Model 617 Question

[Lefever]

Shot it again today and I'm glad to say no repeat of the leading. Tried 3 types of top quality ammo as mentioned earlier and Fed. Bulk pack. No leading problems and the CCI standard velocity and CCI Velocitors gave really good accuracy at 25 yds. The others were OK as well. I now think the problem was more the Rem. Bulk pack ammo.
Bob

 

[one eye joe]

Shot it again today and I'm glad to say no repeat of the leading. Tried 3 types of top quality ammo as mentioned earlier and Fed. Bulk pack. No leading problems and the CCI standard velocity and CCI Velocitors gave really good accuracy at 25 yds. The others were OK as well. I now think the problem was more the Rem. Bulk pack ammo.
Bob

GLAD TO HEAR THIS ! ! !

 

[jspick]

Well, Rem 22 ammo does not have a good reputation here because of leading, inaccuracy, many FTF, etc up here.

John

 

[TSQUARED]

When you shoot a lead bullet or a FMJ with exposed lead base you get some vaporization of the lead which deposits itself in the locations indicated on your photos. The deposit also contains carbon residue from the powder - the slower the powder the greater the residue. The amount of residue will be increased when shooting lead vs copper plated/washed 22 ammo but you will always get some residue irrespective of the bullet used. Centerfire shooters using JHP/CMJ bullets and very clean burning powders minimize but do not eliminate this residue.

 

[one eye joe]

When you shoot a lead bullet or a FMJ with exposed lead base you get some vaporization of the lead which deposits itself in the locations indicated on your photos. The deposit also contains carbon residue from the powder - the slower the powder the greater the residue. The amount of residue will be increased when shooting lead vs copper plated/washed 22 ammo but you will always get some residue irrespective of the bullet used. Centerfire shooters using JHP/CMJ bullets and very clean burning powders minimize but do not eliminate this residue.

YUP ! ! ! THAT SUMS IT UP VERY WELL, TSQUARED.......

 

[pctech]

Guys,

I took my 617 back out over the weekend, and this is what the frame top strap and forcing cone area look like after about 200 rounds of ammo. I shoot primarily Federal Bulk Pack 550 ammo that can be purchased at Wal-Mart. I've used this ammo for years in all of my .22lr firearms without issue.

(MUST OPEN PICTURES IN A FULL WINDOW TO SEE THE DETAIL!)





Once the leading starts, which only takes a few cylinders worth of shooting, I start getting power and lead blow-back that hits me in the face several times per cylinder. Obviously this can't be right, can it?

James

 

[one eye joe]

Well, Rem 22 ammo does not have a good reputation here because of leading, inaccuracy, many FTF, etc up here.

John

I agree, John. I dislike Remington ammo in any caliber.......

 

[jspick]

Your gun doesn't look that bad for 200 rounds. Each 22 is different.
But I doubt it is powder and lead blow back, but escaping gases that blows back.
Powder and lead would leave marks on your face. I hope you are using saftey glasses?

As for the gases that blow back I can only think of one thing and that is slightly over sized chambers. I have a marlin 45 colt and it did that with standard colt loads. If I loaded it up to a "warmer" load then the problem went away as the pressure was enough to expand the brass enough to seal the chamber.

Does your 617 do this with Hi-vel loads? Meaning more that the standard 22 hi-vel loads,(1280 fps). Maybe some others have better insight to this problem that I do.

John

 

[pctech]

John,

It is indeed either powder and/or lead that is coming back at me, as I can feel particles hit my face, and when I look in the mirror after shooting this gun, I can see small particles on my face and shirt. (Yes, I am using safety glasses.) I have experienced VERY occasional blow back with other revolvers, using certain loads, but nothing like this one does.

As noted above, I recently purchased one of the newly released Ruger SP101 .22lr revolvers, and it shows NO significant leading after shooting hundreds of rounds, and doesn't blow-back powder/lead. Why can't my S&W do the same thing?

I can try some higher velocity rounds in the 617 (CCI Stingers, perhaps?) out of curiosity, but if it won't shoot regular run of the mill bulk .22lr ammo, it's not acceptable to me. It defeats the purpose of having a .22lr.

James

 

[5Wire]

Email S&W [email protected] with your photos and your observations. Ask for their help in remedying the problem. I'm sure you'll get it.

 

[jspick]

James,

Wow! You actually have particles on your face! Forgive me for doubting you. I have never had that.

I would definately give S&W a call. That is unsafe.

Let us know what happens.

John

 

[m4bgringo]

I'm in the same boat. Once in awhile I get hit in the face also. After a hundred rounds or so the bullets don't just drop-into the cylinder anymore either, some have to be pressed-in a bit.

I'll contact S&W also and see what they have to say.