Exclusive First Look--10mm M646

[G33]

;m Do not try this at home!

Thanks to Tamara, we have the cylinder back and fitted for 10mm cases.
This weekend we will shoot the Silvertips and mild handloads we make with Gold Dot bullets. Both will be within the pressures that S&W gave us.

We will post photos as the trials progress. It is hoped this would be a nice carry gun in a reasonable size and weight.;f

;m Do not try this at home!


Before pic:

[MCNETT]

Nice! ;I
-Mike

[NordicG3K]

G33,
I'm very interested in your project. Did you have the stock titanium cylinder bored out, or did you have a custom stainless L-frame cylinder made for it? What were the pressure limits S&W set? Can't wait to hear more!!!

[Rigormootis]

;P Oh...my...God. Another 10mm wheelgun!!! ;G ;+ ^7 ~2 ;S (ok, enough already... ;))

[G33]

Photo of 10mm Silvertips in cylinder:

[G33]

Photo .40 GD left; 10mm Silvertips right:

[G33]

Recap: The idea for the project was to have a more compact 10mm revolver to carry than the M610. ALL HEAVY 10MM LOADS WILL BE USED IN MY M610. But I was willing to shell out $500 for a M646 and have the TI cylinder reamed to 10mm for $98 including shipping. The total cost was thus $598.

1. The original Ti cylinder was used.
2. S&W buddy would not go on record, but noted that as .40 ammo developed up to 35,000 psi, the cylinder could handle 37,500 psi.
3. Silvertips and my Gold Dot handloads fall in this requirement.
4. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF PUSHING THE ENVELOP!
5. I just want a more compact 10mm revolver.
6. The M646 is really just a long 3" barrel BTW.:)

Again, I plan to shoot a few 10mm Silvertips and carry those, but shoot a lot of .40 and my mild 10mm reloads. I have wasted more than $600 on other projects.;Q

[G33]

P.S. According to my manuals, my reloads are 155 gr. GD doing 1,230 fps at 33,800 psi. A little faster than the same .40 load and a bit less pressure.

[hile]

Looks pretty cool, G. I'm interested in the results.

[G33]

OK, Back.:)

Target for 10mm Gold Dot 155 gr. reloads I make;
30 ft. 2-hand hold.

[G33]

Silvertips 10mm 175 gr. factory loads.
30 ft. 2-hand hold.

[G33]

;m ;m ;m
Caution
;m ;m ;m

Found one of my reloads had serious bullet pull in the cylinder.
This did not bind the cylinder.
I had the press set up for my normal loads for the 1076/1086.
This being a 36 oz. gun, I will have to look at the crimp issue.
Note: my reloads felt about the same as the Silvertips. That was the idea.
One of the range instructors fired my M646 at 25 yds. and duplicated the group directly above. So the accuracy issue is settled.
Everyone that looked at the M646 commented that it would be an ideal CCW. ;f

;m ;m ;m
The only hairline crack I found was on me; from G29 who was not allowed to shoot.:(

[MCNETT]

G33, I have some DoubleTap 165gr GSHP @ 1300fps - G20 (30,700psi)that I have loaded for an IDPA competitor. I loaded him several thoudand, and have about 1,500 left over. this might be a good loading for this revolver. Just a thought.
-Mike

[NordicG3K]

Would a standard stainless steel cylinder be as strong, or possibly stronger than the titanium one? I know that titanium is lighter than steel for an equal mass, but is it actually stronger for an equal mass?

[G33]

Nordic,
I do not have the knowledge to answer that question. Sorry.
My thought is that I want a carry gun light.


Mike,
Great idea; please let me pay off the current projects; you know G29 has several going. Maybe in Feb. Pressure sounds perfect.

[MCNETT]

Make that only 1,000rds. (I just received an order for 500rds.) You guys are quick. G33: I will save you 500rds. if you would like. You can order them whenever you like. ;c
-Mike

[NordicG3K]

Looks like I might have to give S&W a call. My thinking was a standard stainless cylinder and a slim profile, Mountain Gun style barrel. I think that would make an awesome backpacking gun!

