that gets this way. Some ammo is better than others, I have good luck with CCI SV, it seems to be cleaner shooting.

 

[dt3201]

Another thing that can cause this is too much oil on the ejector rod and under the extractor star which will attract unburnt powder causing stiff ejector and affect cylinder rotation.

 

[loutent]

Thanks for the prompt replies! It could be too much oil also - I sprayed it with Ballistol and maybe I didn't get it perfectly clean - I definitely have a bore brush with me next time.

Thanks again - great information here.

 

[Casehardn]

I keep a few Q-tips in my range bag to clean powder residue from the recessed areas around the star. This helps them seat better.
They also are handy for cleaning out the cylinder notches where that troublesome powder residue likes to hide.