Revolver spitting

[Passaggper]

Hey guys. Forgive me as I am new to shooting revolvers. I was at the range yesterday shooting my 586 no dash and was getting "stung" on the left cheek (I'm right handed) while shooting rem 357 mag 125gr rounds. I didn't experience any of this while shooting 38 special rounds. It actually got to be very unpleasant. I checked my cylinder gap and it's around .006" and there is a slight bit of end shake. The alignment in full lockup appears to be dead center. Do you think I should just take it to a gunsmith? Thanks for you help.

 

[OKFC05]

Getting bits of carbon or partially burnt powder blown out the gap from some ammo is not uncommon. The barn burner 125gr loads seem particularly susceptible to this.
Sounds like the gun is probably fine. A lead shaver would tend to do it all the time.

 

[Passaggper]

That's good to know. Thanks!

 

[Retired W4]

I would pull the hammer back very slowly on each chamber to see if the cylinder stop is falling in place BEFORE the hammer locks back. If the hammer locks back and you can rotate the cylinder just slightly and hear that click of the stop falling in you may have a timing issue. All this on an unloaded gun, of course!! Sometimes if the hammer is pulled back quickly or when shooting rapid double action, the rotational velosity of the cylinder is enough to get the stop in place before the hammer drops.

 

[Passaggper]

The cylinder stop does click into place before the hammer locks back. I tend to take my time while shooting, also. Thanks for your help.

 

[Retired W4]

Great! Timing issues are a real pain. Glad to hear yours in good.

 

[amazingflapjack]

You might try a heavier bullet in SWC.

 

[FRAN357]

IT COULD BE THE BARREL.CHECK F.CONE .

 

[JoeHatley]

Check your gun for cleanliness. The frame area around the barrel will build up lead and powder fouling from your .38 special rounds, then your .357 magnum rounds will blow it loose and back into your face.

 

[Passaggper]

These are all good tips. Thank you all. I guess I need to take it back to the range and do some experimenting.

 

[Az. revolver fan]

Clean the forcing cone area and cylinder chamber "throats" (especially if you have been shooting .38's) well and then measure the barrel/cylinder gap on ALL six chambers. If the B/C gap is the same on all six and there are no deposits on or just inside the forcing cone or chambers, try the range again.

 

[Bullet Bob]

As others have said, the .357 is prone to this, especially with the lighter bullets. I remember years ago a well-known gunwriter was doing a multi-gun .357 test, and wore one of those clear plastic welders masks for all-day .357 testing.

If you're getting stung on the left cheek, that makes sense as the right side of your face is directly behind the gun. I bet if you shot the gun left-handed and "left-eyed", the right side of your face would get stung.

An incredible amount of stuff comes out of revolver cylinder gaps with high-pressure rounds. Somewhere on the net there's a picture of someone who either didn't read, or didn't believe, the instructions with his .500 magnum (could have been a .460, I'm getting old), and put his thumb alongside that gap - he no longer has all the pieces of that thumb.

It could be unburned powder, vaporized pieces of lead, or a sign from above that Specials are the way to go for fun shooting. It's definitely a good reminder about wearing eye protection.

Don't get me wrong, I love the .357 magnum; I think it's the best general purpose centerfire handgun round we have.

 

[andyo5]

I had this problem with my 'hot' .357 reloads. When I downloaded a bit, the problem disappeared.

 

[627 city hunter]

Shooting lead at at you, eh? Though my 627 PS or other S&W never did this, my dad's Colt's .357s launch lead everywhere! its like bad fireworks. Haha.

 

[CWH44300]

Has the others have said try different ammo, I'm betting the gun is fine and you'll be too when you find a 158gr load that you both like

 

[confederate]

I had the same problem with a model 637. It spit what ever it was out
and actually made my ear bleed. Thought it was the ammo so I tried a different brand and it did it again. I sent it back to smith& wesson. They replaced the cylinder and did something else but I cant remember what it was.