[mitchmcgee]

I did not figure out where you had the cylinder reamed. Let us know if this service is generally available.

Thanks,

[G29]

G. would be helpless without Tamara and me and...

Gunsmith:
Shannon Jennings
865-688-0077
Knoxville, Tn.

[redskyzatknight]

Sweet! ^c

[AndABeer]

It seems my 646 cylinder is already chambered a little long so this might not be a bad idear. Reg .40s will fall too far into the chambers to fire without moon clips so I am not really loosing anything. Is the smith listed above the person who did the work or was it or was it DIY?

[G33]

Shannon did the work.

[VictorLouis]

The final finish, coating, heat-treat or whatever of the Ti guns is supposed to be part of their durability. Now that it has been cut into, I'm wondering if any problems will surface. Of course, I wish you well and hope NOT.;)

[G33]

10-4 and roger that.
Thanks Vic:)




(Monty Python: First the spanking.....);f

[G33]

Hey!
Got better with the M646 this week. Did not have to wear the bombsuit...;f
Silvertips at 35 ft. two-hand hold.
All 10mm! Yea!

[G33]

Anyone converted theirs?

[Parker Dean]

Originally posted by G33
Anyone converted theirs?

Well, I'm going to have to get a 646 now.

Too many guns to buy!!! ;9 :)

[thisaway]

Originally posted by G33
Anyone converted theirs?

Not yet, but once I get mine out of lay-away......;f

[10mmman]

Any update?

Have you slugged the cylinder throat to measure for erosion?

Anybody champher the charge holes?

X

[G33]

Hi!
1. Have 250-300 Silvertips and my reloads in 10mm through the gun now.

2. Do not have the kit/tools to swag. Do not see any problems under the mag/lamp I have (one of those big round lamps with a magnified center and a light around the edge). Probably has a nifty name?

3. Have not done the charge hole; probably will not; not a competion type.

[10mmman]

Originally posted by G33
Anyone converted theirs?

G33- thanks

BTW, I notice the 646 cylinder is longer than my 610 (which is reamed to 10mm Mag. AA has loading data for 10mm Mag w/ pressures below 32,000- Why not go for it?

In for a penny, in for a pound!

X

[G33]

I would have to look at the pressures...
But I do not want to push too far...
;a
(got a lot of friendly warnings as is.)

[macarthurite]

If anyones interested, a friend of mine is selling new 646's for $459.

[b8es_]

Has anyone else done this yet? G33, have you put any more rounds through it, if so, how is it holding up? I will be receiving my 646 shortly and be promptly sending the cylinder off for reaming, we'll see if I have as good of luck as you!

[G33]

At about 300; all seems OK. Have moved on:
1. project was to make a carry gun and it works.
2. left wrist has me doing mainly 9mm right now...:(


Looking at FN 57; was Told it is a Girl's gun(;f )
So I must investigate.;e

[Rigormootis]

Do you think it would be possible toconvert a 696 by replacing it's cylinder & barrel??? - say the barrel from a 3" 610 and have see if someone could make a .400-bored cylander for it? I know, I'm dreaming.

[Black Snowman]

I'm getting a 646 to convert to 10mm. I contacted S&W saying I'd prefer to be able to restore the gun to origional configuration and asked about a replacement cylinder. They recommended a 686 cylinder as a starting point.

Here are threads already started on the subject on other boards: The High Road (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?s=&postid=1312515) and 10mm Talk (http://10mmtalk.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=391)

You can rebuild quite a few revolvers to 10mm if you're willing to shell out the $$. GP-100s are a common basis.

[G33]

Saw it over there.
Good luck.
Fun projects!;f

[G33]

Well, it has been just over a year now.
Wow, time flies.
The M646 is doing fine.
No erosion of the cylinder.

Have shot the Double Tap Equalizers out of it.
I think those will be my loads, replacing the Silvertips.
Accuracy is just fine.
If I can get the camera to work...

I lost my notes in the olde computer crash.
Between 600-700 rounds are through the gun.
About 200 were 10mm. The last 50 were Equalizers.

