Security six won't chamber certain rounds

[kernman]

While plinking the chamber became stuck, and would not turn. I could barely get it open to extract the unfired rounds. I let it cool down, and still it would not turn.

Then, I tried another brand (PMC, I think) and it chambered fine. I could turn the cylinder with no problem.

I wonder if this might be from carbon buildup? I tried cleaning it with Hoppe's # 9 and an old toothbrush, but it still won't chamber some types of ammo.

Are some cases slightly longer than others? Is that why some rounds fit in the Ruger and others don't? I've never had this problem before, so I'm wondering if it might be time to take it in to the gunsmith? Seems this is more than carbon buildup.
 

[ELMO]

  If you shoot reloads this could be a sticking problem. To me it seems you need to clean the whole cylinder including the front and rear face. An old tooth brush workd well in this area, with some gun cleaning solvent.....

[bilmac]

Take special care to make sure the area under the ejector star is spotless.

[bluecow]

yes some ammo is longer, some rims are thicker.  sound like crap under the ejector star.  try gun srub or just plain old carb cleaner.  remove all  wood, ruber or plastic with carb cleaner.  i love wheel guns and would rather have mu 65 back and not the 4006 we have to carry now,  when we talk about reliability of teh revolver over an auto, get a case or crap under the star and a good auto is no less reliable than the revolver.  this happens more than one might think.

note:  i said good not $$$

you couldnt run fast enough to give me a 4006

[RaySendero]

Security six won't chamber certain rounds

While plinking the chamber became stuck, and would not turn. I could barely get it open to extract the unfired rounds. I let it cool down, and still it would not turn.

Then, I tried another brand (PMC, I think) and it chambered fine. I could turn the cylinder with no problem.

I wonder if this might be from carbon buildup? I tried cleaning it with Hoppe's # 9 and an old toothbrush, but it still won't chamber some types of ammo.

Are some cases slightly longer than others? Is that why some rounds fit in the Ruger and others don't? I've never had this problem before, so I'm wondering if it might be time to take it in to the gunsmith? Seems this is more than carbon buildup.
 

kern,

I can relate to your problem - Think one I had was similar:

I replace my shot out security six with a GP-100 some time back.  My reloads would not reliably chamber!?  Had to start over with all new cases but did not have to replace my dies.  I'm still not sure what the problem was but that fixed it.

[v-man]

If they were reloads make sure the primers are fully seated.

[Autorim]

Any factory ammo should chamber in a clean cylinder. If it has been fired with .38's and you are having difficulty chambering .357's, it is probably carbon build up in the cylinder.

Cylinders can look clean and not be clean. The issue of debris under the extractor star is also a possibility. A thorough cleaning solves many functioning problems. I traded for a Smith 586 that would not stay cocked in single action mode. I removed the grips, sprayed it down with solvent and blew it out with the air compressor - works just fine and I did not remove the side plate.

[kernman]

Thank you all for your replies.

To answer one question: I shoot only factory rounds.

Also, I have shot probably 200 rounds of 38 specials through it. I cleaned the entire cylinder, not just where the carbon had built up from the shorter 38's.

It makes sense that it might be under the star. I will check it out.

I bought this gun used in 1993. Who knows what the previous owner put it through. After I got it, I had problems with the ejector rod sticking. Gunsmith fixed that. Now, on occasion, it will not fire in single action. Someone told me the mainspring is probably weak. Any suggestions?

Thanks again.

[drdougrx]

Send it back to Ruger.

[Old Griz]

My wife's SP101 froze up after she put 250 rounds of cheap reloads through it once. Had to take the cylinder off and clean and lube it and the rod. Never any trouble after that.

[kernman]

drdougrx,

I heard that Ruger is great about fixing old guns, and they don't charge much.

But I also heard they no longer carries parts for the Security Six. So would it be worth it? Or have you had similar experiences in dealing
with Ruger?

[Savage]

If the gun previously chambered factory rounds, and no longer will, it needs a good cleaning. Clean it well under the extractor star, then clean the chambers with some brass wool wrapped around a brush, or use a Lewis Lead Remover to really clean the chambers. Bet the rounds will chamber.
Savage