686 cylinder stuck - gun is loaded

[rajbcpa]

This gun is two years old, it is loaded and has a trigger safety lock.

A feeler gauge was inserted between the frame and the cylinder just behind the brass ammo case that currently is aligned with the barrel.

The feeler gauge will not pass behind the brass case/primer and the frame/hammer. The hammer cannot be pulled back. It looks like a primer has been pushed out of the brass case and into the hammer area of the frame but I didn't think this is possible.

I pushed a wooden rod down the barrel from the muzzle until it hit the lead bullet and the bullet appears to be stuck in the forcing cone (a squib load). Can I point the gun in a safe direction and push the bullet back into the spent brass case using a wooden rod and hammer to free the cylinder? If the primer that is behind the squib is still un-fired, can this action result in having the gun fire accidentally? If it is a squib, is it SAFE to assume that the primer has been fired and the stuck bullet can be forced back into the case without the ammo firing?



Thx...

 

[arjay]

If there's a bullet caught between the cylinder and forcing cone,the primer has fired already.Just tap the bullet back into the case and see if you can get the cylinder open.

 

[robert1804]

Just had my 2nd squib load ever a few days ago. A 66-8 with a 125gr Ranier plated bullet. It stuck in the forcing cone and was easy to tap back into the case far enough to open the cylinder. I used a wood dowel and a claw hammer. The first was was in 1980, a 14-3 with a soft wadcutter. That one actually made it out of the barrel.

 

[Peak53]

I agree that if the bullet has squibbed into to forcing cone, the primer has fired and cannot fire again. Try the feeler gauge between the forcing cone and the cylinder or hold it up to a strong light to look for a gap. It is probably obstructed and would confirm the blockage. Also, when you felt for the lodged bullet with the dowel, did you measure? Consider a liberal application of gun oil and using a brass rod nearly the diameter of the barrel rather than a wooden dowel, which could splinter, making the situation worse. Scary? Yes, the first time. Doable? Yes.

 

[rajbcpa]

OK - Issue solved. I re-checked the gun with a wood rod and the problem was a squib (bullet) in the forcing cone. I pushed the rod into the barrel and the lead bullet went back into the spent case. This freed the cylinder.

The primer was fired. ...not sure if the case had no powder or it was wet or some other reason why the squib happened.

 

[NJM15]

I have had a few of these myself , what I usually do is spray some wd 40 down the barrel and let it soak over night it will assist in knocking the bullet out.

 

[gnystrom]

Good work, glad it is repaired.

 

[AzShooter]

You did good. Especially for asking for help. Now, go to the local hardware store and buy a brass rod for taking care of squibs. The wooden dowel works but can break. Brass will not hurt the rifling.

I've had a few squibs myself. Always fun to learn a new press.

 

[rajbcpa]

when I checked the ammo the primer was spent but the brass case was filled with powder.

I assume the squib was caused by some car wax or some other substance getting in between the primer and powder. I used once-a-year car wax in my brass cleaning vibrator.

 

[9146gt]

My guess is that a fired case without the primer removed got reused.

Tom

 

[walter o]

how would the bullet move from the case to the forcing cone without a live primer ?i have had the same problem ( new case ,it pays to check powder level in cases, no powder ,and new primer )

 

[9146gt]

Was not sized and deprimed. No tension on the projectile.

Tom

 

[glenwolde]

Might be the car wax. I've had it not break up and a glob that was rolled in media get stuck in the bottom of the case. I caught it, but I see how a small one might not get noticed.

 

[indie_rocker]

OP, what kind of tumbling media do you use? I had a piece of walnut make its way into the flash hole and cause a squib on one occasion. It caused similar symptoms; mostly unburned powder but the jacketed bullet lodged itself an inch into the barrel. The revolver in my case did not lock-up and had I not noticed the odd feeling/sounding shot, I could have easily put another round behind the one stuck in the barrel.

 

[H Richard]

I made up this set back in the 80's when I was doing a lot of competition. I always carry in my range bag. I have only needed them once for myself, but they have been used by many others. Brass rod and a large wooden cabinet knob drilled out to fit the rod and epoxied in.