Sparks from handloads

[FunYet]

I took my first batch of handloaded .38 special ammo to the range today. I had about 20 rounds with the minimum load and 20 or 30 with a stronger load, but nowhere near the maximum (I have to build my trust level first!).

Anyway, the light loads were surprisingly light. They were moderately accurate and I had a few keyholes. The next set was more accurate. I'll keep working at it.

One thing I did notice was sparks coming out to the side of my revolver. I couldn't tell if it was at the rear of the cylinder or at the forcing cone. Nothing major but it did get my attention. It looked like burning powder (sort of like the sparks that come from a firecracker fuse). I was using Clays powder.

So the big question...why does this happen? As far as I can tell the primers are all set correctly and the crimp seems to be correct, but I'm brand new at this.

Thanks for your help,

Funyet

 

[griz]

That's normal flash from the barrel/cylinder gap. Look for the same thing with factory rounds and I suspect you will see it. You're probably just paying more attention to the firing process because of a normal and reasonable cautiousness with handloads. Keep being careful and you'll do fine.

 

[g56]

Shoot a revolver at night and you will be surprised how much fire comes out of the gap between the cylinder and the barrel, that's the main reason silencers are not effective on revolvers.

It's always been there, you just haven't noticed it!

 

[Chris Pinkleton]

Anyway, the light loads were surprisingly light. They were moderately accurate and I had a few keyholes.

I assume you are shooting all-lead slugs -- make sure they're not being damaged (especially the base of the bullet) during the seating process -- this could account for the the keyholing.

Yeah, the sparks are probably just normal. However, I do notice excessive sparks with light loads of Titegroup w/.38 wadcutters. I haven't brewed up some stonger loads yet, which I'd like to do to see if the ignition is a bit cleaner.

Some "Silver Bear" 7.62x39 has sent CLOUDS of sparks all over the place in my SAR. I don't buy it any more. But it definitely seems like some ammo, factory & otherwise, just doesn't burn very completely.

Max loads of H110 in .357 don't burn all the way in the barrel -- but they do burn quite completely post-muzzle!

Have fun with it, FunYet! (You wouldn't be a Zippy the Pinhead fan, would you?)

 

[The Bushmaster]

You should see the flame from the muzzle and cylinder/barrel gap from an old Colt SAA .357 mag using W-296 or 2400 or H110 if you want to see a flame after dark. Make sure of your back stop though. Don't want any stray bullets running around, now do we....

Might be some drunk horseman wondering around in the dark......