Finish reaming K22s, or, How To Solve Difficult Extraction In .22lr S&Ws

[Troystat]

For Notch8 I have a 17-4 and when I got it I had major problems with extraction of fired brass, after an action job that included polishing the cylinders it was much better. The gunsmith that did the work recommended just cleaning the cylinders with Hoppes #9 and then a clean patch, after that never a problem with any ammo that I tried. The gunsmith specifically said don't oil the cylinders after cleaning unless it was for long term storage. 35 years later the cylinders are still clean.

 

[Notch8]

Thanks to all who have offered suggestions. I will be trying to narrow down the possibilities over the next few weeks as I am extremely busy right now. The puzzling thing is that some ammo works just fine but then a different brand hangs up. That certainly would appear to be a problem with the ammo but as I said I will be experimenting to determine what is causing the difficult extraction.

 

[GaryS]

I did a deep cleaning of the cylinder using an old fashioned handle and jag with cotton patches. It helped, but there are still two sticking cylinders.

I'm going to take it to the range and do some shooting to see if it's worth sending it back to the factory. If so, I'll call customer service and see what they say.

 

[spclark]

Chamber Reamer for Wheelgun Cylinder?

Brownells Manson Reamer 513-051-220WB $45

So this is a chamber reamer, yes? But it's OK to use on a wheelgun's cylinder? As long as the user is really careful with how far to take it when doing a clean-up?

I just learned of this technique for making S&W cylinders less of a headache if extraction issues persist from a post on the AccurateShooter.com forum. I've had a K22 chambered for 22WMR that I haven't fired in maybe 15 years 'cause it's no fun at all having to use a chamber brush on each cylinder bore when I want to re-load. Just one firing makes chambering a fresh round difficult otherwise.

The reamer I ought to use for this is Brownell's / Manson's 513-050-020WB Rimfire Cartridge, .22 Win. WMR Finisher, right?

 

[Protocall_Design]

Brownells Manson Reamer 513-051-220WB $45


I just learned of this technique for making S&W cylinders less of a headache if extraction issues persist from a post on the AccurateShooter.com forum. I've had a K22 chambered for 22WMR that I haven't fired in maybe 15 years 'cause it's no fun at all having to use a chamber brush on each cylinder bore when I want to re-load. Just one firing makes chambering a fresh round difficult otherwise.

The reamer I ought to use for this is Brownell's / Manson's 513-050-020WB Rimfire Cartridge, .22 Win. WMR Finisher, right?

Yes, the .22 WMR finisher is the one you want. #513-050-020WB.

 

[2152hq]

Brownells Manson Reamer 513-051-220WB $45
.....

..... I've had a K22 chambered for 22WMR .......

The reamer I ought to use for this is Brownell's / Manson's 513-050-020WB Rimfire Cartridge, .22 Win. WMR Finisher, right?

#513-050-020WB reamer .22WMR Finisher is NOT the correct reamer for use in a revolver cylinder.

That reamer is for use in a Rifle bbl or in a semiauto pistol bbl.

I've read through all of the posts in this thread and probably only once or twice has the fact been mentioned that you need:

A "Cylinder Reamer' for reaming or recutting the chambers in a revolver cylinder.

The first reamer you referenced:
Reamer # 513-051-220WB
Rimfire Cartridge, .22 Long Rifle Finisher (Cyl)

This IS a correct reamer for use on revolver cylinders Note the 'CYL' reference on the reamer description.
But this is for cal .22LR, not the 22WMR you need.


The CYLinder Reamer differs from the usual barrel chambering reamer most often thought of, the kind used to chamber a rifle bbl, as the Cylinder Reamer DOES NOT cut a tapered lead with the chamber.
Also, the Cylinder Reamer has it's pilot the same dia as the chambers throat, that reduced dia just ahead of the chamber proper.
That throat dia is usually the groove dia of the bbl being used.

The pilot on a standard Rifle Bbl chamber reamer is bbl bore dia less a couple .0000". The pilot on the reamer rides on the lands of the bbl as the reamer is pushed in to cut the chamber.
Just behind the pilot the tapered lead of the reamer is machined to cut at the same time as the chamber is cut.

