Unsupported Chambers
- Thread starter steve4102
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Take the barrel out, drop in a round and take a look at how well ists supported by surrounding metal of the the chamber. Show us a picture if you can. Here is a pic I pirated from another post found with Google of examples of chambers of different .40 cal pistols.
If you are shooting handloads maybe you need to back off a bit.
If you are shooting handloads maybe you need to back off a bit.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
While that can alert you to an obvious problem, it isn't a reliable indicator because it doesn't tell the whole story. Headspace must be taken into account. The round can drop deep enough into a barrel chamber to show acceptable head support...but if the headspace is excessive...turns into a whole 'nother ball of wax when the round fires and backs out of the chamber.
gglass
Member
+1 for 1911Tuner's explanation... Good job.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
As an additional possibility...
If the gun is a straight blowback design, it's also a possibility that the breech is opening too early, while the pressure is still on. Since blowback actions depend on bolt or slide mass and spring strength to delay, or time the opening...it's likely a badly worn/weakened action/recoil spring that's causing the problem.
If the gun is a straight blowback design, it's also a possibility that the breech is opening too early, while the pressure is still on. Since blowback actions depend on bolt or slide mass and spring strength to delay, or time the opening...it's likely a badly worn/weakened action/recoil spring that's causing the problem.
atblis
Member
Hmm
10mm Witness stuff is popular today.
I don't know if the Elite is different, but in general the Witness 10mms support the brass very well and do not have a bulging issue. Many people have run some nuklar 10mm loads through them with out the bulging issue you describe.
Sounds like something is wrong with it.
10mm Witness stuff is popular today.
I don't know if the Elite is different, but in general the Witness 10mms support the brass very well and do not have a bulging issue. Many people have run some nuklar 10mm loads through them with out the bulging issue you describe.
Sounds like something is wrong with it.
I have two Witness pistols (standard and Elite Match), and a shooting buddy a third (standard). All are 10mm.
You have a problem. Never seen bulging brass from any of these three guns, and this is the first I have read about a Witness bulging the case.
What ammo were you using (factory or reloads? Recipe?)? Which Elite series gun do you have (Match, Stock, Limited?)?
As far as re-using the brass...until you find out what is causing the bulge, I would not re-use it. After that is tracked down and eliminated, I would still limit re-use to very light loads.
You have a problem. Never seen bulging brass from any of these three guns, and this is the first I have read about a Witness bulging the case.
What ammo were you using (factory or reloads? Recipe?)? Which Elite series gun do you have (Match, Stock, Limited?)?
As far as re-using the brass...until you find out what is causing the bulge, I would not re-use it. After that is tracked down and eliminated, I would still limit re-use to very light loads.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
You've got a headspace problem, m'fren. Don't shoot the gun any more until it's corrected.
The bulge is at the bottom of the brass. If it fails...which is a distinct possibility with an intense cartridge like the 10mm...and it blows brass shards and hot gasses down into the magazine...sympathetic detonation of the other rounds is a good possibility.
Have it fixed. The fingers and eyes that you save will probably be your own.
The bulge is at the bottom of the brass. If it fails...which is a distinct possibility with an intense cartridge like the 10mm...and it blows brass shards and hot gasses down into the magazine...sympathetic detonation of the other rounds is a good possibility.
Have it fixed. The fingers and eyes that you save will probably be your own.
1911Tuner
Moderator Emeritus
Most of the time, primer wipe...or the "Tadpole Tail" is caused by a weak firing pin spring. It can also come as a result of incorrect barrel drop timing...too early...which can also cause your bulged cases.
Check the front corner of the locking lug(s) to see if there's any evidence of radiusing. The corner should be square and sharp.
Check the front corner of the locking lug(s) to see if there's any evidence of radiusing. The corner should be square and sharp.
atblis
Member
Tanfoglio
Tanfoglios seem to always do the primer swipe thing. Even with an increased firing pin spring, mine always still did it.
Tanfoglios seem to always do the primer swipe thing. Even with an increased firing pin spring, mine always still did it.
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