I'm not really too new to reloading, well maybe to some of you that have been doing it for 30+ years. It is something that I spend a considerable amount of time doing and I have loaded and fired thousands of rounds of pistol and rifle ammunition.
The squib occured in 38 Special and was loaded on a Hornady LNL AP with properly calibrated and function tested RCBS lockout die. The gun is an unmodified S&W 686 SSR.
The load specs: RP case, Berry's 125gr plated flat nose, WSP, 4.4gr HP-38, 1.450 COAL
Luckily I noticed the lack of report and recoil instantly and knew that there was likely a squib. I have also witnessed one in a 9mm and noticed it there too.
In the photos there is some chaff or burned and unburned powder stuck in the bore. When I opened the cylinder some of it blew away with the breeze. On the back of the bullet it is very rough and seems particles are imbedded in the base. The bullet travelled 1.420" from the face of the barrel to the base of the bullet. The damage to the bullet is from being driven out using an aluminum shotgun rod wrapped in masking tape.
I am doubtful that there was no powder in the case as I saw the evidence of it in the bore and falling out of the cylinder. There is also a kind of sticky green sustance on the barrel face where the cylinder gap is. It's not from gun oil and I don't lube my cases. Maybe a low charge? Weak primer?
I am not really rattled because I pay attention to what I'm doing and try to constantly improve my practices and procedures. I believe this to be a freak occurance, but one that I feel the need to understand so I can prevent this from happening again if possible.
Ideas?
The squib occured in 38 Special and was loaded on a Hornady LNL AP with properly calibrated and function tested RCBS lockout die. The gun is an unmodified S&W 686 SSR.
The load specs: RP case, Berry's 125gr plated flat nose, WSP, 4.4gr HP-38, 1.450 COAL
Luckily I noticed the lack of report and recoil instantly and knew that there was likely a squib. I have also witnessed one in a 9mm and noticed it there too.
In the photos there is some chaff or burned and unburned powder stuck in the bore. When I opened the cylinder some of it blew away with the breeze. On the back of the bullet it is very rough and seems particles are imbedded in the base. The bullet travelled 1.420" from the face of the barrel to the base of the bullet. The damage to the bullet is from being driven out using an aluminum shotgun rod wrapped in masking tape.
I am doubtful that there was no powder in the case as I saw the evidence of it in the bore and falling out of the cylinder. There is also a kind of sticky green sustance on the barrel face where the cylinder gap is. It's not from gun oil and I don't lube my cases. Maybe a low charge? Weak primer?
I am not really rattled because I pay attention to what I'm doing and try to constantly improve my practices and procedures. I believe this to be a freak occurance, but one that I feel the need to understand so I can prevent this from happening again if possible.
Ideas?