Python jamming up

[nickel plate]

I discovered that while shooting up and into a cliff the cartridges would slide back in the cylinder and cause a jam up during cylinder rotation. This happens with .357, .38 and .38 +P factory ammo. I can actually shake the revolver and hear the cartridges rattle.
I would like to inside mic all cylinders both front and back but I don't own a digital inside micrometer. Is there someone on the forum that can help me get these measurements? I live near Visalia, CA. Once I have the cylinder's measurements, I will post them here and contact Colt and hopefully other fellow Colt Python owners can mic check their cylinders and post a comparison to mine.
It might also be the cylinder release but for now but I'd like to put a possible over bore issue to rest.
I'll be able to shoot the revolver at the same cliff next Thursday through Sunday so if you have any test suggestions please pass them on.
Any other Python owners have this same problem?

[Sky_DiveR]

Loose rounds are normal but the recoil shield should be beveled so the rounds don't hang up. I'll check mine when I get home tonite.

Edit: I don't have that problem with mine. I've used different ammo and none of the cartridges hang/bind up. It does look like the part of the recoil shield that you pull back to release the cylinder may be your culprit. If the release is worn or bent, the cartridges may hang up on the edge when the cylinder rotates. You may want to take a look at that with the cylinder open. Sorry for my lack of the proper terminology. I don't have a parts list handy at the moment.

Edit: Found it, it's called a cylinder latch.

[nickel plate]

From the lack of responses I can only assume that I have a rare case of vertical cartridge jamming OR hardly any Python owners have yet to experience a vertical shoot. On mine, it does not require a lot of upward barrel angle. Come on!-try yours!

[swifty]

Loose rounds are normal but the recoil shield should be beveled so the rounds don't hang up.

Edit: It does look like the part of the recoil shield that you pull back to release the cylinder may be your culprit. If the release is worn or bent, the cartridges may hang up on the edge when the cylinder rotates. You may want to take a look at that with the cylinder open.

From the lack of responses I can only assume ...

I was kinda waiting for you to check your Colt in response to Sky_DiveR's post and reply back.

But hey, if it's not important...

[wash]

Measuring a bore like that is really a job for a small hole gauge.

You adjust the gauge to fit the bore, then measure the gauge with an outside micrometer to get your reading.

They look like a weird mini screwdriver with a belled out tip. They are not terribly expensive if you go for an import and this is one tool you are likely to never wear out.

[hawaii five-0]

More than likely the bullet rim is catching on the recoil sheild.Not uncommon.There are machined grooves that can have a sharp edge or burr.When the cases slide backwards and you try to rotate,it snags.Very simple fix would be to polish that area.Hopefully your gun is stainless,so you cannot see signs of the work afterwards.My S&W 629 did the same thing

[Sky_DiveR]

Guess my suggestion wasn't what he was looking for.

It is a common problem with S&W's

[Sky_DiveR]

On a Colt the release latch is part of the recoil shield as well as rotating the opposite direction of a S&W.

[nickel plate]

Thanks for all of the feedback, I do appreciate everything posted and tomorrow I leave for my other property up near Yosemite NP (with the cliff) and will recreate the shoot, check the spent cartridges for expanding, etc. I'll check back in with the results early next week.
swifty-this is very important to me but in order to shoot again at an upward angle and not cause a dangerous situation, I need to be back at the cliff.

[swifty]

Just wanted to throw out the reminder that communication is a 2-way street.

Just use some loose fitting empties and try cycling from where you're sitting.

[kcstott]

If you really want a set of measurements taken. Remove the cylinder and ship it to me along with enough funds to get a twelve pack of english beer.
I'll measure the chamber bores number them and ship back to you. I have small hole gages and a tool makers measuring microscope.
I can guaranty my measurements to with in.0005" with the small hole gages or +/-.0001 with the microscope.
And if you really want to get technical all my tools are traceable to NIST certified standards

[ojisan]

Unfired rounds being loose in the cylinder is normal for a revolver.
As others have said, check the recoil shield and breechface areas for any sharp or square edges the case heads may be snagging on as the cylinder rotates.
Any sharp edges can be blunted or smoothed using stones or jeweler's files.
Note that the high spot would be the first area to have the finish wear off, so don't feel bad about causing a little finish damage on that spot when you smooth it up.
You can always touch things up with some cold blue.

[hawaii five-0]

Not sure why you would have to actually fire the gun to recreate the jam situation.You would want to point it in a safe direction to be sure,but cocking the gun in single action will more than likely be all that is needed to get the shell rim to catch on whatever is stopping it.You might be over thinking this one....

[nickel plate]

I was able to re-create the up angle shoot and found that when the six unfired cartridges slid aft and I started to pull the trigger enough to cause cylinder rotation, the corresponding cartridge would come in contact with the bottom portion of the cylinder latch and stop all further rotation and firing.
The first photo shows the cylinder latch in the normal perpendicular position to the cylinder and would operate perfectly in all upward angles. The second photo shows the cylinder latch at a drifted angle that interferes with the cartridge's rotation and causes the trigger pull to cease before firing. The cylinder latch isn't swinging loose but will travel enough to cause the Python to shut down.
Is this considered normal?
Also-the spent cartridges do expand in the cylinder after firing and will not at all drop out on their own during reloading.

[Sky_DiveR]

I'd say ya have too much play in your cylinder latch. Possible worn or bent. Have a Gunsmith that is familiar with Colts take a look at it. None of my Colts (Pythons, Cobras, or Dick Specials) have had that much play in the latch.

Good luck.