S&W Model 19: .357 158-grain loads are way tight

[Rob893]

I've shot exactly 250 rounds of .38 special through this gun, and afterwards cleaned it thoroughly. This week I bought some .357 158-grain just to feel the kick, but decided not to fire any just yet.

The reason is, the rounds are really tight in the chambers, and have to be pushed firmly to get them to seat flush. Once I had six loaded and verified that I could close the cylinder, I opened her up and tried pushing the ejector rod, but it wouldn't budge with finger or thumb pressure. So I got my little plastic-head hammer and gave the end of the ejector rod a couple of light taps. That loosened it enough to unload the weapon.

I'm guessing there's still some lead build-up in the chamber throats, but lots of solvent and scrubbing with brass brush haven't helped. I wonder if it would be a good idea to fire up the Dremel and try to buff them out. If so, would a cloth wheel do the trick? I'm reluctant to use power tools unless absolutely necessary.

 

[Steve Marshall]

Almost certainly, you have tight chambers. Also likely I've found that most ammunition manufacturers don't crimp as well as they should.

 

[ToddDubya]

I had a similar problem on a .22 revolver. I used Q-Tips and car polishing compound and cleaned up the chambers. I just polished them long enough to where they stopped feeling gritty. It may or may not have been a good idea, but I did it anyway. Now the rounds slide in/out much easier.

 

[Pilgrim]

If the 357 round fits, even if it's tight, shoot it. If there's a carbon build up, it will be cleaned out when fired. I've never heard of anyone having problems doing this. Or you could put a brush in an electric drill and spin it slowly. I think a dremel might be a little fast for a brass brush.

 

[samandglove1]

That's good advice from Pilgrim.

 

[nheric]

i have used a flitz metal polish and bore mop in a electric drill to polish tight chambers in revolver cylinders in the past. it works great

 

[Rob893]

If the 357 round fits, even if it's tight, shoot it. If there's a carbon build up, it will be cleaned out when fired. I've never heard of anyone having problems doing this.

Yep, I went ahead and shot the .357. After the very first loads the rest fit in much more easily. Went back to the .38 special and then the rounds got tight again. I guess part of the solution is to save the .357 for the end.

I had a similar problem on a .22 revolver. I used Q-Tips and car polishing compound and cleaned up the chambers. I just polished them long enough to where they stopped feeling gritty. It may or may not have been a good idea, but I did it anyway. Now the rounds slide in/out much easier.

Will look into this.

Thanks to everyone who contributed.

 

[TY43215]

45 caliber brush on a short cleaning rod

 

[mark056]

Good advice from Pilgrim and avoid the Dremel otherwise your revolver might be making a trip to Springfield.