Shotgun shell squib from a factory loaded round?

[Jenrick]

Has anyone here ever had a factory loaded shotgun shell basically have a squib load (in the sense the primer detonates, but no powder or a light charge)? If so what exactly happened, did the shot still exit the barrel (I'm assuming it would)? A buddy believes he had one, and that led to a failure to deal with a variment he was after (I believe a close in coyote). He stated he felt less recoil, with a lighter muzzle blast/noise, but the hull was fully opened, and nothing was lodge in the barrel (I don't have access to the hull). A check of the area with thermal's did not indicate a blood trail, and no coyote was recovered.

Anyone have anything similar? I'm mainly just curious what the odds are, and if it presents the same hazards a squib load does in other firearms.

Thanks,

-Jenrick

 

[kBob]

Well yes, but it was an old paper hull that was about 25 years old at the time and not stored particularly well as in one point in a greasy tool box. Shooting trap with a .410 that hang fires up to a second is great for developing follow through. Every one got a laugh when my gun went click- thump and then I pointed the barrel down and the load and top wad poured out onto the ground. Had to stop shooting to clear the felt and paper wads.

Only time it has ever happened to me.

-kBob

 

[oneounceload]

The only thing the companies load at a faster rate is .22lr. It is not uncommon for now and again to get a bad shell in some form or another. As long as he ensures the wad clears the barrel, all is well. if it doesn't, and he fires another round, the results can be not only disastrous, but deadly.

 

[Virginian]

I've seen a few. Best one was when my buddy drew down on a duck and a soft ping is all he got. He lowered the gun and the shot rolled out of the barrel. I 'bout died laughing.

 

[Coogs.]

Shot a lot of skeet and trap in my day, never had a factory round misfire, now I won't comment on my handloads, though.Coogs.

 

[Jenrick]

Interesting, has anyone ever had one with basically a light charge rather than a primer only?

-Jenrick

 

[oneounceload]

Yep - both factory and my own. Reload had a short load in the powder drop, nice and poofy. Usually happened if I didn't cycle enough preliminary rounds through the machine to get the powder settled when putting powder in for a new session (Don't leave powder in the hopper for long periods of time)

 

[Jenrick]

oneounceload: Was there enough powder for it to get everything down the barrel?

-Jenrick

 

[Jim Watson]

A trapshooter here got a bad case of target loads. Misfires and "bloopers" with shot sprinkling the ground in front of him and a stuck wad to push out were common. He complained but I don't think Remington ever replaced them.

 

[oneounceload]

oneounceload: Was there enough powder for it to get everything down the barrel?

Of the 10 or so times, most made it - but at the time, I was using an O/U and it was easy to see; which is why I ALWAYS carry a wad knocker

http://wadknocker.com/

 

[Marlin 45 carbine]

yes I had paper hull that had been stored in a shed for years squib, just more than a pop. IIRC there was 3-4 of them from a couple boxes, old peters I think.

 

[Jenrick]

Interesting, thanks gents! If I get any more details on what happened with my friend and that coyote I'll let you guys know.

-Jenrikc

 

[gamestalker]

We call them bloopers at the T&S range. But I know what your talking about, it's when not enough pressure builds to push the load out of the barrel at normal pressures, kind of makes a bloop sound. A missing powder charge can cause one for sure.

And no, the shot and wad don't always completely exit the barrel. I've seen guys point the barrel down after a blooper, and the left over load will sometimes come flowing out the barrel, with the wad having to be pushed out with a rod or wooden dowel. I actually never experienced one with my reloads, had one with factory a couple times years ago though. But I suppose some of the causes may included using badly worn out hulls that have weak crimps, missing powder charge, contaminated powder charge, light powder charge, a wad that isn't completely seated, thus not compressing the powder against the case head / flash hole. may cause them.

And I don't know for certain, but I think a missing wad can cause it also?

GS

 

[AI&P Tactical]

Yes, nothing is perfect and I have had shotgun shells simply go pop and even double charges. I find any of the ammo made after Sandy Hook to be suspect. The factories were putting it so fast due to demand that QC had to suffer. Same with firearms made during that period.

As thing are getting back to normal the manufactures have to compete again and QC is getting better.