Cylinder Honing

[RL338]

The cylinder on my Tracker is anything but perfect. Nocking the empties out is a PITA. I’m looking at using a Flex Hone for firearms for honing.
Has anyone here a had success in honing a ruff cylinder with decent outcome?

 

[reflex264]

If you want it right and increase accuracy while you at it I would send it to Fermin Garza. He is a master with cylinders. He can correct throat diameter while at it.

 

[RL338]

I got a hone and was going to give it a try this weekend. Just looking to get the empties to drop out a little easier.

 

[TexasLife]

are you trying to polish back to near factory shape (look wise, not dimensions) for easier extractions/ejections? flex honing probably wouldn't be good unless it's a high grit like 2000 for knives. ball (dingleberry) would create too much pressure i'd think, but rigid (stone type like for knives) that's adjustable could work, but not sure about concentricity.

 

[Slimfinn]

I've used flitz to clean up the cylinder, i did read at one time that you dont want it totally smooth because it needs something to bite when it fires and expands, if I remember correctly.

 

[TackDriver284]

I got a hone and was going to give it a try this weekend. Just looking to get the empties to drop out a little easier.

Are those casings getting a little sticky in the cylinders? I recall pushing loads with the .41 Magnum until it was a bit sticky using maximum loads which was on the hot side, and backed off a tad and was back to normal extraction. I would use a round bronze brush with Kroil from time to time and keep the cylinders clean and see if that helps.

 

[RL338]

Wether it’s a light cast load or a full load of H110 and 240s they all stick. I’ve learned to deal with it but I’m looking to see if I can improve it somewhat.

Picture doesn’t show the grooves very well.

 

[JD338]

Rick,
I'm curious...
Have you tried different powders? I wonder how extraction would be with a mid range load of Unique.

JD338

 

[TackDriver284]

Wether it’s a light cast load or a full load of H110 and 240s they all stick. I’ve learned to deal with it but I’m looking to see if I can improve it somewhat.
View attachment 28651
Picture doesn’t show the grooves very well.

Not too sure on this, but just a thought. If using very fine 1000 / 3000 sandpaper wrapped on an undersized bronze brush and wet hone it with a drill with even strokes,,,,

 

[RL338]

Rick,
I'm curious...
Have you tried different powders? I wonder how extraction would be with a mid range load of Unique.

JD338

I’ve gone from slow to mild and wild , they just stick. New the first 5 rounds with factory Federals hung in there. I’ve settled on HS-6 and H110 for now , I do have a little Blue Dot left might give it a try some time.

 

[RL338]

I tried this 800 grit cylinder hone today. It did help 3 drop right out 1 hangs up a little and 1 needs to be pulled out. This is way better , I’ll have to mark the cylinder the next time to see if the same hole is the issue.