I'm experiencing some difficulty when loading full moon clips into the cylinder of my S@W 625. This happens especially wirt5h the SWC loads. I understand that the charge holes can be chamfered to an extent that the hangups can be minimized. My question is, can an experienced individual do this operation? What type of tool, angle, depth etc is required to accomplish this procedure? I was a machinist for 30 years and I realize that the operation is a fairly routine one. Can anyone provide an answer for me?............Dan.
Chamfering 625 Charge holes
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Brownells has several different chamfering tools available. I've used these and other similar tools with good results. Use caution and follow recommendations and instructions.
45° MUZZLE/CYLINDER CHAMFERING CUTTER & STEEL PILOT | Brownells
45° MUZZLE/CYLINDER CHAMFERING CUTTER & STEEL PILOT | Brownells
tomcatt51
Member
+1 Make sure you get the 5/8" OD cutting tool.
While you're doing this you also need to ream the chambers. You'll find they're undersize. Enough so the chamfer tool pilot won't go far enough into the chamber to allow chamfering the chambers without reaming the chambers or turning down the pilot.
Chamber reamer: 184-051-450WB
PISTOL CHAMBERING REAMERS | Brownells
When you chamfer the chambers remove the "star".
Cal44
Member
I have a brand new 625JM that has been to the range once and had about 60 rnds through it.
I found the moon clips of spent cartridges just fell out -- didn't even need to push the extractor rod.
And the new ones dropped in easily.
Of course I was using 230 grn 45 acp ball, so perhaps SWCs would be a problem.
But as it stands now, I see no need for chamfering
I found the moon clips of spent cartridges just fell out -- didn't even need to push the extractor rod.
And the new ones dropped in easily.
Of course I was using 230 grn 45 acp ball, so perhaps SWCs would be a problem.
But as it stands now, I see no need for chamfering
tomcatt51
Member
Try doing reloads "on the clock" in competition. It's a whole different ball game. You want the chambers reamed and chamfered and with BIG chamfers, not just breaking the edge. You can get probably get away with not reaming the chambers if you only use factory ammo. Reloads with brass that's been fired in a semi-auto are the most problematic.
SWC will still be difficult (but better) even with chamfering. RN are best probably followed by RNF and TC.
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That's a pretty good outlay of cash. I know good tools are expensive but I've only got the one 625. It might be a better idea for me to send it back to S@W for their "enhancement" or whatever they're calling it package............Dan.
BlueOvalBandit
Member
Depends on the end use, S&W's version of chamfer is breaking the edges. If you want it aggressive for on the clock reloads you have to do it yourself or get a smith to do it. Same goes for reaming, S&W says undersized out of round chambers are "in spec". There are a few places you can rent chamber reamers and chamfer tools.
B.O.B. Although your information is greatly appreciated, myself and Competition are now a thing of the past. A recent Coronary Bypass has seen to that, and I'm just looking for a solution to loading moon clips in a much easier fashion. Thanks........Dan.
A standard 1/2" HSS counter sink will work, if you have a good eye, and steady hands/nerves. It's not that hard, really.
tomcatt51
Member
Sorry, but "A standard 1/2" HSS counter sink" won't work. The chambers are ~.485" at the mouth so "A standard 1/2" HSS counter sink" will only, at best, break the edge IF you can hold a non-piloted cutter centered. I have both the 1/2" and 5/8" tools and the 1/2" doesn't do anything usefull on a 625.
If you're going to be doing competition reloads on the clock forget about using SWC ammo. Use ball or at least RNFP bullets. A clip full of SWC will hang you up when you're going full speed. Trust me. Maybe not every time but it only takes a few. Chamfering will help some with round nose bullets, with SWC it makes very little difference. I shot USPSA and steel and pin matches with a 625. I never used SWC ammo unless I was punching holes in paper with no clock running.
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as I stated in my previous post, competition is a thing of the past. I have some 225gr swc from Penn bullets and just received 500 - 255gr.swc from X-Caliber (sweet lookin bullet for some experimenting with my 625 in the 45 acp. Might try my hand at some medium game hunting with it.............Dan
chipking
Member
Being a metallic ammo reloader for about 40 years I had on hand several universal case chamfering tools. I have used the 6 fluted Forester one to break the edge on several of my Smiths. I then follow with a polish using 1000 grit or crocus cloth on a tapered wood dowel. I do this just to make the reloads a little faster and more hassle free. I do NOT compete on the clock (at 65 my biggest time waster is ME not the load). This also helps if you are using a speed loader and are just tired of fumbling around.
Chip King
Chip King
tomcatt51
Member
It will if you think just breaking the edge is enough. I measured the chamfers on my 625, they're ~.540" OD. You can't do that with a .500 OD countersink.
You don't have to shoot competition to appreciate how much nicer a 625 with chamfered and reamed chambers is.
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jdickson397
Member
I bought a 625 a couple of years ago with a "do-it-yourself" chamfering job that looked terrible. I am not sure why I bought it. Worked okay but hurt the resale value. I would just send it to a competent gunsmith and get it done professionally. You are going to pay one way or another.
varmint243
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go big or go home
GEEZE,
That sure makes that one a one owner gun for the rest of forever.
I think that falls under the category of ....
"everything we must do, we must do to excess'
tomcatt51
Member
I wouldn't say that. I had two fully match prepped 5" 625s. I sold one and the purchaser was tickled pink to get an already prepped gun.
FWIW mine are chamfered kinda midway between the two pictured cylinders.
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