primer/revolver problem?

You are loading too light. When a revolver fires, the case is driven forward by the firing pin, then the primer backs out due to the pressure within it caused by ignition of the priming compound. But then the pressure in the case as the powder ignites pushes the case backward, overcoming the friction of the case wall on the cylinder wall, and the case backs over the primer. That allows the case to be extracted normally. If the load is so light that the case won't back up, you get the problem you describe and are on the verge of having a bullet stick in the barrel.

Sometimes, the degree of smoothness of the cylinder walls can make a difference.

Jim

Perhaps your older .357 had smoother chambers to start with, and your newer one doesn't.
And thousands of rounds break-in certainly made them smoother still.

At any rate, like Jim said, you need to bump up your load to get the case slip necessary to re-seat the primers.

What exactly is your load anyway?
Maybe we can go from there.

rc

FWIW, my light target load is 2.7 grains of Bullseye behind a 146 grain wadcutter, and I have never had any problems with it. A lighter load or a slower burning powder could change that.

Jim

too light reloads WILL cause primers to backout and bind up the cyld. as Jim K. stated.

I've used that 2.7 gr. Bullseye load for years in a variety of 38 aand 357revolvers and never had such a problem. Jim may be right about the cylinder walls. Please let us know if upping the charge improved things. Good luck.

Jeff

3.1 grains of bullseye is not a light load. You might be blowing those primers out of their pockets. How many times have you reloaded these cases before using them in your wife's new revolver? What guarantee do you have that the brass isn't, simply, old and the primer pockets have enlarged?

Then again you could have a cylinder end-play issue with the new revolver. Can you wiggle the cylinder foward and back more so than on the Rossi? There's a lot of different things that could be going wrong here. You're only going to be able to get so far on the internet.

One thing's for certain though: You don't function test a new handgun with reloads - OK. (Yes, I know, ammo is expensive and times are hard, but ..... still.)

3.1 grains of bullseye is not a light load.

I disagree with that. Lyman #48 shows a starting load of 3.2 gr of B'eye with a 125 jacketed bullet giving a velocity of 569 fps and a pressure of 10,000 CUP. The max is 4.4 gr and 5.0 gr listed as a +P load.

I've had primer setback on starting loads with guns that have 100% mechanics.

I've used that 2.7 gr. Bullseye load for years in a variety of 38 aand 357revolvers and never had such a problem.

That's with wadcutters, correct? The wadcutter seats deeper and is a heavier bullet. 2.7 B'eye with a wadcutter has been a target load standard for more years than I've been around.

i use the same loaded ammo in my 357 and never had a problem.

A couple of thousandths in headspace can still be in spec but make a difference with primer setback.

The load is too light.

Headspace, end shake, etc. will not allow primers to remain backed out after firing.

Recoil of the loose cylinder would reseat the primers even if there was an endshake issue.

As Griz22 said, 3.1 Bullseye with a 125 grain TMJ is a very light load, and is barely getting the bullet out of the barrel.

If you want to load pip-squeek loads, get some lead 148 grain WC bullets.

Otherwise, increase the powder charge about 1/2 grain.

rc