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Bullets slipping the crimp in lightweight 5-holers

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 10:37 pm
by Greybeard
A reminder here in regard to some bullets in some cases "slipping the crimp". Smith and Wesson was the first I recall putting such warnings in their instruction manuals, especially on the guns in the 11 and 12 ounce range. From testing (load 5, shoot 4, then compare the last one to others in the box) we have done at the range and observed over the years, the slippage can happen even with some of the "standard weight" 15 oz. models. The slippage has been usually only slightly visible, but occasionally enough to keep the cylinder from rotating.

However, just yesterday I observed an incident with the semi-new 17 ounce 9mm Ruger LCR and the Federal Aluminum cased 115 grain bullets. A buddy had shot 4 of 5 rounds then proceeded to unload the cylinder by ejecting the moon clip with four empties and 1 live round (which he planned to use in loading up another full moon clip for his wife). The bullet on that 5'th round fell completely out of the aluminum case and all the powder spilled out onto the shooting bench. :eek6

Re: Bullets slipping the crimp in lightweight 5-holers

Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2015 11:03 pm
by Middle Age Russ
We had a Scandium Frame, Titanium Cylinder S&W 325 PD that we could not use the aluminum cased Blazer .45 ACP in. If 6 rounds were loaded in the cylinder, by the time four or five rounds were fired, you could count on the sixth acting almost like a squib or the cylinder locking up due to the bullet being pulled bit by bit from the case due to their momentum and the recoil impulse. Brass cases seem better able to maintain the tension needed to hold the bullet in place.

Re: Bullets slipping the crimp in lightweight 5-holers

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 9:53 am
by bmwrdr
Middle Age Russ wrote:We had a Scandium Frame, Titanium Cylinder S&W 325 PD that we could not use the aluminum cased Blazer .45 ACP in. If 6 rounds were loaded in the cylinder, by the time four or five rounds were fired, you could count on the sixth acting almost like a squib or the cylinder locking up due to the bullet being pulled bit by bit from the case due to their momentum and the recoil impulse. Brass cases seem better able to maintain the tension needed to hold the bullet in place.
The statement could be proven if you test fire the very same gun with some weight attached to it. If the problem does not occur with added weight to the gun you surely have prove the recoil force impulse is the real cause and the gun is too light.
I haven't seen this issue neither on my Model 60 Pro nor on my 686.
I conclude there are two potential solutions. Either you restrict the use to brass ammo or get a heavier gun.

Re: Bullets slipping the crimp in lightweight 5-holers

Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2015 4:06 pm
by Middle Age Russ
Due to the sharp recoil impulse in the VERY lightweight for size/cartridge gun, we sold/traded it. Interesting gun, but no real compelling advantage over other guns available.