Looking into a cause for a squib

JAK1981

JAK1981

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I've had a few squibs recently (my first two, and both in a row) and would like some thoughts as to why this has been occurring. This was for a single test batch.

At first I thought I had completely missed charging the case. On the second squib, I thought the cause may be more complicated. So here's what I did after the two squibs.

1. Review the load data. The data is good. I am using 6.3 grains of CFEPistol under a 158 grain copper plated 357 Magnum.

2. Review the quality. Pulled the rest of the batch and verify the specs. 158 gr, check. 6.3 grains of powder, check. Case OAL was good, case length was good. Crimp was good I think. The crimp left a slight groove in the plating, which suggests that the crip was tight enough to cause pressure.

Just as I am writing this, I looked up the primer info and to my surprise, hodgdon calls for a Magnum primer. Could that be it??? Would this cause such a weak ignition? It wasn't crappy results, it was completely failed move past the forcing cone.

Also, I used non Magnum primers for a few batches I've done with 125 grain copper plated projectiles + CFEPistol which did not squib. I got decent results with those, however they were closer to the 7.5 grain range.

Thoughts anyone?
 
Take this fwiw from a novice reloader, but one that did a lot of research before getting started...... I would "guesstimate" that a good 75% of squibs I have read about were the result of using an insufficient primer for the job..... If you used a primer that was less than recommended then I wager you found your issue......
 
Thanks Superbrad. Yep, it's almost pointless to ask, for sure that should be corrected. It's a surprise that I didn't get the same failure with more powder and a lighter projectile (to me at least being new)
 
That powder charge is between recommended min/max loads.

Even with minimal powder, there should be enough powder to fire the projectile out of the barrel.

a squib is when there is NO powder, and the primer only sends the projectile into the barrel. The "pop" sound is a definite sound you will recognize.

I would look into your powder measure as your culprit, not dispensing the powder. Most experienced reloaders will have a way to visually check the load before the projectile is pressed in. Having a light pointing in the stage right after the powder is dispensed is always a good idea.

loaded many 357 without magnum primers.
 
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On the bright side, you took your time shooting and recognized the squib right away..... Too many people blast away with a semi and risk leaving a squib in the barrel and taking a follow up shot......

The world of reloading can be confusing at times...... And so many sites have so many different options and reccomendations..... I am not even to the point of "looking for pressure signs"...... But it sure is a rewarding hobby....
 
Superbrad said:
On the bright side, you took your time shooting and recognized the squib right away..... Too many people blast away with a semi and risk leaving a squib in the barrel and taking a follow up shot......
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It would not happen with a semi, as if a squib occurred, as the slide would cycled and not have ejected the casing. More likely to blow up your gun with a revolver, that's if the projectile didn't get caught between the barrel and cylinder.
 
What type of press are you using? It's really easy to overlook a faulty powder drop on a few cases.

Had some squibs happen with a friend who uses a Dillon 650 and figured that his powder check was not properly set-up.
 
Some powders meter beter than others due to the shape.

cfePistol should have been ok, unless you had a LEE powder measure.
 
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madcow said:
That powder charge is between recommended min/max loads.

Even with minimal powder, there should be enough powder to fire the projectile out of the barrel.

a squib is when there is NO powder, and the primer only sends the projectile into the barrel. The "pop" sound is a definite sound you will recognize.

I would look into your powder measure as your culprit, not dispensing the powder. Most experienced reloaders will have a way to visually check the load before the projectile is pressed in. Having a light pointing in the stage right after the powder is dispensed is always a good idea.

loaded many 357 without magnum primers.
Click to expand...

I agree with this. Own a lee loadmaster? Lol. Really let's talk about your press. Is it a progressive? If so you probably didn't drop the powder charge. Doubt it's the primer if it fired.
 
I assume you looked at Hodgdon's site for the data? They list magnum primers with everything in the .357 section to cover guys that assume you need a magnum primer when 99% of the time you don't. I only use them with H110/296, as it is a very slow powder. I'd agree with those who said those cases were probably lacking propellant for whatever reason.
 
Powder clumps stuck in the measure, rather than dropping in the case.

Measure not working/activated properly.

You fidling with something and missing a charge.

It's difficult to narrow it down without knowing your equipment and if you had any powder at all drop in the case (did the bullet exit the ? inch barrel?).
 
I loaded exactly 12 cartridges of .357 on a Lee Turret Press. This was done carefully, I inspected each case. And practically weighed each one. So in terms of having the correct powder charge, I'm pretty confident. Could have been it, but I have to think it was something else.
 
madcow said:
That powder charge is between recommended min/max loads.

Even with minimal powder, there should be enough powder to fire the projectile out of the barrel.

a squib is when there is NO powder, and the primer only sends the projectile into the barrel. The "pop" sound is a definite sound you will recognize.

I would look into your powder measure as your culprit, not dispensing the powder. Most experienced reloaders will have a way to visually check the load before the projectile is pressed in. Having a light pointing in the stage right after the powder is dispensed is always a good idea.

loaded many 357 without magnum primers.
Click to expand...

I am using the Lee Pro disk, and it's worked flawlessly. I've loaded a few thousand 38 special, a few thousand 44 Magnum as well. I've also used the Lee Pro disk on my Loadmaster and done about 1000 9mm, all perfect. So I have 100% confidence in the equipment.

Oh ya, it was a weak "pop" with zero recoil alright :)
 
I tumble before decapping.

Then I put the cases through the size/decapping die, which I would assume will remove anying blocking the flash hole.
 
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