.44 Alaskan Binding

[Bob C]

My .44 Alaskan is demonstrating a binding problem. When I fire it with lighter loads of 180 grain bullets over a moderate load of Unique, the cylinder binds an average of once per cylinder. The cylinder will still rotate, but requires noticeable pressure to do so. Opening and closing the cylinder resolves the problem for that round.

When I fire 240 or 300 grain bullets over stout loads of H-110 or Blue Dot it doesn't bind at all.

I've done the suggested polishing to the pawl and to the cylinder ratchets and there isn't a problem with cylinder gap or residue under the extractor. I would prefer to not send it back to Ruger as the trigger pull is a very crisp 4 lbs. now, and probably wouldn't be when it came back from the factory.

Any other suggestions?

BTW, I had a similar problem with an SP 101 last year and also with a standard Redhawk a few years ago, and both cleared up by themselves after 300 or so rounds.

 

[Cosmoline]

If it's not binding at the gap (which is where I've seen it happen), do you know where it is binding? Maybe if you wait until it happens again and then take a careful look at the contact points you can see something.

If you can't find anything in particular, shooting 500 or so rounds out of it may just fix the problem. I've noticed most new Rugers come pretty stiff from the factory and need to be shot quite a bit to smooth out the rough spots. If you notice the problem getting WORSE as you shoot more and can't ID it, send it to Ruger. They're really good about fixing things.

 

[Bob C]

Here's an update after 400 or so rounds.

I tried harder primers (CCI, W/W) and different powders and power levels. I have done a fair amount of polishing here and there, and have cleaned the gun VERY thoroughly, particularly the chambers.

The binding problem has resolved itself on single action, with three different loads I tried today working fine. Binding is still present on double action, also with each of the three loads I tried today.

I really enjoy shooting the gun, and my plan is simply to continue to shoot it for a while and see if the D/A binding resolves itself, too.

 

[Biff]

Last time I used Unique, I noticed it was pretty dirty. Newer revolvers have much closer B/C gaps than they did 20 years ago. Maybe its just carbon buildup on your cylinder face and forcing cone. Switching to a cleaner powder may be the solution.

 

[Bob C]

A couple of months ago I gave up on correcting this myself, and returned the gun to Ruger.

My revolver came back from Ruger Monday, and I fired it today. All is well. Function is 100% with various loads, both jacketed and cast, and both mid-range and full power.

I had modified the springs and honed things a bit, and they left those things as it was, which was a pleasant surprise. Single action trigger pull before and after is a crisp 4#.

According to their records the cylinder release button and the pawl were replaced, and the barrel, crane, cylinder, ejector and "internal components as needed" were repaired.