686 cylinder question

[jconstan]

I have a new 686 4" stainless revolver. I have noticed that the front of each cylinder hole is slightly smaller than the rear that accepts the cartridge. What would be the reason for this? I have read in these forums that someone was drilling out the cylinder holes because of lead deposits. That operation would certainly alter the holes on my gun, but I don't know if that would be a problem. Could someone tell me why the front of the cylinder holes are slightly smaller than the rear?

Thanks,
Jim

 

[Broker50]

That's normal. The bullet is smaller than the outside of the cartridge case. The front of the cylinder charge hole is called the throat, BTW.

 

[Crazy88Fingers]

The cartridge that holds the bullet is just a bit wider than the bullet itself. So the back end of the chamber needs to be a bit wider to accomodate loading the cartridge. The front of the chamber is narrower to keep the bullet on track into the barrel.

 

[jconstan]

That's normal. The bullet is smaller than the outside of the cartridge case. The front of the cylinder charge hole is called the throat, BTW.

Thank you -- throat it is.

 

[jconstan]

The cartridge that holds the bullet is just a bit wider than the bullet itself. So the back end of the chamber needs to be a bit wider to accomodate loading the cartridge. The front of the chamber is narrower to keep the bullet on track into the barrel.

Very good....thank you.