Author Topic: Frame torching (Read 886 times)

Heavyhaul · « **on:** January 21, 2006, 03:48:53 PM »

I seem to get a tremendous amount of fire out of my 445 SM. I shoot 240's over 30gr. and 300's over 27gr , both H-110. After 110 rounds, the top strap a a mark on it about 0.050 long, the width of the frame and I can catch my finger nail in it. I have a barrel gap of 0.006. I have only shot jacketed bullets, but I haven't found any jacket slivers. I was wondering when this becomes a problem? I am in the process of finding a gunsmith that I trust with a gun like this. It's a little different animal. :eek:

Paul5388 · « **Reply #1 on:** January 21, 2006, 05:56:33 PM »

If it's top strap cutting, that was pretty common with K frame S&W .357 Mags using 125 gr bullets and H110/W296. I would suggest switching powders and see if you still have a problem.

Heavyhaul · « **Reply #2 on:** January 22, 2006, 04:48:22 AM »

I'll see what I can do. Load info is pretty slim on these. I do have other loads, but many powders do not list for different bullet sizes. I'm trying to condense my powder selection. But, gotta-do what I gotta-do.

Heavyhaul · « **Reply #3 on:** January 22, 2006, 04:56:26 AM »

I'll see what I can do. Load info is pretty slim on these. I do have other loads, but many powders do not list for different bullet sizes. I'm trying to condense my powder selection. But, gotta-do what I gotta-do.

Paul5388 · « **Reply #4 on:** January 22, 2006, 05:34:47 AM »

Try http://www.handloads.com/loaddata/taffin.asp?Caliber=445%20Supermag&Weight=All&type=Handgun&Order=Powder&Source= for a few more loads. It looks like JohnK has posted John Taffin's load info there.

RollTide · « **Reply #5 on:** January 24, 2006, 04:46:53 AM »

I would adjust the barrel gap closer and polish the face od the forcing cone on the barrel as much as possible. That is what they do to avoid the problem on the Smith X frames.

Heavyhaul · « **Reply #6 on:** January 26, 2006, 03:38:33 PM »

Thanks RollTide. I'll give that a try.

unspellable · « **Reply #7 on:** January 31, 2006, 01:30:15 PM »

The nominal cylinder gap is 0.003 inch. Set that first.

Ball powders like H110 are noted for eroding top straps when big charges are placed behind light to medium weight bullets. Try another powder.

Some top strap erosion is normal. It will start fast and then slow down over time.

Get a 0.0015 feeler gauge, cut out a tiny strip and glue it over the erosion line. Let the feeler stock take the abuse.

Heavyhaul · « **Reply #8 on:** January 31, 2006, 02:57:26 PM »

The gap in mine is closer to .006. I'll get a tool and tighten it up a bit. I like the idea of of using H-110 for the versitility of different bullet weights. I have been thinking, the top strap showed no wear when I bought it so the gun must not have been fired before. After I tighten the gap, I will watch the wear and determine my next action. I do like the idea of the "wear plate". I pasted your post and will keep it for reference. Thanks.