DW and cast bullets

[georgemu]

I have DW's 357mag and 445SM and been shooting cast bullets in them. Both of them seem to foul up around the cylinder pivot shaft resulting in the cylinder being stiff to turn. I have to disassemble them to get all the fouling out.
Anyone have the same problem and a cure??

[GrantCunningham]

This is usually a barrel gap issue; if too wide the expelled crud will work its way down to the bearing surface, which is external on a DW.

The gap should be set to .005" to .006", though some folks will set them a bit less (after experimentation, of course.)

Another possibility is a timing issue, wherein the bullets are being slightly shaved as they enter the forcing cone. I'd say this is a bit more unlikely in two non-identical guns, but if the gap is correct it's the next thing I'd check.

[georgemu]

This is usually a barrel gap issue; if too wide the expelled crud will work its way down to the bearing surface, which is external on a DW.

The gap should be set to .005" to .006", though some folks will set them a bit less (after experimentation, of course.)

Another possibility is a timing issue, wherein the bullets are being slightly shaved as they enter the forcing cone. I'd say this is a bit more unlikely in two non-identical guns, but if the gap is correct it's the next thing I'd check.

My gaps are set at .006, plan to try a .004 gap to see if it helps. Compared the bearing surface exposure to my Super Red Hawk and they have different setups so your probably correct on that being the cause. I also got some replies on another message board stating soft bullet lube causes the fouling. Gonna try the smaller gap and lubing the bearing area after xxx number or rounds.

[GrantCunningham]

It's certainly possible that the lube on your bullets is creating the mess. I've shot tens of thousands of lead bullets in DWs, and haven't had the problem, but I haven't experienced every bullet lube out there either!

Yes, the longitudinal bearing surfaces on the DW and the Ruger are different. Like Colt, DW uses an external bearing - the face of the cylinder collar rides on the crane (or 'yoke'.) The Ruger is like a S&W - the bearing surface is the face of the yoke, and is inside the cylinder.

If it is lube residue, oiling the bearing surface (after cleaning, of course) will help repel the stuff.

[Mr ex-DW]

I have shot 9000 rounds from my 7360 Development gun and while it gets REAL dirty, especially on the left side from my blast shield, I have never had any leading.  I shoot the 35-200G from Lead Heads.  In my 45 Colt, I shoot the 45-310 LFN-PB and again, have never had a leading problem.

I run the gap tight, around .002.  After a few hundred rounds I may have to clean the face of the cylinder, but no lead.

I use VV N120 primarily.
Mike