I have had my share of burns, cuts and lead embedded in my fingers from revolvers over the years. But this? Never even crossed my mind.

I have had my share of burns, cuts and lead embedded in my fingers from revolvers over the years. But this? Never even crossed my mind.

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Back when I first started handgunning, revolvers were prevalent.
When somebody shot a 357 or 44 mag next to you, it was advantageous to step back and take a cigarette break.

It's one of the things we emphasize in our handgun safety classes.  That cylinder gap be dangerous.

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Back when I first started handgunning, revolvers were prevalent.
When somebody shot a 357 or 44 mag next to you, it was advantageous to step back and take a cigarette break.

With the introduction of the SW460 & 500 models you do see a few of them around.  I've had to warn my fair share of people when shooting at the silhouette side at Kokohead.  I typically warn them, let the attendant know, then leave.  I'm uncomfortable staying around with those types of new shooters.

Also I've had some a guy shooting his 357 (older gent) who was shaving off some of the metal jacketing and depositing them into my arm.  At first I thought it was the powder, but saw a sliver of copper sticking out of my forearm.  I told him something was up with his gap or timing........or both...........but I think even when a lot of people were shooting revolvers they didn't really understand the issues.

I have been hit by the shavings from the bullet as it enters the barrel before and that taught my why glasses were important.
I wouldn't have expected this though. I wonder if it was just the blast or if there was actually some shrapnel coming out.

Wow. I knew it could cause damage, but I don't think I ever understood how much. Very interesting to see. Thanks for sharing.

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Back when I first started handgunning, revolvers were prevalent.
When somebody shot a 357 or 44 mag next to you, it was advantageous to step back and take a cigarette break.

Nothings changed for me except for the cigarette. 

When I shoot handguns I usually go with the same people. One guy in particular loves loading his 357's with very hot loads. When he shoots these loads I stand back and just watch. If I am not being hit with little bits of schrapnel the blast is so loud and the blast wave hits me and makes me uncomfortable. So I just walk off the line.

I have been hit by the shavings from the bullet as it enters the barrel before and that taught my why glasses were important.
I wouldn't have expected this though. I wonder if it was just the blast or if there was actually some shrapnel coming out.

To give you folks an idea of what's going on............and I haven't checked my books in some time, but the amount of powder to do a middle of the road 460 SW Mag is something like 30+ into the 40+ 9even high 40's) grains for a 200+ gr bullet.  A 308 Win is in that same class for a slower burning powder with a 150 gr bullet.  So you are essentially shooting the same amount of a faster burning powder than a 308 Win load with a much heavier bullet.

The 308 Win is shot from a closed system (meaning the chamber is typically completely enclosed) while there is a cylinder gap for the large (460 & 500) magnum revolvers.  We are talking serious pressures and the more you shoot the more erosion of the metal there is (barrel, forcing cone, cylinder, etc.)...........so the gap gets larger and more gas is allowed to escape.

There is only one solution to this issue. Buy a Russian 1895 Nagant Revolver that has a gas seal system.