Ruger Redhawk extraction problems

[eldon519]

I recently purchased a Ruger Redhawk in .45 Colt that has lots of problems with sticky extraction. The revolver only has around 100 to 150 rounds through it. I'm mainly shooting Ruger-Only starting loads of H110 through the gun as outlined the the Hodgdon Annual publication. I've been using 240-grain and 325-grain bullets. After firing, the loads become tightly lodged in the chamber for the first 1/8 of an inch or so of the extraction motion. After that they pop out of the cylinder pretty easily. I thought at first I was dealing with excessive pressure caused from my handloads, so I tried out a box of Winchester 225-grain Silvertip factory ammunition. These were not nearly as difficult to extract, but I would DEFINITELY refer to extraction as "sticky" (compared to the Ruger-Only loads being pretty darn stuck). I have sent the gun back to the factory twice for repairs, and I am still experiencing the same problems. Now that I am fairly certain that excessive pressure is not my problem and the factory is not being helpful in repairing the gun, I am not sure where to turn. Does anyone have any advice or recommendations? Is it possible that extraction may smooth out as the round count increases? Does it indicate anything that only the first 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of the extraction stroke is sticky?

Thanks for your help, Cory

 

[RecoilRob]

I had a Blackhawk with the same problem. The cylinders were rough and had deep rings (gouges) near the base of several chambers.

Sent it back to Ruger with fired cases and a detailed description of the problems. Came back with another cylinder fitted that had the SAME problem! It was in only two holes vs. the 4 of the original cylinder but I was miffed. Traded it.

My Redhawk in 454, GP-100 and Bisley .44 have glass smooth looking cylinders so any roughness is NOT normal.