Not certain if this should go into the Handgun Hunting section, or the Shooter?s Bench section.....it?s kinda both.

This evening I was bench testing my 460 XVR hunting revolver, and got a good stinger on the left cheek just below the eyeglasses. Not certain as to what happened, other than, I got hit by a small piece of lead...drawing blood!

Shooting powder coated cast, through the factory brake. A pretty thorough inspection didn?t show any lead or paint build-up in the brake. When rotating the cylinder many times, it seemed to index properly every time, and didn?t exhibit any excessive cylinder play.

The only thing that I can add of any importance to this incident is.....always wear your eye protection when shooting. In 51 years of revolver shooting, I?ve never had this happen before. There is always a first time occurrence for most things......don?t let it ?put your eye out?!

memtb

Another good reason to shoot jacketed bullets.

I have had it happen with jacketed bullets. It just brings more blood.

My 329 PD was the worst. Sent it back twice and never could get it to stop slinging stuff at me.

Traded it off.

I'm sure you checked, but did you rule out some kind of case/primer failure? What kind of load were you shooting?

Regardless of the cause, I'm glad it wasn't more serious!

Hopefully, this was a fluke of sorts.....not to be repeated! Though, while it makes the gun very comfortable to shoot....the brake may have to go if it is the cause!

I was working on load development, getting into a fairly high pressure range, but, cases, primers, ect. all look good! I?m working with 400 grain, wide metplat, powder coated cast, 39.0 grains AA1680! memtb

Thanks for the heads up and let us know if you determine the cause.

Glad you're okay.

John

I think mine was a combination of cylinder timing and the SS plate on the 329 that prevented the top strap from being cut.

John, Doing fine, a very small piece.....just a bit of a surprise! After a pretty thorough inspection....I see nothing. I was looking for a build-up of lead or powder coat on the cylinder face the barrel at forcing cone area, and the brake ports.....zero, zip, zilch, nada. Just the usual sooting, ect. from shooting!

I?ve never thought much about wearing eye protection.....as I?ve been blind as a Bat since early childhood. But, for those blessed with good vision....wear the glasses! It only takes an instant to lose that good vision! memtb

Glad you are ok and thanks for sharing the lesson!!!
Back when those were fairly new I had a friend with one and as I recall he had the same thing happen. If I remember right at that time they came with 2 brakes. One for cast and one for jacketed and he was using the jacketed brake with cast bullets.

Thanks Vance! I bought it used, only have the one brake. I have seen an article, where the writer had a sleeve he could insert to block the ports....I?d like to have one to try! I know that recoil would be substantially increased, but, noise substantially decreased. Also, eliminate the little missiles....unless they?re are coming from cylinder/forcing cone area! memtb

Whilst it could be any number of things, the three main possibilities I see are:
i. cast bullet through a jacketed only brake. Last I heard S&W no longer supported the non brake replacement insert, however there may be some aftermarket manufacturers.
ii. Misalignment between the cylinder throat and the forcing cone.
iii. Cylinder throats oversize compared to projectile. Causes the high pressure gas column to strip the coating and lead from projectile before it makes the jump to the barrel.

I doubt whether amateur inspection would diagnose the actual cause. I would strongly suggest finding a specialist revolver smith and getting it checked out.
It may even be the reason why the previous owner sold it. But hopefully the cause can be identified and fixed.

Walkinhthemup, About a year ago, I tried to locate the cast bullet brake or the insert via the internet. I struck-out on both. But, am willing to accept adult supervision!

memtb