Security six problem

[4t5]

I can shoot magnum rounds with no problem, even low power loads, but when I switch to low power 38 spl loads the gun locks up after the first shot.
Hammer won’t come back ,just locked, I did notice the cylinder stop was not in the slot , rotating the cylinder a smidge the was an audible click and it went into the slot , but the hammer would not budge.
Opening and closing the cylinder , first round fires , gun locks up.
Anybody have the same problem , might just have to use mag brass only.
Also gun functions fine with the cylinder empty.

[Ray]

Any d.a. revolver will do this if ejector rod loosens even as much as a r.h.c.h. I think counterclockwise tightens as the manuals cite l.h. threads.

[GunnyMack]

Tightening the ejector rod is a good place to start. However, if that is the culprit it should lock up empty, or with magnums. If the ejector rod is loose that will lock it up full or empty.
If it were me I would do a thorough take down/ clean/ lube and look for wear, broken springs etc.
Cartridge length shouldn't matter since the cylinder only rotates- no feeding into/ out of the chamber.
I'm suspecting a worn out part inside ( what im not sure, i havent been in a security six in 30 years!)and the recoil of the hotter loads is allowing the gun to function properly.
Try loading up some hotter specials and see if it still locks up on you.

[4t5]

Thanks for the replies, if I recall correctly , warmer 38’s worked last time I took it out.
Could the brass not be expanding enough , thus setting back against the recoil shield .?
Something I’ve heard of but know nothing about.
These loads are minimum titegroup loads from the manufacture’s website, maybe brass and primers being a different brand.

[GunnyMack]

Being a straight wall case setting back shouldn't be the issue like a 32-20/38-40/44-40 would but they are low pressure so that isn't it.
I say take it apart and give it a good clean & lube then try it out.

[Gunstore Commando]

Not sure it is what is happening to you, but I can confirm for a fact that it's possible to lock up a -Six by shooting primer-only wax bullet loads, even with the flash holes drilled out to 1/8th inch.

[1894cfan]

4T5, after re-reading your post it looks to me like you are using WAY to low pressure rounds! I'd suggest using at the least standard pressure 38spl loads. YMMV

[GunnyMack]

'94cfan does make a good point of low pressure loads and primers backing out!
I wasn't thinking about that, was more thinking about mechanical problems.

[Walt]

I agree. Your loads are so low powered that the primers are backing out. Try standard loads and the problem should be solved.

[4t5]

I’m gonna load mid to max loads next time , went through my used brass , and the previous loads (week before )were winchester white box target loads.
Had no problem with them.

[GunnyMack]

Ok your factory loaded ammo worked without issue, I think we may have found the reason, low pressure reloads backing out the primers.
Just for the heck of it measure a few primer pockets of your brass that locked up the gun- just to make sure you don't have oversized primer pockets( I doubt it ) .
Also, what primers are you using? I recently bought a 1k box of Agulia small pistol and they are VERY soft, multiple FP piercings! Those that didn't pierce flowed back into the breech block firing pin hole of my 218 Bee.

[Scott Tschirhart]

Is the firing pin return spring broken?

[4t5]

Scott , I’ve never taken this gun apart as I don’t have a manual , if it’s similar to a sp101 , I’ve got that.
Also primers are flush.

[1894cfan]

It is a bit different from the SP101, if anything it's easier!

[765x53]

Scott , I’ve never taken this gun apart as I don’t have a manual , if it’s similar to a sp101 , I’ve got that.
Also primers are flush.

Down load and/or print the manual from the web site. https://ruger-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/_ma ... itySix.pdf

[4t5]

Thanks for the link, recently I put the spent brass back in the cylinder and cycled them through single and double action , and it was fine, also with the cylinder empty I dropped the hammer and could see the firing pin protrude, releasing the trigger the pin went back in smartly on all six chambers.
Next week I’ll run some hotter loads with the same brass and bullets, the manual shows these loads a little over 800 fps , I’ll load them around 900 next time, I’m gonna use win 244 next time with the same 158 gr swc’s.
Also no debris under the extractor, ejector rod is tight.

[4t5]

Lots of rain in connecitax today , loaded the same spent 38 brass with blue dot loads running at 955 fps (published) loads , will put them down range next week , can’t wait. The more I use titegroup the less I like it.

[4t5]

Well this week was no different, the SS choked on the 900 fps loads in 38 spl ( win ) brass. Titegroup loads running over 1000 fps ( published ) in 357 brass ran fine .I used the low power and higher power 38’s in my smith 642 with no problem. My local store owner said to use different brass. Will try starline next.
If this is any indication of trouble, the titegroup loads were looking like black powder loads, with all the smoke they put out.

[GunnyMack]

Hmmm , try other powders, might be the titegroup just isn't creating the pressures fast enough.

[4t5]

I think I’m done with titegroup .
CCI primers by the way.

[4t5]

Well, it appears the gap between the recoil shield and the cylinder was to tight . I noticed when measuring the rim thickness on the 38’s that they were thicker than the 357’s.Both however were less than saami spec of .060.That lead me to measure the gap between the recoil shield the cylinder and at best was extremely tight .
So file in hand went slowly a few strokes on the recoil shield, followed by 1500 grit paper wrapped around the file to produce a mirror finish, all went well the the range.
I always shoot the 357’s first, and the added heat may have closed the gap even more, that was a head scratcher !

[Pisgah]

Your loads are too low-pressure. When a primer fires, it backs out a bit on all cartridges. In normal loads, the case is then slammed backwards and the spent primer is fully re-seated. A too-weak load does not accomplish the needed re-seating and the protruding primer ties the gun up.