Leading

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:28 pm

I have been getting some leading on my s&w 617 in a few spots on the frame. On the top strap, at about 5:00 oclock below the barrel, and on the extractor rod collar. Is this normal, or is the timing most likely off ?
thanks,
Haka

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:38 pm

Not with a revolver you get powder flash from the cylinder gap. Leading can be caused from several things with bullet fit to throat the most critical. The use of a hot burning powder like TG will cause leading in anything. 2400 is my favorite powder when it comes to LSWC in my 357mag.

What are your loads your shooting?

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sat Mar 31, 2012 8:47 pm

Thanks for your reply Blue, the 617 is a 22lr, but great info just the same. Fed Blazer bulk.
Haka

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 8:40 am

Fed 22 ammo normally does not lead. Are you sure it's lead and not powder residue? There is not a lot you can due except try a different ammo. With Fed you need to look at the load numbers. They use the same load on about 6+ different labels.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 10:11 am

blue68f100 wrote:Fed 22 ammo normally does not lead. Are you sure it's lead and not powder residue?

Now that I think about it, I have shot some Rem Goldens thru it. Quite sure it's lead, have to scrape it off and it appears silverish.
thanks, haka

blue68f100 · Post by **blue68f100** » Sun Apr 01, 2012 12:59 pm

May want to have it checked. But Rem can cause leading.

greener · Post by **greener** » Mon Apr 02, 2012 10:39 pm

How did you ID the residues as lead?

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 5:57 pm

greener wrote:How did you ID the residues as lead?

Consistency, color, and difficulty removing were my indicators. I basically had to scrape it off. Although I went out again and shot some Rem G's and it didn't have any leading? If I get it again, I will be very careful to identify. I can't say for sure, but it sure did look like lead.
Haka

greener · Post by **greener** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 10:48 pm

I've gotten lots of black gunk that needed scraping around barrel and topstrap. I also pulled some lead in the same place. The lead cut off and looked shiny.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Thu Apr 05, 2012 11:12 pm

What's your best method of cleaning lead in those places?

greener · Post by **greener** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 6:39 am

I used a pocket knife to scrape, followed by a bronze brush and solvent. I'm sure that's low tech and not the best way to do it but the knife will cut most of the lead and crud away, leaving a dirty top strap and barrel.

Hakaman · Post by **Hakaman** » Fri Apr 06, 2012 9:13 am

Mr. Greener wrote:I used a pocket knife to scrape, followed by a bronze brush and solvent. I'm sure that's low tech and not the best way to do it but the knife will cut most of the lead and crud away, leaving a dirty top strap and barrel.

When it comes to thick leading, I have a blade from a retractable utility knife I use. It's long blade surface helps me get a lot of "even" pressure to prevent scratching the surface. The best way to remove lead, although, is to not get it in the first place.
haka