Well, it finally happened: squib load

M

mactroneng

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
29   0   0
Location
SW Ontario
In just under a year of reloading, I had my first squib, in my S&W 500. Once I got it apart it was evident that it had no powder in at all, just the primer going off. Definitely noticeable when a 500 has less recoil than a 22.

Unfortunately, a CCI large rifle magnum primer, combined with the heavy crimp I was using, was enough launch the bullet out of the brass but not enough to clear the cylinder, and it was the first shot in that particular cylinder load... So you can do the math about my unnerving drive back home due to lack of tools at the range.

Picture of the bullet if anyone is interested:
https://i.imgur.com/8isYYFM.jpg

(Hole in the middle in the bullet is from the jag screwed to a cleaning rod that I used to pound it back into the cylinder)
 
Man! You were lucky!

Good thing it was a 500, a caliber you don’t shoot fast normally, has a significant recoil (vs. a squib) and that the bullet got stuck between the cylinder and barrel. If it had gone through and you pulled the trigger again! Yikes!
 
Sh!t happens.

But you can make it worse when pounding out the bullet. If the jag slides off the point of the bullet, it can wedge beside the bullet and chew a mark into the barrel or cylinder.

I have a short piece of brass rod and I wrap a bit of making tape around the end of it, so the rod stays centered in the bore.
 
When I competed in Combat Pistol a Squib rod was standard equipment. Brass rod sized to fit the bore and 1/2 inch longer than the barrel length... to be certain the bullet was pushed back to the cylinder. Usually had a fair sized knob on the end. This was often the first 'project' for a new lathe owner. Not a big deal and was standard 'Range' equipment in the bucket with everything else. Never go to the range without some tools!!
 
Well my cleaning rod was slightly bent from the hammer and in attempt to fix it I snapped it in half where it screwed together (prior to getting the bullet out), so I now have a permanent squid rod.
 
Ganderite said:
Sh!t happens.

But you can make it worse when pounding out the bullet. If the jag slides off the point of the bullet, it can wedge beside the bullet and chew a mark into the barrel or cylinder.

I have a short piece of brass rod and I wrap a bit of making tape around the end of it, so the rod stays centered in the bore.
Click to expand...

Good to remember, I only reload for pistol now and for far all the bullets I've used are round nose flat point... that combined with the fact the the jag matches the bore size so there's not much wiggle room left me comfortable with using it.
 
Be aware that sometimes it may not be a primer pop.. I had my first squib in my M1 carbine. Knock on wood, still never had on on my reloads. These were older South American Surplus M1 carbine. It sounded no different, but failed to eject. Treated it like every other jam ( since these South American M1 Carbine ammo was common ) and the round wouldn't chamber. Stupid me trying to tap the op rod with my palm but it wouldn't go. Ejected that, went with another mag, thinking had a oversize round, same thing. So I removed the mag, went into the club house to grab a cleaning rod, and sure enough, a squib.

So tap rack and go, could lead to tap rack, BOOM.
 
Ganderite said:
Sh!t happens.

But you can make it worse when pounding out the bullet. If the jag slides off the point of the bullet, it can wedge beside the bullet and chew a mark into the barrel or cylinder.

I have a short piece of brass rod and I wrap a bit of making tape around the end of it, so the rod stays centered in the bore.
Click to expand...

^This is how to do it. I use electrical tape just above the working tip and again about 3-4in. higher.

Look for 3/8" or 1/4" brass rod or brass shear stock on ebay.

https://www.amazon.ca/10mm-Length-S...84857&sprefix=brass+rod+3/8",aps,194&sr=8-110
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom