Blowback

[JeffB]

Wondering if anyone else has seen this.

I was at the range with my brand new Undercover .38 .  When using Winchester whitebox JHP +P all was fine.
But I also had a box of Remington UMC LRN (lead round nose) and got hit with blowback ever time I fired. (one of which hit just under my left eye & really stung.

So I switched back to the Winchester & didn't notice any blowback at all.

By the way, I'm new here - this is my first post.

[oldgranpa]

Jeff, that's the first I ever heard of that. Was it burned powder from the barrel when you shot the UMC ammo?

Please tell us more what you think happened.

Bunch of shooters here that use 38's and I'm sure they'd like to comment.

og

[JeffB]

I'm guessing it was burning powder, but don't really know for sure.  All I do know for sure is, there was a difference.


Just in case any one's wondering the Winchester ammo was +P, the Remington was just standard (not +P)

[twoguns]

Howdy sir,

I don't have any personal experience with Charter Arms revolvers, but do have quite a bit with revolvers in general.

If this was not a brand new handgun, my first thought is that it is out of time, meaning that the cylinders do not line up properly with the barrel.  If this were the case, the JHP loads are tough enough you would not notice the blowback.  If out of time, with lead loads, what you would be feeling is part of the lead being shaved as the projectiles enter the barrel, with those shavings coming back on you as blowback.  Normally while not terribly painful, the blowback would sting with each shot as the shavings hit your face and hands, with a revolver that is out of time.

I guess it is not impossible for one NIB to be out of time and just not get caught in quality control.  If you try other brands of LRN or even lead SWC rounds and continue to get this blowback, then I would suggest you have a gunsmith check it for timing, or simply send it back to CA for factory repair.

That is the only thing I can think of that would be likely to cause this problem for you. 

twoguns

[JeffB]

Since I'm a neophyte with pistols & especially revolvers, I really appreciate the replies.
I'll keep this in mind & report again as I use different types of ammo.

[EJKaye]

I have a similar issue too with my Ruger GP100 and slow pistol powders like H110 and Lil'gun.  Faster powders like Win231 and Unique so not have this issue.  Now, seeing that you are using factory ammo in LRN (which is probably using a fast powder), I am guessing that you do not have my issue which is an excessive cylinder/barrel gap.  You may have a poorly timed cylinder like Mr TG suggested.  Here is a description on how to check it out:

Timing

5) You really, REALLY want an unloaded gun for this one. This is where the light comes in. With the gun STILL held in full lockup, trigger back after lowering the hammer by thumb, you want to shine a light right into the area at the rear of the cylinder near the firing pin. You then look down the barrel . You're looking to make sure the cylinder bore lines up with the barrel. Check every cylinder - that means putting the gun in full lockup for each cylinder before lighting it up.

You're looking for the cylinder and barrel holes to line up perfectly, it's easy to eyeball if there's even a faint light source at the very rear of both bores. And with no rounds present, it's generally easy to get some light in past where the rims would be.

 

http://www.thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html

It's worth going to that link for a full checkout of any revolver.

[TRGTman]

JeffB and twoguns, Iv'e had a similar experience with a Colt Peacekeeper 357 Mag revolver which I bought NIB. Gun was a 4" barrel and I thought would be a good one, since the Colt name has usually been reliable!  Everything I fired in the gun would spit back powder in my face regardless of what the factory load I tried. I traded the revolver off for a 686 Smith 6". Problem was solved, maybe a too loose  BCG, or was out of time , but now I own a feeler gauge to check anything I buy.

[JeffB]

Thanks for the suggestions.  They've been very helpful

I checked the weapon via the methods described at http://www.thefiringline.com/Misc/library/Revolver-check.html

And there's just a touch of play in the cylinder at full lockup, but not much and the timing "looks" fine.

I bought some really cheap Prvi Partizan ammo.  If I have blowback issues with that I'll contact Charter & see what they say.

[JeffB]

Update:

I went to the range this morning 8/10 & felt the blowback with the cheap ammo & the winchester +P.

I went back to the gun store & owner said he'll have to send the gun back to Charter.

So I have to live w/o my 38 for a couple of weeks.

[whkento]

Any update on this?  I'm curious... 

[twoguns]

Howdy Mr. Kent,

Yes sir, here is the update:

http://usrange.org/smf/index.php?topic=3768.0

CA did the right thing, replaced his barrel, which greatly reduced the amount of barrel/cylinder gap, and it appears to have solved his issue.

twoguns

[whkento]

Good.  Glad to hear that.  Thanks, Mr. Twoguns.

I've been getting more interested in a CA for a house gun for my parents.  My mom's kinda weak, so a good revolver might be the best thing for her.  Unfortunately, S&Ws are really expensive...  The CAs seem like a good value.  I'm especially interested in the new CARR.  Mom could handle that with .380s and maybe 9mms.  Dad will prob. be primarily using a 9mm.