Taurus M605 .357 2" owners help me please :)

[Chewie095]

So, yesterday my wife finally decided it was time to get a handgun for her. Since she is new to handguns (though is familiar with rifles) we decided a revolver was the best choice.

With carry in mind for her we selected the Taurus M605 .357.

Long story longer we find ourselves at the range later and running through a box of American Eagle .38 special ammo to get a feel for the new gun.

Jam-o-matic . It seems that the ammo is causing (not sure how) the cylinder not to turn after a couple of shots. On inspection of the bullets, I fine evidence of rubbing. We also picked up some Federal .357 Hydra-shoks low recoil and had 0 issues. After sorting the rest of the .38 ammo I was able to get 10 rounds down range without another jam.

I have cycled the gun many times, and on close inspection (though I am no gunsmith) I can't see ANYTHING that would cause this on the gun side of things. :banghead:

Please help me confirm that this is probably the fault of the ammo, and not the gun. Her first experience with her new gun was not very positive, and now she is shy of it.

Also, suggestions for replacement ammo would be appreciated too. I normally stick to Federal and Hornady, but I am worried as this American Eagle manufacturer is one of Federals brands.

Thanks in advance!

 

[MCgunner]

I've heard some ammo giving problems because of poor QC in the thickness of the rims. High primers are obvious, but it seems cheap ammo (I think WWB was the ammo in question with the other revolver I heard this sad story about) was found to have some too thick rims. If the owner selected the thinner rimmed stuff out of the box, it wouldn't bind up. It's sad that such ammo could be boxed and sold, but it seems like a common thing now days. Since I reload, my brass has usually been pre-tested and fired.

 

[Iggy]

I have had the primers fall out of the pockets in that ammo. I'm bettin' that's the problem.

 

[Chewie095]

Primers fall out? Jeeze.....


Sounds like they have top notch Q&A out there.

Thanks for the replies! I appreciate the help!

 

[Bezoar]

sounds like they didnt seat the bullets properly, op meantions bullts are rubbing on the gun.

 

[Chewie095]

I'm pretty sure it was seated correctly. Me and my wife are not masters at this, but I think we have the loading part down.......

 

[TimboKhan]

Well, pretty much guaranteed that it was the ammo if other ammo worked flawlessly. I carry a 605 every day and trust it with my life. Tell your wife that, if it helps.

 

[Cuzzin]

I had a 605 also - some cheaper made ammunition will apparently unseat in this weapon (much like it will in the titanium and airweights), esp if shooting 357 rounds. It is not something you did while loading - the bullet unseats from its crimp at the case neck by a small amount thus increasing the overall length - it is just enough to push the case head back against the anvil and prevent the cylinder from revolving. It will usually happen after the first or second round is fired. Could also be the tolerances are too tight (unlikely) or that the assembly was incorrect.

Go back to the range with your spouse and a couple boxes 38 special (reasonable quality) - and have another go at it.

 

[Jkwas]

My 605 has been sensitive to Ammo, especially some of the cheaper stuff. I've had problems with PMC binding up the gun, and Magtech RNL actually melting and binding up around the forcing cone, along with having bad primers. WWB has been good in mine as well as S&B and Georgia arms. Something else you need to be made aware of: If you short stroke this gun it will bind. My wife has had this problem of not pulling the trigger all the way back, and then not letting it reset. If you don't let it reset, it will bind up vs a S&W that will simply not pick up the cylinder with the hand. Try to stick to FMJ and Hardcast lead bullets and you should be fine. Also: unburnt powder and othe sorts or crud can get under the exractor star forcing the cartridges against the breach. This will cause drag and also bind up the gun. Make sure it's all clear under the star.
It's a good gun, enjoy it!

 

[shooter429]

Likely the ammo

Without seeing the gun, it is hard to rule it out. However, I have had ammo jam revolvers upon occasion-even very expensive American-built revolvers. If the ammo does not have enough crimp, you might get crimp-jump, which can bind the cylinder, though that would be obvious. It could be primers too, but that too should be obvious. One other thing: Clean the cylinder and every charging hole, the forcing cone and especially around the ejector area. Any build-up of debris can keep the cases from seating completely in the cylinder, thus making the trigger very difficult or stopping rotation entirely. You might just run a finger around the cylinder before closing it to check for proper seating and primer irregularities.

In short, clean the gun thoroughly and periodically, and use quality ammo. If I am burning a lot of ammo, I clean the gun at the range every 250 rds or as needed to keep functioning smooth. I bet you can get rid of all malfunctions by doing those two things.

 

[Chewie095]

Much better today!

So, I coaxed her back out to the range, and brought a friend and his wife.

We bought some Remington 38 special, and it was MUCH better. Still had a couple of snags, but nothing like yesterday. The Federal .357 Hydra-Shoks continued to perform flawlessly. My wife feels much better (as do I)

I will not, however comment on either my or my wifes accuracy with such a short barrell. We have a long way to go

Thank you all for your comments! They are greatly appreciated and shows how many good folks there are here! Thanks again!

 

[MCgunner]

I will not, however comment on either my or my wifes accuracy with such a short barrell.

The short sight radius on a snub really takes some concentration on that front sight. Practice makes perfect.

 

[3 gun]

Couple of quick notes. First, you have an ammo problem. Federal H-S ammo runs with no problems..stay with the Federal ammo. Second, stay away from 357 mag ammo for everyday practice. It hurts and it costs a lot of money. Find a 38spl load that runs well and do most of your practice with it. Third, you might want to look at some of the 38+p loads made for use in the short barreled pistols as a carry load. 357s are a handful and many times are more than you need. Good hits trump big power any day. Of course if you are in an area where four legged problems are high on the list stay with a good 357 load. The bigger hit is often needed then. Last, think about getting CT laser grips for the pistol. They carry and shoot well. Improve your hits in low light and can be a big help in dry fire practice. You are not alone in finding the smaller pistols harder to shoot well, the CT grips can help. I don't work for them. I don't sell them. I just own three sets including one for my 605.

 

[Chewie095]

Thanks 3gun!

We were running Reminton 38 Special +p hollows yesterday. They weren't perfect, but much much better. They were the best we could get at Wal Mart on short notice.

Next time I am at my local gunshop I will see about picking up a couple of other varieties of ammo.

I'm looking into a good range class now for both me and the wife.

 

[vicspank]

I have a 651 .357 that did the same thing when new.Clean the oil out of the gun.Oil gets between the hammer and the hand and makes the hand stick.Did you ever try to get 2 pieces of metal apart with oil between them?same thing happins with a revolver.My 651 did that untill it gets broke in or the oil gets burned out.The 651 is the same gun xcept mine has a shrouded hammer.I took the side plate off,Took a q tip and dried the oil out.It has never missed another lick in over 1,000 rnds.
vicspank

 

[Chewie095]

I will try to take the gun down and do that tonight.

I wouldn't have thought the oil would have caused that, but strange things can happen