Model 25-2 Jams With Moon Clips

Maybe too hot. The primers are not supposed to back out. I use 3.8gr Bullseye in my 25-2 loads. Both with the 200 gr and 185gr L-SWC. Actually you are definitely too hot.

Len

I agree with Len, too hot a load..............

I use the same load he does in my 625 with moon clips and have no problems.

Checked cylinder shake and gap?  

Ran a 230gr Precision bullet under 5gr bullseye, a stout load but a 625-8 with moon clips and even with the Ranch 2x moon clips no issues.  Starline brass with Winchester LPP.

There is no cylinder shake.  This revolver seems to be tightly fitted.  I will try some lighter loads.  It should also work with standard factory 230 gr. loads.  I'll try some of those also.  Thanks for all of you replies and suggestions.

Yes, and no. How's that for an answer. I have not had that problem with my 25-2. I have over 30 moon clips and they all work well in that revolver. I have however had that identical problem with my 27-2. Hot magnum loads would work great but when I wanted to shoot reduced loads for DR my cylinder would drag and hang up after a couple of rounds. I have big hands and was able to pull my way thru. After much inspection I found that several of my cylinders had a very little bit more gap (there is no such thing as no gap) then the others. I had a bent crane. The primers in the hot loads were being flattened but the weaker loads were not and slightly bulged. That little imperfection in the crane let them hit the frame and jam. Fixing the crane solved the problem.

I used only 4.8 BE with 200 JSWC in my 1955 Model with rim brass.  Look to the right>>>>>

Weakened mainspring? Or tension vobacked out too far giving a light hit and corresponding light firing pin support which allows the primers to bulge?

Wobbley wrote:Weakened mainspring? Or tension vobacked out too far giving a light hit and corresponding light firing pin support which allows the primers to bulge?

You may be on to something. My model 25-2 digests anything with full moon clips. Another thing to do is to make sure that the area under the extractor star is clean and dry (no oil).

I'd suspect the clips are preventing the case head from being driven back against the recoil surface.

My first thought was a light mainspring hit, but you are also indicating that it does have a problem when fired without the moon clip?  If so, I would tend to agree with Jim, that it is the moon clips. The rounds should move around a little and be able to "tilt" when in the clips, but not come out easily.

-Ron

If the moon clips are bent you might get hang ups like this. Check them for flatness. I use a granite surface plate (overkill, but I have one). You could also use a piece of thick glass. Clean the clips, lay them down and then check by pushing on each little tab. The bad ones will rock a lot.

Now a bunch of things to look at:
Is the firing pin cup flush in the recoil shield and tight in the gun? How is the fit of your bullets in the chamber throats? Most 25-2s are big in the throat but -- do your bullets (bullet only) drop through the throats? Is there interference with the SWC shoulder and the chamber? Are the bullets slipping under recoil?

You do want the cartridges to be loose in the clips. Do yours shake freely? Is the yoke clean and well lubed inside?

Last:
The OP wrote - "there is no cylinder shake". If this is literally true, it will cause problems. You want about .003 - .005 end shake so the gun functions hot and dirty. Also the gap between the cylinder and barrel could be closed or mis-cut. It may need correction by filing or with a barrel facing tool from Brownells. Or by taking the barrel off and cutting it to fit in a lathe. If its way off, this turns into a kinda big deal but its fixable. You could also re-cut the throat while its apart or while you use the facing tool which also is capable of cutting different throat angles.

"there is no cylinder shake". If this is literally true, it will cause problems. You want about .003 - .005 end shake so the gun functions hot and dirty.

That is absolutely false.  You want zero end shake cylinder and zero end shake yoke.  It sounds like you identified the problem with the moon clips.  Don't introduce end shake to your revolver on purpose.

Something else that needs to be checked as far as inspection/maintenance is to make sure the ejector rod has not started to come loose.
It may have nothing to do with your problem, looks like you found it anyway.
If it does start to loosen/rotate it can mess with the clearance of the rear of cylinder to frame.
I have a special tool/clamp that I check my revolvers with during maintenance, just cause.
I believe that the ejector rod is a left handed thread if memory serves correct.
Good luck with the pistol.

Clarence