Question on Timing - It gets Bloody

P

predecessor

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While running my S&W 60 today, PMC .357 Mag factory loads spit powder or lead shavings or something of the sort back into the left side of my face --powerfully enough to break the skin -- and dripped blood all over my shirt. I hadn't experienced this phenomenon with this (or any) revolver before and was a little bit in shock. It happened on all five shots. (I thought the first was simply an anomaly and kept going.)

After I cleaned up I tried some lighter Fiocchi .38 Special loads - they didn't spit powder into my face to the extent of the PMC rounds, but there seemed to be a little coming back at me and there was powder bits in my left hand after shooting.

I confess I have never had this happen to me before and am unsure as to what could be the problem. Is it timing? If so, what would have caused my revolver to get out of time and how do I correct this? Any other insight from those who are more familiar with revolvers than I am would be most appreciated!
 
Pretty sure if it's timing it's either the hand or the cylinder. There could be un-burnt powder in the action that is gumming it up. You can try giving it a real good cleaning. Read though the revolver check out thread, to check the timing.

After that if it doesn't the check out , if it's a newer model I would I would call S&W and ask them to send you a mailing label, let S&W fix it.
 
Since I draw the inference from your post that you do not understand how timing of a revolver works, it is not likely you are going to fix it yourself. Take it to a gunsmith.
 
^^^^this^^^^
Timing is a critical thing, and if not understood, just made worse.
Take it to a gunsmith, or contact s&w to send it back to them.
 
I've had a perfectly times revolver do this.

In the case it was a too wide barrel/cylinder gap. Mt revolver is a Dan Wesson so I was sable to tighten the gap a couple of thou & it fixed the problem, but most revolvers don't have that ability.

If its only that specific ammo that's the problem, but if its with multiple types of ammo have a smith give it a once over to be sure of the exact cause before doing anything else..
 
Is the forcing cone clean then dirty on 1 side or the other , cyl throats look off center from the carbon ring (front of cyl) if so clean & measure the cyl gap. Even on both sides?? too wide??? .006" is optimum.

As pressure builds it looks for any possible means to escape, & what it carries with it depends on powder/bullet type. & of course timing of the cyl.

If not comfortable or unsure of what to do, seek out a competent revolver smith or send it back to S&W.

GP
 
There is always some splatter !!

A timing problem is easy enough to check and identify. As mentioned, there are other possible reasons that cause "excessive" spatter. It can be somewhat dangerous but I check splatter by draping a folded piece of cardboard over the frame and cylinder and read the patter. I "mostly" do this when I suspect a timing problem. I have actually seen some splatter cut the cardboard. As mentioned, if the timing is serious, it's time to get professional help. .... ;)

Be Safe !!!
 
If this is just to satisfy your own curiosity, some answers to a few questions are in order.
Is this gun a recent purchase?
Or one you've owned and shot before?
Did it just suddenly start to have this problem, where previously it did not?
 
Is this gun a recent purchase?
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No. I've owned the gun for around 3 years, but am not the original owner. I believe the gun was made in the 80's. I will check the serial number and get a date

Or one you've owned and shot before? Did it just suddenly start to have this problem, where previously it did not?
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I've shot it before, but have put no more than 100 rounds through it. It's been a year since I've shot it last and I clean my firearms regularly and thoroughly. I don't remember splatter or incomplete powder burn before.
 
This is a job for Smith and Wesson. Called their service department and they will most likely send you a shipping label. They have fixed two of my J frame Smith's in the last two years at no charge to me. One of them I have owned since 1992
 
Yeah, like wogpotter sez, it could be ammo related.
Revolvers don't generally go out of time all of a sudden.
Hard cast bullets and a light powder load - mebbe.
Try some other kinds of ammo, including a good quality .357, before going to the trouble of sending it to the manufacturer.
 
I too had a 357 mag Windicator and had troubles with PMC ammo from the get go. Not quite the same as you but they were very difficult to eject after 12 rounds. Doc's rule of thumb
on this is BUY ONLY AMERICAN MADE AMMO. I NOW HAVE GP 100 357 and will only use top notch ammo or reloads from whom I know is making it. Nothing anyone says will change my mind on this.
Good luck,
Doc
 
I have seen revolvers spit before, including ones that are "in time". Usually, it is something that shows up more with a certain ammo than with others. It may be the cylinder gap, it may be the gun is out of time (in which case, the problem is usually uniform, no matter what ammo is used.

It may be a "perfect storm" of things, and changing the ammo might change enough that you don't see it much. Can't say from here, sorry.

I have used a cardboard box to check the spitting, simply get a fair sized box, open the top & bottom and shoot with the gun in the middle of the box. Use a couple sheets of white paper for a really visible result.

I do have to ask, was there anything different (position, etc) that let spatter hit you in the face? Usually, the bulk of the gun deflect the spatter away from directly behind it...usually...
 
I do have to ask, was there anything different (position, etc) that let spatter hit you in the face? Usually, the bulk of the gun deflect the spatter away from directly behind it...usually...
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Nothing different about the shooting position or how I held the gun. Just totally caught me off guard. I still think the odd part is how much un-burnt powder came out of the .38 loads :confused:
 
It's been a year since I've shot it last and I clean my firearms regularly and thoroughly. I don't remember splatter or incomplete powder burn before.
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Verify the gun is correctly assembled. Clean. inspect for obvious damage. Get some different ammo, NOT the cheapest crap you can find. Taking proper precautions, shoot it again. Perhaps inside a box, to you have something to show you what it is, or isn't doing.

PMC is not regarded as top tier ammo, but it should be ok. Should be.

Right now, I think it was most likely an ammo issue. Shooting with other ammo should confirm if it is the gun or just that ammo. Be safe!

I would recommend a bit more testing before you ship it off to S&W. Because, if the problem is how that ammo behaves in your gun, S&W can't fix that.

Good luck!
 
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