I think I've got a SQUIB!!!

Keebler750

Keebler750

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I just put together 130 .40cal rounds on my Dillon 550 and in the bullet tray I found one extra primed case and a bunch of TiteGroup powder lying in the bottom.

What this suggests to me is that I indexed the press without capping a round with a bullet, and therefor, the NEXT cartridge would have no powder in it, if I was following sequence after that.

Any comments?

It's possible I just missed the bullet and did everything else properly, but ....

Now what????
 
I think you just missed the bullet. All other steps would occur in sequence, I would think. If your .40 doesn't recycle on a given shot, I'd clear the gun and check the barrel.
 
With 4.0 of Titegroup it'll be impossible to average out the normal variance and the lack of powder.

I can't hear the powder in any of them and they're NOT compressed loads.

;)

I figure I'll take 'em to the range tomorrow and slow fire the lot of them, maybe doing some off hand deliberate practice and handling practice for my match at MilCun this weekend.

Then, I'll have to make more anyway....so, I'll just have to be listening and stop shooting right away. I may even single load the mags.

?? I guess.....?
 
If it's a primer only squib, I doubt that the action will cycle. Make sure check the bore for obstructions as the primer may push the bullet far enough down to allow the next round to fee.

Bring a squib rod and have fun!
 
I agree with raks above. If a primer only squib you'll hear a muffled pop and nothing else will happen. Chances are the bullet will lodge in the barrel. You may be lucky and it may only go about an inch but most likely it will be 2 or 3 inches down the pipe. Stop and do the usual clear drills. You may find it easier to field strip and tap out the bullet(especially if others are on the range and freak at you banging on the barrel of an assembled gun....
Not a big deal, but this is where the tight match barrels can cause u grief as they really hold onto those bullets tight!
Nothing to worry about, just take your time and avoid any rapid fire.
Good luck
dB
 
Squib

With the inconsistency in bullet weights it is unlikely that you can find the bad one by weighing on a scale.
A primer only squib is probably not going to cycle the action, by slow firing you will notice the difference in recoil(or lack of).
I would agree with raks recommendation that you check for obstructions with any rounds that feel odd or do not cycle the gun. And take the rod with you.
Since you are prepared this should not be a problem, just be careful.
 
Keebler750 said:
I just put together 130 .40cal rounds on my Dillon 550 and in the bullet tray I found one extra primed case and a bunch of TiteGroup powder lying in the bottom.

What this suggests to me is that I indexed the press without capping a round with a bullet, and therefor, the NEXT cartridge would have no powder in it, if I was following sequence after that.

Any comments?

It's possible I just missed the bullet and did everything else properly, but ....

Now what????
Click to expand...


Then you are going to very quickly find out if you have a flinch.
 
Well. I found the squib. Good call on my part not to put that ammo into my competition stores for this weekend!!!

And, no muzzle movement, btw! :D (I dry fire alot.)

Now....how to get the bullet out without ruining my bore????

EDIT - SUCCESS!!! I used a 1/4" drive extension...light tap was all it took and now I have a cool handgun bullet intact, complete with rifling marks.
 
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Say, the action on my Sig locked up solid, and the primer on the case, when I finally got it out of the chamber, was sitting proud.

High pressure due to the squib?

Anything I should look out for? I don't see any visible damage.
 
Keebler750 said:
Say, the action on my Sig locked up solid, and the primer on the case, when I finally got it out of the chamber, was sitting proud.

High pressure due to the squib?

Anything I should look out for? I don't see any visible damage.
Click to expand...


Stop, pull the lot and start again....there is a problem somewhere in your loading.


I would suggest loading some without the Dillon so as to isolate the problem.
 
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I'm loading 4.0gr of Titegroup behind Frontier 200gr RNFP .40cal bullets and using Winchester small pistol primers.

The only round that caused any problems was the squib load and I figure the pressure was due to the bullet making it only 3/10ths of an inch into the rifling, leaving no expansion room, and high chamber pressures.

I figure the case stretched from the pressure and locked it into the chamber. Eventually, it shrunk and let me open it up and eject/inspect.
 
I think it is a good idea for anyone new to reloading to make a few squibs up and actually shoot them in a safe and deliberate way to familiarize with the distinctive sound a squib makes when fired - this way you can imprint the sound in your mind and see first hand if it cycles the action in any particular auto-loader and thus hopefully in competition or in rapid fire you will know what to expect and what to do in the event of an actual occurrence.

You should also always have something to remove a squib in your range bag - so many people don’t.
 
the above comment is not without merrit. just be sure to know which ones are the squib loads.
 
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