So you can place a rifle bbl chambering reamer into a revolver cylinder. The smaller pilot on the rifle reamer (bore dia) will slip right thru the revolver cyl throats. But then if you proceed to cutting, the rifle reamer will first cut the revolver throat area out to what you see looking down a rifle bbl. A tapered lead or throat.
Keep cutting and the reamer will cut/recut the chamber (.22lr in this case) w/o the benefit of a piloted tool. The final out come is not what you're looking for.

Finishing Reamer marked 'Cylinder' for use in Revolver cylinder.
Sometimes just marked 'C'
Look at the pilot end. Should be NO tapered throat or lead. Just the squared end of the case in profile, then the cylinder throat and pilot the same dia.

(Rifle barrel chamber reamers are generally marked 'Barrel' or just 'B".

Solid pilot is usually OK. You may need a floating/removable pilot if the throat is smaller in dia than the standard size that the reamer was ground to and it won't enter the chamber for you. You then order/buy a removable pilot for the reamer to replace the one that's on it. They are usually held on with a small C clip or some with a small #4 screw.
Solid pilot reamers can be converted to removable pilot reamers by their makers for about $50. Pilots are extra.

Reaming/recutting cylinder chambers isn't difficult. Simple precautions taken and the job comes out fine.
They used to sell a de-leading reamer mentioned in one of the posts. It was to remove just that,,lead and built up carbon and nothing else. No metal. A cleaning tool.
It's something that was used before going to a chambering reamer to see if simple cleaning would cure the problem first.
Never very popular.

 

[Jebus35745]

OK, free reamer use. Joe F sold a reamer, handle and cutting oil (Kit) in the forum classified for 50.00 and I was lucky enough to purchase the “Kit”. I paid nothing, Joe shipped to me for free. Through PM’s we decided to pass the reamer to who needs it, I had an offer to buy it after I used it. The reamer Kit is on it’s way to kraynky (Terry) right now. Add a post if you need it and when Terry is done using it, he will get your address and ship it to you to use. After you use it ship it the next person in line somehow keeping this in order. Kinda paying it forward, Larry

IF YOU Need TO USE IT, clear some PM’s from your inbox so the message will get to you.

 

[BC38]

OK, free reamer use. Joe F sold a reamer, handle and cutting oil (Kit) in the forum classified for 50.00 and I was lucky enough to purchase the “Kit”. I paid nothing, Joe shipped to me for free. Through PM’s we decided to pass the reamer to who needs it, I had an offer to buy it after I used it. The reamer Kit is on it’s way to kraynky (Terry) right now. Add a post if you need it and when Terry is done using it, he will get your address and ship it to you to use. After you use it ship it the next person in line somehow keeping this in order. Kinda paying it forward, Larry

IF YOU Need TO USE IT, clear some PM’s from your inbox so the message will get to you.

I have two that need reaming. A34-1 and a Rossi M70
Please put me on the list after kraynky.

 

[pantannojack]

Glad to read of your proper diagnosis and successful repair. I am not smart enough to understand why S&W did not do a proper job in building the piece. I have found a similar problem but feel I must start a new thread.

 

[kraynky]

OK, free reamer use. Joe F sold a reamer, handle and cutting oil (Kit) in the forum classified for 50.00 and I was lucky enough to purchase the “Kit”. I paid nothing, Joe shipped to me for free. Through PM’s we decided to pass the reamer to who needs it, I had an offer to buy it after I used it. The reamer Kit is on it’s way to kraynky (Terry) right now. Add a post if you need it and when Terry is done using it, he will get your address and ship it to you to use. After you use it ship it the next person in line somehow keeping this in order. Kinda paying it forward, Larry

IF YOU Need TO USE IT, clear some PM’s from your inbox so the message will get to you.

What a great group of like minded folks, that are so willing to help each other, "because it's the right thing to do"!

Larry has sent the "Joe K" reamer to me to use and pass along. (the name is Kerry by he way) But I've been called much worse, and considering one of my best friends is named Terry, I am not worried about it. I haven't received it yet, but expect to soon. According to Larry, it's only about a 45 minute job. I already have my 17-2 apart and have the cylinder in the vice ready to go.