So the project is done.;f

[turbonatr]

Now let's do one in 41 magnum!!;P

;f

[G33]

;P ;P


;z

[VictorLouis]

so far. Keep us posted in another year.;f

[G33]

Hi Vic.
Not wrong.
Could still happen.
Best!
G.;f

[xd>glock2me]

[$ [$ [$

[G33]

All the old photos were cut out by the system to conserve space.
Will see if I can reload some.

[redskyzatknight]

Glad to hear you still have all your fingers. I think it's safe and I got one but hav'nt converted yet. I'd like an unfluted 686 for look's and to be a true little bro. to my 610. It shoot's so well with Short & Wimpy, I hav'nt felt the need to shell out more cash. It is nice to get ammo at WalMart. The extra cylinder is the way I'm going. Thanks for taking the chance and keeping us informed. I keep it loaded with snake shot most of the time. I take about two dozen poisonous serp's a summer.

[G33]

;f

[Black Snowman]

I too am going to go with an unfluted stainless cylinder. After I get the machining done I'll probably have it cryo treated for the extra strength and because it sounds cool ;)

My schedule might move up on the conversion as I'm starting to run into the dreaded "sticky cylinder" and had to tap out a case the other day.

[TED]

"macarthurite
Member

Registered: May 2004
Location: NC
If anyones interested, a friend of mine is selling new 646's for $459."

YES YES YES!!! TELL ME MORE!!!

TED

[Bullman]

I see the brains in havnig the 646 punched out to 10mm, the moon clips already exist and all that. Now for the big question.... IN my effort to always do things the hard way, would a K frame support the 10 mm in a 5 shooter? if someone was to build a totally custom k frame five shooter in 10mm would there be some way to get clips for it?

I just need to win the lottery and put myself through gunsmithing school and dedicate my career to the 10mm crowd.

[G33]

Taurus could.
They have a 5-shot .41 mag.
Not a K-frame; more like an L-frame.

[Bullman]

Since a re barrel and re cylinder would be required.... Smith did the Centennial L frame here a while back in 44 special, How about that? I like the concealed hammer even better. I believe that was done in Scandium and Titanium too if I am not mistaken. The only rub will still be the clips, are there any 5 shot .40s out there that will fill the bill for those?

[thisaway]

Originally posted by VictorLouis
The final finish, coating, heat-treat or whatever of the Ti guns is supposed to be part of their durability.

I finally decided to leave my M646 in .40 calibre, for just this reason. If I could find another one for a reasonable price, I might get it and have the rechambering done just so I could compare the two (and be able to say, "hey, I have two M646s, how many do you have?")

[G33]

;d
Per request.

[xd>glock2me]

Where are the pictures ????

[G33]

Gone in the last GT crash.

[bambihunter]

Great project...

I'm not a wheelgun fan, but you KNOW I am a 10 fan, so I can appreciate ANYTHING AS LONG AS IT SAYS 10mm ON THE SIDE! ;f

Hope it fits the role as you hoped! :cool:

[Bullman]

Originally posted by Bullman
Since a re barrel and re cylinder would be required.... Smith did the Centennial L frame here a while back in 44 special, How about that? I like the concealed hammer even better. I believe that was done in Scandium and Titanium too if I am not mistaken. The only rub will still be the clips, are there any 5 shot .40s out there that will fill the bill for those?


I was thinking about this project again tonight. Resleeve the 296 with a 10mm sleeve, and put in a reamed 646 cylinder, change the appropriate lockwork parts, probably the hand is all, a six shot hammerless snubby in 10mm, wouldn't that be cool???? bet it would never work.:(

[G33]

Originally posted by bambihunter
Great project...

I'm not a wheelgun fan, but you KNOW I am a 10 fan, so I can appreciate ANYTHING AS LONG AS IT SAYS 10mm ON THE SIDE! ;f

Hope it fits the role as you hoped! :cool:

Yes!
Very nice with Mike's Equalizer loads.
Light to carry--well not like a M642.
Quick to reload.;f


<----Hopeless wheelie person.