627PC, Wolff springs and Federal Primers

[t0066jh]

Just got an almost new 627PC. I plan to use it for ICORE and Steel Challenge. The trigger is smooth but not as light as some I've felt. Before I change out the springs for Wolff Reduced power main and rebound. Am I going to need Federal primers or will my Winchesters work? Federals seem like they are nowhere to be found.

Edited to change from Wilson springs to Wolff springs...my error in original post.

 

[t0066jh]

Just got an almost new 627PC. I plan to use it for ICORE and Steel Challenge. The trigger is smooth but not as light as some I've felt. Before I change out the springs for Wolff Reduced power main and rebound. Am I going to need Federal primers or will my Winchesters work? Federals seem like they are nowhere to be found.

Edited to change from Wilson springs to Wolff springs...my error in original post.

 

[bountyhunter]

The only way to know is to try it. When I set up my comp gun, I use a stock spring which I bend to reduce the spring force so that I get the right amount with the strain screw backed 1/4 turn out from full in. I loctite the screw and use that extra 1/4T if I ever get misfires. I know how much spring to put in because I've done quite a few, but the springs are cheap and it ain't brain surgery. You could do it with a little time. That way you are not at the mercy of whatever spring is available like the Wolff RP or whatever (which are good springs, but not adjustable).

 

[tomcatt51]

Originally posted by t0066jh:
Am I going to need Federal primers or will my Winchesters work?

Winchesters will work but will require more main (hammer) spring tension. You won't be able to get as light a DA pull.

 

[t0066jh]

Today I called Wolff springs 800 number. I asked them their opinion. They said. "Our experience is that most, but not all people do not have a problem with light strikes and a requirement to use Federal primers.
They also recommended to start with the #15 rebound spring (the stiffest) and then work your way down to the "feel" and reliability you are looking for.

 

[tomcatt51]

This is a question where the answer can be deceptive. Depending on how long your strain screw is, and/or how far it's screwed in, a Wolff reduced power main spring can be made to light Winchester primers with 100% reliability or only light Federals. FWIW my new 627 Pro seems to have a Wolff reduced power main spring as original equipment and an unusually long strain screw.

 

[bountyhunter]

Originally posted by tomcatt51:
This is a question where the answer can be deceptive. Depending on how long your strain screw is, and/or how far it's screwed in, a Wolff reduced power main spring can be made to light Winchester primers with 100% reliability .

Be warned about Wolff RP mainsprings: see that "rib" down the middle? The end of the strain screw goes against it and over time (not that long) turning the strain screw in and out tapers (cone shapes) the head of the screw and effectively reduces the length and spring force. That's why I stopped using them. They are good springs but they do taper the strain screw heads and sometimes gave me light strikes.

 

[tomcatt51]

Originally posted by bountyhunter:

Originally posted by tomcatt51:
This is a question where the answer can be deceptive. Depending on how long your strain screw is, and/or how far it's screwed in, a Wolff reduced power main spring can be made to light Winchester primers with 100% reliability .

Be warned about Wolff RP mainsprings: see that "rib" down the middle? The end of the strain screw goes against it and over time (not that long) turning the strain screw in and out tapers (cone shapes) the head of the screw and effectively reduces the length and spring force. That's why I stopped using them. They are good springs but they do taper the strain screw heads and sometimes gave me light strikes.

The problem is the strain screw is too soft. It's a poorly chosen alloy/heat treat. My 627 Pro came with a truncated cone tip on it's strain screw to match the (original equipment) Wolff spring. The stock screws mushroom and deform against the flat springs also. Gunsmithing must be tough for an expert who can't figure out how to drill a front sight blade.