K-frame forcing cone

[Capt Teach]

Friend called with a problem the other day. Had a jacketed rnd. lodged about an inch down the barrel of his K-frame from a primed, but not powdered handload. The only time I had this happen to me I was able to knock it loose with a dowel and a mallet, but I shoot lead. I suggested he lube it up good and try the same thing. Now he said it appears the forcing cone is backing out and the bullet is still stuck fast. Is the forcing cone soldered in place? Suggestions please?

Capt Teach

 

[E357]

The forcing cone IS the rear of the the barrel not a separate part. If something is moving the gun is toast.

Elliot

 

[stans]

Can't happen unless something is seriously wrong!

 

[Capt Teach]

I took a look at it yesterday. Couldn't really see if the forcing cone was moving or not. No matter what the bullet has to come out. I couldn't get it to budge either. I've found out it's a hollow point. Would drilling it through with progressively larger bits (in a press) weaken it enough to drive it out?
I guess we can see if the cylinder still fits to check the forcing cone. Never came across one this bad before. Best arguement I ever heard not to use handloads for defense.

Capt Teach

 

[mete]

The barrel is screwed into the frame . The forcing cone is just a cone machined into the end of the barrel. If something is moving that means the whole barrel is moving. That would need repair. As far as drilling out the bullet yes it can be done but great care must be taken to protect the barrel , use a brass tube around the drill.

 

[Old Fuff]

If you are not in a hurry, get a good penetrating oil, pour some down the barrel, and set it somewhere muzzle-up. Eventually the oil will work its way around the bullet and you can drive it out. The trouble now is that the core is soft lead and when you pound on it it expands and fits tighter. You can dril through the bullet, but a mistake will cost you a new barrel.

 

[C.R.Sam]

Could also put it in the freezer for a while and try again.
Sometimes helps a lot.

Sam

 

[Capt Teach]

Thanks all. Hopefully he's reading these suggestions, as I sent him the link last night. I'll let you know how it turns out when I hear back.

Capt Teach

 

[Standing Wolf]

I heard of a guy quite a few years ago who used a heavy-duty drill press to push out a stuck bullet. He didn't use it as a drill, but just applied force against a brass rod resting on the nose of the bullet.

 

[Capt Teach]

Quick update. He froze the gun and was able to drive out ...... the second bullet!
Lucky guy. Apparently the forcing cone moving was a mis-statement. He asked me to thank you all for the info.
I really love this place. What a resource.

Capt Teach

 

[C.R.Sam]

I love it when a plan comes together.

Thanks for the report Capt Teach.

Sam

 

[stans]

I take it that there were two bullets stuck in the barrel? If this is correct, there is a very good chance the bore is now bulged.

 

[J Miller]

Two bullets stuck in the barrel, OUCH!!! Now that he has them out, he needs to have that gun thoroughly checked out by a qualified smith. Then he needs to pull the bullets on all the remaining ammo in that batch and try again.
If he isn't a reloader, that batch of ammo needs to be disposed of.

 

[Standing Wolf]

If he isn't a reloader, that batch of ammo needs to be disposed of.

If he's loading his own, he can chalk it up to experience; if store-bought ammunition resulted in not one, but two squib loads, however, I'd say he needs to contact the manufacturer P.D.Q.

I've heard bulged bores can be dangerous to shoot. I know they tend to be inaccurate, but have no idea why they'd be dangerous. Does anyone know?

 

[stans]

Bulged metal is basically metal that has been stretched. Metal does not stretch well and micro cracks are common. Stretched metal is also work hardened, all this makes for a weak spot in the barrel that could rupture. Not really sure I would want to be around if a full power 357 Magnum load ruptured a barrel.