S&W 642 and Blazer Aluminum .38 Special 158gr LRN

[Sconie]

Out at the range this past week, I had an interesting development arise while firing Blazer Aluminum .38 Special 158gr LRNs in a S&W 642 Airweight.

Specifically, on 3-4 different occassions, after loading the revolver and firing 2 or 3 (out of a possible 5) rounds, I found that the cylinder would no longer rotate----and upon investigating----much to my chagrin----found that the lead round nose projectiles (with no cannilure on them) had worked themselves loose from the aluminum case, to the point where they were projecting out through the front-end of the cyliner, and in so doing, preventing the cylinder from advancing.

Has anyone else experienced something like this?

Interestingly, I tried to replicate the occurrance, that same day, using two other S&Ws I had brought along (a 66-4 and a 686), and was unable to do so.

I am prone to think that the recoil associated with using a very lightweight firearm is probably causing this. Then too, could it be that this is more likely to happen with an aluminum cased cartridge (as compared to brass)----my impression being that aluminum tends to be more "springy" as compared to brass, etc.?

As a side note, I do not use these cartridges as my "carry" rounds in that gun----I use the likes of Federal Premium or Speer Gold Dot, etc., with a crimped bullet, as my preferred "carry" round.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts that you might be able to send my way!

 

[ContinentalOp]

I am prone to think that the recoil associated with using a very lightweight firearm is probably causing this. Then too, could it be that this is more likely to happen with an aluminum cased cartridge (as compared to brass)----my impression being that aluminum tends to be more "springy" as compared to brass, etc.?

I suspect this is the correct conclusion. While I haven't experienced it myself, I've heard of issues with using FBI loads (i.e., lead hollowpoint +P) in the Airlite guns (340, 360, etc.) because recoil can cause the bullet to pull forward in the remaining rounds, enough to tie up the gun.

I've never had that happen on the rare occasion I've used lead bullets (Buffalo Bore std. pressure FBI loads) in my 642, but they were brass-cased ammo.

 

[Old cop]

The problem you've identified is called jumping crimp and S&W puts a warning on some models of their Titanium .357 J frames: "No bullet lighter than 120 grains." Owning a 340PD I called S&W and asked if that referred to .357 only and was told yes. At the range the gun ran fine with the FBI +P 158 grain lead hollow point in .38, and every other self defense round in thirty-eight. I don't plan on shooting or carrying magnum rounds so it's a non issue for me.

 

[38SPL HV]

I'm surprised std velocity ammo did this in your 642. Try Reminton 158 gr RN, bet they won't creep on you.

 

[alwslate]

I would tend to think that it's more of a bullet problem. I've shot
various handloads with cast 158 gr cast bullets out of my lightweight
J frames without ever seeing any bullet creep. They were in brass
cases of course but all bullets had a crimp groove which allowed a
roll crimp.

 

[OKFC05]

That's odd. I've shot various handloads with 158gr bullets including plated with no cannelure in my 442 and never experienced bullet creep.

 

[kaaskop49]

Different lots of this LRN ctge seem to perform differently. One of my 36s would jam up on this load, while an identical Chief would eat it up and beg for more. I'm presently working my way down several boxes of this ammo given to me by a pal and my J-frame .38s are having a ball with it. This does not mean that the next J I try it in won't stutter. Never had C-J with it, though.

OP: this is a pure range round. Do NOT think about using it for carry. If you practice with it, make sure you have another ammo type for carry on the trip home.

Kaaskop49
Shield #5103

 

[Nevada Ed]

I have loaded lead 158 gr RN bullets that did not have a cannelure in my 21 oz. J frame to match standard Federal ammo in my snub nose at 655fps, with a light crimp and never had a bullet pull loose.

I am thinking it is due to the aluminum cases, that might not have as good a grip as the brass cases.

You might try a SWC bullet that usually have a little deeper cannelure and see if the problem goes away.

 

[.455_Hunter]

I generally don't have an issue with CCI products, but their 158 gr LRN .38 special loading is about the worst factory .38 round on the market- poor crimp, dirty powder, excessive leading.