Be Careful With Reloads

[Vahunter]

Here's what could happen when using someone elses reloads, or not paying attention to what you or doing when reloading. I got this post from another site.

Just a little info on an accident at our local range. Seems a fellow was shooting his Browning lever gun in some 7mm ctg. He had reloads obtained from a friend. The friend loaded pistol powder in the ctgs. Don't know why. Anyway the result was as you would expect. The gun blew apart. They couldn't find the bolt until they got to the hospital in Vegas. It was in his head. The barrel and forend seperated from the gun, the reciever split in half and you already know where the bolt went. What a mess.

[zephyp]

Thanks, Henry. A good reminder for those of us that reload. Be careful and follow the rules.

[40shooter]

I've shot a few reloads purchased at a gun show. The problems I encountered were a few FTF's in my wife's Ruger LCP and I had one round (.38 special Wad cutter) that had a bent casing that wouldn't load into my Taurus 650 .357 Magnum. I don't reload my self & I ussually shoot factory rounds.

[allingeneral]

I've shot a few reloads purchased at a gun show. The problems I encountered were a few FTF's in my wife's Ruger LCP and I had one round (.38 special Wad cutter) that had a bent casing that wouldn't load into my Taurus 650 .357 Magnum. I don't reload my self & I ussually shoot factory rounds.

I have had the same problem with some reloads that I bought at the gun show. Out of 100 rounds, I had three FTF in my .38 special revolver. Each time, I cycled the round back around and refired it and it went. Is there a better way to handle this situation? It worries me a bit when a round doesn't fire after popping the cap. Can a round "hangfire" like that? i.e. the cap is popped, the round doesn't fire, but then goes off a few seconds or minutes later? Or is it that once the cap is popped and "misses", the round is safe to handle?

[40shooter]

Because of this "Quality Control" issue I will not carry reloads for self defense. Just my 2 cents.

[zephyp]

Usually due to faulty primers. Primers that are improperly stored or handled improperly can become damaged. The cap material is very sensitive to the elements and even oil from your hands. If the firing pin strikes the primer properly (sounds like it did) and it doesnt go bang its a primer problem. Best to let those sit for a couple seconds so they dont cook off in your hand.

[VBshooter]

I won't use relaods that I don't know where they came from... I use to use some from a company called Eldorado in a 44 magnum and all too many times I witnessed split cases that would stick in the cylinder and be a PITA to get out,, Glad they didn;t blow back in my face,,,

[gfost1]

I have had the same problem with some reloads that I bought at the gun show. Out of 100 rounds, I had three FTF in my .38 special revolver. Each time, I cycled the round back around and refired it and it went. Is there a better way to handle this situation? It worries me a bit when a round doesn't fire after popping the cap. Can a round "hangfire" like that? i.e. the cap is popped, the round doesn't fire, but then goes off a few seconds or minutes later? Or is it that once the cap is popped and "misses", the round is safe to handle?

Howdy,

A good rule of thumb is to keep the barrel pointed downrange and count to thirty before you clear the dud from the chamber. I usually give it one more chance before I give up on it.

Regards,

George

[zephyp]

Also just remembered. Right now small rifle primers are alot easier to get than small pistol primers. Some of these folks might be using those which have a thicker cap making it difficult to ignite with a pistol firing pin.

Having said that I'm off to pick up a baby eagle

[herohog]

Yes AIG, Hang-fires are real and usually happen well within 30 seconds so gfost1 is dead on with his "count to 30" advice.

[allingeneral]

Yes AIG, Hang-fires are real and usually happen well within 30 seconds so gfost1 is dead on with his "count to 30" advice.

Aye - thank you to all for clarification on this point. I hadn't been used to the term hangfire in relation to firearms - just missiles