New 640 Pro and Range result, moon problem?

[rangemeister]

Got myself a new 640 Pro Friday Morning. A gun I had been seeking and finally got one. It is a real nice gun. Lines are smooth and the night sights are very nice despite some arguments that these are not necessary on a belly gun. Well, I am not going to argue one way or another, but will say that the sights were very nice as I shot at 21 ft targets on a cloudy day. I found them most useful and intend to give the gun a 25yd workout in the near term.

I was worried the trigger would be a little tough, but the thing is VERY smooth and not at all difficult to fire off. I don't have a gauge but willing to bet it is in the 8-10 lb range. I had purchased an Apex kit, but I don't think I need it.

The 357's were pretty brutal (125 Winchester) but the 38's were very doable!

I did have an issue with the moonclips. Each and every time I shot either the 38 spec, 357 or 38 super, there would be ONE round that the cylinder would not rotate to get the round into battery. (generally #5) I could not move the cylinder without pulling the trigger and moving the cylinder by hand and on the return trip, would not fire again. ALL rounds fired w/o problem when not using the moon clips. I asked a local Gun smith friend of mine and he thought the same as I did, somehow the head space is getting altered during the shooting process. The clips don't appear to be damaged and I cannot see any distortion on the cylinder. Anyone???

 

[rangemeister]

Went back to range after thoroughly cleaning the gun. Measured each round with Moon Clip/ammo inserted while inside cylinder. All matched at around 1.45, front of cylinder to rear of cartridge. So, back to range and not a single problem. Fired 15 cylinders of moon clips. 5 each and all worked fine. 130 gr Amer Eagle and 135 gr Speer, my carry defense stuff. Will try these again to insure they are good to go. Also installed Apex and now trigger is golden!

Should say 1.65

 

[Macinaw]

I have some experience with moon clips and have noticed that the rounds do better when they rotate freely within the notch of the moon clip. If they do not "spin" within the moon clip they usually will not go into the moon clip checker.

 

[Bill In Texas]

Congratulations!

 

[rangemeister]

Have had some experience with moon clips and I appreciate your advice.

 

[armorer951]

Curious as to your measurement of the area between the rear of the loaded shell casing and the breechface. What is "1.45" ?

 

[rangemeister]

Cylinder measure

Curious as to your measurement of the area between the rear of the loaded shell casing and the breechface. What is "1.45" ?

No, I goofed up, 1.65 it actually the correct dimension. I will post a pic. My Bad LOL Each cylinder measured the same with a full load of mooned rounds.

 

[gnystrom]

I love my 640Pro and only use the moonclips on the first load which really insures complete ejection. Thanks for the tip though. I will always check to make sure my cylinder completely rotates when loading a moonclip.

 

[rangemeister]

I love my 640Pro and only use the moonclips on the first load which really insures complete ejection. Thanks for the tip though. I will always check to make sure my cylinder completely rotates when loading a moonclip.

That is exactly what I want the moon's for. I think there was trash lodged in the cylinder so that the moons would not lay flat?. They are working now, but will not use until shot a few more times though.

 

[oldsman70]

Have a 327 and a 642 Pro, Have found that Moon Clips are are hit and miss with ammo find ammo that works with the clips you have and stick with it. The 642 with the smaller clips are harder to use,the rounds are supposed to be loaded by hand but with old hands its tough and they bend easy with the Moon Clip loader. Good Luck

 

[gehlsurf]

I'm new to moonclips, and so will keep up with this thread. With saying that, I got some moon clips with my trr8, came with the gun. Ordered a moon clip loader (forgot name but metal with aluminum button type bolt to hold the clip and arm spring loaded that pushes the rounds into it). I was all excited, but my moon clips didn't fit the red button bolt thing. I called and just told the guy I would order whatever fits the tool I bought and throw out the others. Then he asked if I did competitions? I said no, he got me a more "universal" style clip that I have had zero any issues with. Point is, there are a ton of different options, including some that are really only made for 2 or 3 types of ammo according to the sales rep. Maybe you have an issue like this? But like I said, I'm new to them, just thinking here.

Also, totally random thought here, but maybe by the time you got to round 5 or so the clip worked it's way back a little? Much like large caliber revolvers have issues with, if cartridges are too loose in cylinder. one case backs out from pressure/recoil and jams the cylinder, in this case one casing works out the whole thing? Again, probably totally wrong here, just thinking aloud here.

 

[gnystrom]

Over the years there are dozens of threads concerning 38/367 and moonclips. Unless you are a competition shooter that has great hand skills, I see no practical use for these things. An alternative to reloading your wheel gun in a stylish manner.
I just gave my block and speedloaders away as I prefer to take my time and enjoy the process.