Titanium cylinder erosion (340PD) with 125gr factory ammo

[ScandiaTitan]

Titanium revolvers

I have over a dozen J, L, N models and never a single problem except for...
One I bought on GB with known problems.
Sent to S&W and told them I bought it used/abused but they fixed it for free anyway.

 

[Kingpros1326]

I just sent back my 340Sc back to Smith & Wesson after discovering minor cylinder erosion. I shot nothing but Speer Gold Dot 38+P 135g JHP ammo since this was the ammunition authorized by DHS/ICE for this revolver. The 340Sc and the 340PD were authorized weapons for ICE Investigations at that time. The S&W Customer Service technician asked if I shot ammo with bullets less than 120 grains. I said no. They sent me a return shipping label and an RMA number.

 

[JimCunn]

"The star was so poorly fitted that the trigger would basically lock up as the hand tried to override the star on two of the charging holes".

Takes an average of about five minutes per chamber to fix this. I usually do it during the commercials while watching television.

I've got three 637-2 Airweight J-frames. Each has one stainless and two titanium cylinder assemblies (cylinder, yoke, extractor, extractor rod, and cylinder pin) for a total of 3 stainless and six titanium assemblies. Three of the titanium .357Mag cylinders are rechambered for 9x19mm, which is what I usually shoot. I don't use anything lighter than 147gr, and so far, so good, knock wood. No erosion (I do get a lot of practice timing extractor stars

 

[murphydog]

I really wish I could find the magnums "in stock" somewhere.

Here they are - they only have two cases (20 boxes total) but maybe they will break up a case if you ask?

200 Round Case - 357 Magnum 135 Grain Gold Dot Hollow Point GDHP Personal Protection Short Barrel Ammo - 23917GD | SGAmmo.com

 

[JimCunn]

That's interesting performance from the Gold Dot.
135gr at 990fps is 298 ft-lb.
147gr 9mm at 946fps is 292 ft-lb.

Less difference than I expected.
I'll have to try some in my .357 cylinder to see if there is much difference in the perceived recoil with my 9mm cylinder.
Thanks for the info.

 

[Jeff460]

Titanium cylinder erosion problems and solution

I have a Model 329PD 44 Magnum and to prevent putting up with erosion problems I bought a Model 629 stainless steel aftermarket fluted cylinder with extractor, from Brownell's online. It cost about $150.00 and I switched it out and have a titanium spare cylinder for my revolver now.
I love the look of it and it is not such a rare occurrence. Even Smith and Wesson came out with a scandium-frame snub nose 44 magnum called an Alaskan Backpacker and used a stainless steel cylinder in that. It adds a few ounces of weight over the titanium but it is proven durable. It is still a very light to carry six-round 44 magnum versus the five-round Model 69 that weighs about 34 ounces. Hope this solution helps out. It worked for me.

 

[delcrossv]

I switched to nylon brushes for my Ti cylinder guns. No issues with wear on the coating (yet).