Larry has sent me a name of who's next in line (but I don't have it in front of me at the moment), and I will gladly make use of the reamer on my 17-2 and forward the Joe K reamer along to the next fellow.

Thank you Joe and Larry! And the Forum!

 

[BC38]

What a great group of like minded folks, that are so willing to help each other, "because it's the right thing to do"!

Larry has sent the "Joe K" reamer to me to use and pass along. (the name is Kerry by he way) But I've been called much worse, and considering one of my best friends is named Terry, I am not worried about it. I haven't received it yet, but expect to soon. According to Larry, it's only about a 45 minute job. I already have my 17-2 apart and have the cylinder in the vice ready to go.

Larry has sent me a name of who's next in line (but I don't have it in front of me at the moment), and I will gladly make use of the reamer on my 17-2 and forward the Joe K reamer along to the next fellow.

Thank you Joe and Larry! And the Forum!

Unless there is another list somewhere I'm hoping that next guy is me

 

[Jebus35745]

Oops sorry Kerry. Looks like the tracking puts the reamer in Elizabethtown last night. Larry

 

[GaryS]

I took the easy way out and sent my 351C back to the factory for them to exam and fix whatever might need fixing.

It's there, but I have no idea when it will be done or sent back. Since it's a plinking gun, more or less, I'm not in a rush.

 

[tomahawk223]

I used the clymer reamer on 617, very easy with brownells Do-Drill work s like it should now. only had one gun to do so I sold reamer to forum member .

have also done the 11 degree forcing cone to stop the spitting of lead. works great now and will be getting rid of that tool soon as well.

S&W should start selling a revolver kit similar to a 80% AR since you have to purchase all the tools to make them right. A box of parts and you finish it your self. Its only old Smiths for me from here on.

 

[Protocall_Design]

Old Smiths can have all the same problems.

 

[ACORN]

How many guns can done with a reamer before its dull and can they be resharpened? Assuming no one abused it.
If feasible add me to the list.
My Mod. 17 is bad.

 

[BC38]

How many guns can done with a reamer before its dull and can they be resharpened? Assuming no one abused it.
If feasible add me to the list.
My Mod. 17 is bad.

At this point I think I'm next after Kerry (kraynky), then looks like I'll be sending it to you.

So right now unless I've missed something the order is

kraynky
BC38
Acorn

My 34 isn't as bad as the Rossi 70.
I did this once before on a High Standard Double Nine. Made a world of difference.

 

[kraynky]

Oops sorry Kerry. Looks like the tracking puts the reamer in Elizabethtown last night. Larry

Well that's odd, I just now looked it up & it said delivery expected on July 6th. Oh well, it'll get here when it gets here I suppose.
Kerry

 

[kraynky]

Tracking service says it arrived at 11:30 today Larry! Depending on when I get released from work, I don't expect it to take anymore time than yours did. Then it's off to BC38.

I don't know how long one should last, but I've never been one to be shy on using cutting oil when drilling or reaming. I think most 22's just need a tick of cleaning up and truing out, so I'd say that one should last a good while. I only have a 17-2 to clean up, so I doubt I hurt it any.

Thanks again to "Joe K" for being so generous! I'll be shooting my 17 once again!

Now if we could just find someone willing to donate a reamer in .452"

 

[BC38]

Tracking service says it arrived at 11:30 today Larry! Depending on when I get released from work, I don't expect it to take anymore time than yours did. Then it's off to BC38.

I don't know how long one should last, but I've never been one to be shy on using cutting oil when drilling or reaming. I think most 22's just need a tick of cleaning up and truing out, so I'd say that one should last a good while. I only have a 17-2 to clean up, so I doubt I hurt it any.

Yeah as long as everyone is generous with the oil I would expect one reamer to do dozens of cylinders.

On the High Standard I reamed the "cuttings" literally looked more like filings and there really wasn't even much of that. Collected all together for 9 cylinders it might have been a pile of filings about 1/4" in diameter - maybe a couple of grains worth, max.