I'm looking at this Model 66 with a recessed barrel and the ammo I was given (believe to be reloaded) doesn't fit flush so you can't really close the barrel. Upside down they seem to. Is it just dirty or are these loads messed up? Could anything be wrong with the gun? See photo
Model 66 cylinder issue
- Thread starter Ryan1522
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
gfors
Member
if those are legit .357 cartridges, the cylinder looks to be 1/10" short, meaning it's probably from a .38 special, like the model 64.
Welcome to the forum.
Welcome to the forum.
Last edited:
Bumpus13
Member
.38 special cylinders weren't recessed, only the magnums (and rimfires) were.
Clean the cylinder thoroughly, or try other .357 rounds.
Richard Simmons
Member
It's a cylinder not barrel. Is it possible the ammo, if reloads weren't resized properly?
Last edited:
RevolverJim
Member
Several possibilities to consider.......
First, it appears that the cartridge rims are not the problem and doubtful that the recesses in the cylinder are the problem if the recesses are clean.
Check each chamber in the cylinder to confirm that there is no build up of fouling in the chambers.
My guess is that either the chambers are fouled with powder residue from firing .38 Special cartridges or the cartridges that won't quite chamber properly are reloads that don't have the proper crimp (maybe excess crimp causing the case to bulge a bit).
Try some known factory ammo........
First, it appears that the cartridge rims are not the problem and doubtful that the recesses in the cylinder are the problem if the recesses are clean.
Check each chamber in the cylinder to confirm that there is no build up of fouling in the chambers.
My guess is that either the chambers are fouled with powder residue from firing .38 Special cartridges or the cartridges that won't quite chamber properly are reloads that don't have the proper crimp (maybe excess crimp causing the case to bulge a bit).
Try some known factory ammo........
I would agree the most likely suspect would be debris left from firing .38 Special cartridges that leave a ring at the end of the case. The Winchester and Remington 130 grain bullets will leave a very hard ring that will inhibit chambering .357 Magnum cartridges. Lots of scrubbing with a bronze chamber brush is required to get them clean.
I'm going to try and find some new ammo today. I'm feeling something is wrong with that ammo. The gun could use a cleaning, but I don't think there is that much residual to hinder the fitting alone. Also I've read these guns can have issues at the cone if heavy 357 shooting happens. This is my first revolver but how obvious would that damage be? This is a 1976 no dash fyi
Bumpus13
Member
Some K-frame magnums have ended up with cracked forcing cones @ the 6:00 position (at the flat spot) It's caused by firing a bunch of hot 125 gr. .357 ammo … it would be pretty obvious.
Stick with standard 158 gr. bullets in .357 Magnum & you'll be fine.
As few as 25 rounds of 38 can cause troubles chambering 357's. Scrub the chambers with a bronze brush and good solvent, then try again.
I'd also check for debris under the extractor star.
I'll try a good cleaning first. I'm only able to locate 38 specials right now and plan to fire a few today provided those fit ok. Is there any chance the 38s vs 357 mags would fit differently in the recessed part? I know the length is different, but my understanding is the diameter and lip should be the same, yes?
kpoesq369
US Veteran
I used to use a Lewis lead remover in the cylinder after shooting a lot of 38s in my 19s. Got out lots of fouling.
Your picture is out of focus, so I can't be certain. Take a look at the crimp. It appears you have handloads with an excessive crimp. If there's a bulge you might have trouble chambering the cartridges. If there's a carbon fring from firing 38 Special cartridges, that would add the the problem.
FWIW, don't be too quick to ". . . fire a few today provided those fit ok." You'd be wise to check for the potential problems already noted by other posters here before shooting.
FWIW, don't be too quick to ". . . fire a few today provided those fit ok." You'd be wise to check for the potential problems already noted by other posters here before shooting.
Hair Trigger
US Veteran
My assessment as well. There's only 0.135 inch difference between a .38 Spl. case and a .357 case, which is what those rounds (in your picture) look like they're short-seating at. My guess is a hard carbon ring in the chamber, the gun needs a thorough cleaning and then a re-test to see if those cartridges seat properly.
And I'd give that ammo to someone else, unless you actually saw it being reloaded and are certain of the specs (powder load and type). Buy some factory loads for it. I am a reloader but I won't use someone else's reloads in my firearms.
Here is my advice:
Never shoot handloads of unknown origin in any of your guns. The risk is too high and there is no upside.
Sometimes I end up with handloads of which I know nothing. The only thing I ever do with them is pull the bullets with a inertia puller, burn the powder in a tin plate, dispose of the primers and keep the brass and bullets for my own handloads, if they are not damaged in any way.
Never shoot handloads of unknown origin in any of your guns. The risk is too high and there is no upside.
Sometimes I end up with handloads of which I know nothing. The only thing I ever do with them is pull the bullets with a inertia puller, burn the powder in a tin plate, dispose of the primers and keep the brass and bullets for my own handloads, if they are not damaged in any way.
I agree with those that suggest carbon or lead buildup in the chambers. A quick cleaning won't do the job. Some elbow grease is in order. A chunk of chore boy wrapped around a 38 cal brass bore brush will get it as well as any other method.
Just an update for those that care. I wasn't able to fire it today but did find some 38 SP. Those fit decent in the cylinder. I've been cleaning the chambers because there is a heavy carbon buildup. The 357 mag I was given is actually sitting pretty good now. It's seems the buildup in the chambers is mostly to blame. I still need do more and will probably have to resort to some more aggressive measures. Could I put the cylinder in my ultra sonic cleaner with some simple green aircraft cleaner?
RevolverJim
Member
I wouldn't use simple green unless I was certain that it contains no ammonia or other caustic or acidic ingredient.
Similar threads
- Locked
