Case swelling question -

[dwever]

I've been running all kinds of .38, .38+P and .357 Magnum through my TRR8 with no problems. Yesterday I shoot a pretty hot load of Federal .357 Magnum (158 Grain 540 ft. lbs. American Eagle) through, and all eight cases resist ejection. So I poke 'em out from the face of the cylinder using my a cleaning rod.

So I pull out my carry 627 (2.625" Barrel) shoot the same ammo and the same thing happens, although the resistance to ejection was ever-so-slightly less with the 627. Today I'm seeing if that is also the case with my 586 L-Comp and M&P R8 with that ammo. Will know in a couple of hours.

Prior to yesterday the hottest I had put through the TRR8 was Remington .357 Magnum Golden Saber (125 Grain 413 ft. lbs.) with no problems. TRR8 is 35 ounces, with rail and optic probably just at 41 oz. 627 is 37 oz.

What is going on here with the bullet's case swelling? Thanks

Below are the two weapons it happened with:

 

[Duckford]

I used to shoot quite a bit of that load you had trouble with. It was a very cheap load, and available at the local store. Plus I like em hot, and it is indeed strong. In fact, if you watch a few videos on people's tests on it, its hotter than advertised, and I'll believe it myself. Honestly, between its accuracy and its very hot nature, best round for the Winchester 94ae I've ever shot, perfect for small to deer game. However, I've had the same type of problem you've experienced out of my cheapo Rossi revolver. Extraction is a big problem, and you have to pull the cases out. Not quite as difficult as your extraction, but required some strong hand pulling of individual cases.

Never had extraction problems from my carbine, nor out of my M27. I thought the my problems were due to Braziltech's lower cost and quality control, but your S&W problems are interesting.

 

[gwpercle]

Hot loads. Soft brass cases . The hotter the loads the greater the pressure the harder the extraction. That's the short story.
Gary

 

[M E Morrison]

Hot loads. Soft brass cases . The hotter the loads the greater the pressure the harder the extraction. That's the short story.
Gary

This is my take on it too!

 

[dwever]

Thanks gentlemen.

So if I'm going to get in the big boy .357 Magnum loads in the 550 - 700 ft. lbs. range, my takeaway here is that I need steel cases like typical self-defense loads are loaded in.

As an update, I did have the same stickiness with my 586 L-Comp today from the same box of American Eagle, I didn't even bother trying it on the M&P R8 as it is now the last clean revolver I own.

 

[M E Morrison]

Thanks gentlemen.

So if I'm going to get in the big boy .357 Magnum loads in the 550 - 700 ft. lbs. range, my takeaway here is that I need steel cases like typical self-defense loads are loaded in.

I don't think so, since I have never had this problem with any hot loads, from any company. Perhaps try some of the non-generic non-bargain brands & see what happens. Could be you just got a bad batch.

It could be that in today's economy, vendors are taking shortcuts?

 

[dwever]

I don't think so, since I have never had this problem with any hot loads, from any company. Perhaps try some of the non-generic non-bargain brands & see what happens. Could be you just got a bad batch.

Nevertheless, I ordered in from Midway USA some Federal Premium Vital-Shok 357 Magnum 140 Grain Barnes XPB Hollow Point Lead-Free. I've wanted some of that anyways, the case is of course nickel plated, and the energy is North of 600 ft. lbs. Thanks!

 

[gwpercle]

Thanks gentlemen.

So if I'm going to get in the big boy .357 Magnum loads in the 550 - 700 ft. lbs. range, my takeaway here is that I need steel cases like typical self-defense loads are loaded in.

As an update, I did have the same stickiness with my 586 L-Comp today from the same box of American Eagle, I didn't even bother trying it on the M&P R8 as it is now the last clean revolver I own.

Get a supply of Starline cases , brand new ones . These will be properly made . I recently purchased 200 brand new cases to replace my old , range picked up , odds and ends of mixed headstamp brass . The Starline stuff is top shelf , proper alloy and properly treated...it's tough and will handle magnum loads.
Don't exceed maximum published load data. I am assuming you reload, if not , it might be a combination of low-cost ammo and chamber roughness.
If you are still having problems with extraction , look at the chamber walls they might need polishing.
Gary

 

[Nevada Ed]

All cases expand when fired then spring back a little.

It sounds to me that the cylinder needs a copper brush with some solvent pushed through it and then a light coat of oil added with a dry patch to follow.

Spent cases should not stick into cylinders with a normal push of the hand unless it is pitted or dirty.

 

[Eddie Southgate]

Thanks gentlemen.

So if I'm going to get in the big boy .357 Magnum loads in the 550 - 700 ft. lbs. range, my takeaway here is that I need steel cases like typical self-defense loads are loaded in.

As an update, I did have the same stickiness with my 586 L-Comp today from the same box of American Eagle, I didn't even bother trying it on the M&P R8 as it is now the last clean revolver I own.

Only self defense load in steel I am aware of was the old GI 45 stuff. Not aware of any steel cased SD ammo being on the market. Brass is always the way to go anyway . It's slicker than steel and should extract easier. I would avoid the American Eagle load and be sure my chambers were clean.

Eddie

 

[gwpercle]

I just thought of something, if you have been shooting 38 special in your gun , make sure the cylinder chambers are scrubbed clean of any left over 38 special and 38 special +P residue . This buildup has been known to hinder extraction of the longer 357 magnum case when fired after the 38 special loads . The longer case grabs the build up and holds tight.
I always shoot magnums first , then shoot 38 specials and scrub the cylinders after every range session.
Gary

 

[Ogandydancer]

When I first opened this thread I thought he was going to reference Aluminum cased ammo. I well remember in the early to mid 80's when my son got his Dirty Harry pistol he shot some alum. cased in it and it was extremely hard to extract the cases.

Which is to this day why I will NOT shoot any of it in my autos. I also stay away from any steel cased ammo.

 

[gunfun51]

I bought some WOLF brand .357, steel cases with a polymer (?)coating,
shot it in a EAA revolver then the S & W 686, ammunition swoll up , I had to use a wooden dowel to push them out. Lubed the cylinder real good and tried again. Same outcome. Wolf is now off limits for me.

 

[weatherby]

Sounds to me like you have an excessively hot box of factory ammo.
I'd be ceasing and desisting with it.

 

[ridgewalker]

Okay so I know this is an old thread but I believe the problem is the American Eagle brass. I noticed my 617 shoots most 22 LR ammo with no extraction problems but when I shot some American Eagle 22LR recently I was having a lot of sticky cases. AE might use a softer grade of brass.

 

[DWalt]

AE=Federal. The two use the same brass.