Ruger SBH issues?

DanK3Pos · Jun 28, 2020

I have a new Ruger SBH 7.5" .44 Magnum and I've noticed I'm getting drag marks on the case head. Doesn't happen on unfired ammunition, only on fired rounds. Doesn't happen on all cylinders. This gun is new production, purchased from a major online source about a year ago.

These are handloads. 200gr XTP over 25.0gr of Enforcer going ~1500 fps. There are no appreciable pressure signs and no problems with extraction.

In the pictures there is a second line of 6 cases. Those are from a mid-80's production SBH with a 10.5" barrel. No issues with this same exact load in that gun.

I can't tell what is causing this scrape on the case head. Obviously, I colored the case head with black permanent marker to help provide contrast, but it is actually scraping the brass, which is why I noticed it in the first place. Is it possible the firing pin is hanging up? The line passes right over the center of the primer.

Anchorite · Jun 28, 2020

My first reaction is it’s the brass. What brand are you using and have you tried other brands? Case head thickness and uniformity in straight walled revolver cartridges today is iffy, at best.

Hartkopf · Jun 28, 2020

Just to let you know, if you send the gun to Ruger, you probably won’t get it back for a LONG time. I just sent a S&W in for warranty repair and was told 8 to 16 weeks. Hopefully someone her can help you with an easy fix.

I agree about the firing pin. I would check to make sure it’s complete free.

DanK3Pos · Jun 28, 2020

Anchorite said:
My first reaction is it’s the brass. What brand are you using and have you tried other brands? Case head thickness and uniformity in straight walled revolver cartridges today is iffy, at best.

Starline.

I've got some Fiocchi I could try. I also have some PMC, but I would have to empty them first

. I would expect the Starline is better quality than either of the others.

Anchorite · Jun 28, 2020

DanK3Pos said:
Starline.

I've got some Fiocchi I could try. I also have some PMC, but I would have to empty them first . I would expect the Starline is better quality than either of the others.

Gotcha. I would expect the Starline to be better quality than PMC and probably Fiocchi. At any rate, I am not sure off the top of my head what it causing your issue. I need some more coffee this morning and to sit back and wait for the others the chime in. Good day to learn something that, frankly, I’ve never noticed before with my revolvers.

LUCKYDAWG13 · Jun 28, 2020

Only thing i can think of that would put a straight line drag mark on your brass would be from your loading gate

starting to think maybe you were right about the firing pin

murf · Jun 28, 2020

run your finger over the recoil shield and try to feel a burr or other obstruction.

luck,

murf

Pat Riot · Jun 28, 2020

I would flood your firing pin hole with spray solvent like Hornady One Shot using the little red tube in the hole where the pin protrudes when firing. It looks to me like your firing pin might be sticking. Maybe it’s gunked up.

Had to edit. I keep calling One Shot “hot shot”. Duh...

edwardware · Jun 28, 2020

DanK3Pos said:
Is it possible the firing pin is hanging up? The line passes right over the center of the primer.

Why don't you look and see? You can visualize the pin tip from the side. The pin should retract as soon as the trigger is released- pulling the connector down out of the pinch between the hammer and pin.

The mark you see is made after firing upon rotation (cocking); I would expect cocking to be hard.

I guess the pin's sticking, or there's a chip in the recoil plate pin hole.

Pat Riot · Jun 28, 2020

Hartkopf said:
I just sent a S&W in for warranty repair and was told 8 to 16 weeks.

Side note / off topic: I sent a S&W 60 Pro in for warranty work. I shipped it on May 25th. I got an email it was received May 29th. I received notice from S&W and FedEx that my gun will be delivered tomorrow, June 29th. I never got word what they did but it is coming back. I’ll see tomorrow.

LUCKYDAWG13 · Jun 28, 2020

Pat Riot said:
Side note / off topic: I sent a S&W 60 Pro in for warranty work. I shipped it on May 25th. I got an email it was received May 29th. I received notice from S&W and FedEx that my gun will be delivered tomorrow, June 29th. I never got word what they did but it is coming back. I’ll see tomorrow.

With whats going on right now with the kung flue and the BLM stuff I would say that was fast

drband · Jun 28, 2020

Firing pin sticking or broken. I had a similar issue on an older SBH a few years back. Sent it back to Ruger for a new FP.
My local gunsmith said it would be cheaper (it was-- only had to pay for return shipping) than having him do the work.
A good gunsmith could evaluate it for you and if necessary, remove, clean (or replace), and reinstall the FP. It's not difficult, but better left to an experienced smith. The FP retaining pin can be difficult to remove and a new retaining pin (fitted) is usually needed on the reinstall.

DanK3Pos · Jun 29, 2020

drband said:
Firing pin sticking or broken. I had a similar issue on an older SBH a few years back. Sent it back to Ruger for a new FP.
My local gunsmith said it would be cheaper (it was-- only had to pay for return shipping) than having him do the work.
A good gunsmith could evaluate it for you and if necessary, remove, clean (or replace), and reinstall the FP. It's not difficult, but better left to an experienced smith. The FP retaining pin can be difficult to remove and a new retaining pin (fitted) is usually needed on the reinstall.

Thanks for the response. I'll give them a call today. Years ago I had to send in an Old Army and I was satisfied with their service then.

Ruger SBH issues?

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