New PC .460 chambering problem...

Finally got to the range with my new PC .460 and discovered that one of the five chambers would not accept the Hornady SST load. I went ahead and sighted the gun in and did a thorough cleaning when I got home, hoping the solvent,brush and bore snake would solve the problem with the bad chamber. NO LUCK. I'm really disgusted. Anyone encountered similar problems with new, out-of-the-box revolvers of any kind and, in particular, a damn PC?

Hi Kingfisher,

Bummer. An obvious overlook in QI. Unfortunately I think you will have to send it in for repair. You could just use four shells for now if you are hunting with it and send it in after the season. I would think they would just replace the cylinder when you return it. When I sent mine in to get the barrel pressure tested, they had it back to me within 2 weeks, so at least they do seem to have a quick turnaround.

Good luck.

Interesting. How far will the cartridge go in the chamber if at all? Is the extractor holding it from going in? Just curious.

I had a problem with my 500. They sent me a prepaid lable for overnight shipment by UPS. I had it back in a little less than 2 weeks and the problem was fixed.

The cartridge will go in 1/2". Looks like some scarring in the chamber but can't understand why. I'm definitely not happy with S$W at the moment.

Hey JL,

Thanks for the reply. I think since the problem existed before the first shot I'll just let them send me a new one and the dealer can replace the ammo used to sight in.

Also, it is my understanding that firing with an open chamber in the cylinder can cause further damage. What's your opinion?

I think it's hogwash. Take an empty 44 mag, 480 Ruger, any case you like and squeeze the mouth between your fingers. I can crush it flat with little effort. So if an empty case lends no strenght to a chamber in the cylinder I can't see where a empty chamber can be effected from firing the gun. If that were the case you would have to fire one round, open the gun and replace the fired case with a loaded one for support.

I do think the 480 Ruger suffers from a similar problem. Ruger with the SRH was convinced that 6 chambers were posible up to 475 cal. The 44 and 454 can take the high pressures as ther is enough material between chambers. The 480 gets a little thin between chambers. If loaded reasonable the design works. I think the extraction problem some people are having is due to the fact that they are loading the 480 up to 475 Linebaugh performanc. I have over 1,000 round thru my 480 and have never had a problem, but then I keep the loads reasonable. When Linebaugh does a conversion on a Ruger he uses a 5 chamber cylinder.

Jeez, another Smith 460 problem, what a shocker, NOT!

Sure they'll fix it, but it should have been right from the start, IMO. No Smiths for me, thank you!

That doesn't make any intuitive sense to me. After you fire the revolver the spent cartridge in effect becomes an empty chamber. If you have to keep the cylinder fully charged at all times, kind of takes away the advantage of a revolver over a single-shot. No science behind my answer though.

Good shooting

Got it corrected (I hope). Took it to a gunsmith who determined it was hardened machined shavings that were not cleaned from the chamber at the factory. He cleaned the chamber with a special gizmo and polished it and everything seems fine--8 of 10 rounds were within 3/4" at 50 yds at the range an hour ago. I'll sight at 100 yds. tomorrow and pray for Nov. 16 to get here quickly!

To everyone who responded during this short-term ordeal--THANKS!
To S&W PC--shame on you for letting this flaw slip thru the cracks!

That's good to hear! I am surprised PC would let it pass and miss that. Let us know how it does in November.