Hang Fire!!!

[rather be hunting]

I was at my local rifle range on the weekend with my uncle.
I was shooting my Winchester Featherweight 30-06 bolt action with hand loaded 180 grain IMR 4350 ammo.
I use CCI magnum primers.
During the course of shooting I had a weird experience.
I shot, heard a soft "twang" and nothing happend.
I looked at my uncle who was at the spotting scope and two seconds after the trigger went off goes the load.
If I had unchambered the load immediately after firing I'd be in trouble.
Upon examination the primer showed a normal indentation.

What do you think happened?
I have been safely reloading for 15 years.
This is a first.

Rather Be Hunting

 

[J Stuart]

What do I think happened ?.....you were both fortunate not to have opened that bolt prematurely.

 

[ckid]

You were very lucky. I have experienced a few hangfires over the years, but never one with a delay like you described. All I can think of is a contaminated primer or powder charge. The contamination may have come from some foreign material inside the case, maybe sizining lube, or possibly moisture. What do you use for sizing/inside neck lube and what are you using to clean your casings?

 

[bigstickpilot]

remember

this is why the normal drill for hang-fire and miss-fire is to remain pointed at the target for a count of thirty before doing anything else at all.

 

[smak_daddy]

If the round went off outside the chamber chances are it would just throw the brass a short distance (your bullet is most likely heavier than your brass). If the brass fragmented it could break skin. Thats about it.

Definitly not lethal without the pressure of the chamber.

That being said, still use caution when dealing with hangfires.

 

[rather be hunting]

Hangfire!!!

Thanx for the feed back guys.
I clean my cases chemically when warranted.
Soak, drain, rinse, blow out and air dried.
If not they are brushed and blown out with compressed air.
Primer pockets are cleaned, cases inspected and checked for length.
Case lube is used sparingly and cases are wiped down prior to priming.

My primers and powder are getting a little old (10 to 15 yrs).
But they are stored in a cool, dry and clean reloading room.

Is there a specific shelf life for primers?
CCI Magnums to be specific.

Thanx
Rather Be Hunting

 

[gitrdun]

this is why the normal drill for hang-fire and miss-fire is to remain pointed at the target for a count of thirty before doing anything else at all.

Although in over 25 yrs of reloading, I've never had that happen, bigstick's recommendation is definitely the way to go. You cleaning even seems way overboard, but very thorough. Primer life may have something to do with it, but you seem to store them appropriately. Is it possible that you inadvertently contaminated the primer with you fingers? Anyways, glad to hear that you come out of it without injury. This will clearly be surely be a worthwhile thread. Thanks for posting.

 

[Bobby Ironsights]

If the round went off outside the chamber chances are it would just throw the brass a short distance (your bullet is most likely heavier than your brass). If the brass fragmented it could break skin. Thats about it.

Definitly not lethal without the pressure of the chamber.

That being said, still use caution when dealing with hangfires.

absolutely, What would happen I wonder, if the bold handle was simply cammed open halfway or all the way but not ejected.

It'd be like terrible headspace issue and kinda frightening I guess.

 

[stuckon308]

this is why the normal drill for hang-fire and miss-fire is to remain pointed at the target for a count of thirty before doing anything else at all.

Darned straight. Even with a .22. It's just safer that way.

 

[BattleRife]

this is why the normal drill for hang-fire and miss-fire is to remain pointed at the target for a count of thirty before doing anything else at all.

It may be the official drill, but I have never seen anyone follow it. Five seconds is a patient shooter, in my experience. Two is probably the average.

 

[bigstickpilot]

true enough

It may be the official drill, but I have never seen anyone follow it. Five seconds is a patient shooter, in my experience. Two is probably the average.

but I spent a number of years with blackpowder arms, and learned to be more patient.....

 

[Eagleye]

I have never had a hangfire that waited 2 or more seconds. Usually on the order of ½ second or less. Only happened twice in 40+ years, and I attributed it to primer issues. Hoever, the 30 second rule is a good one and will save any grief that could occur if it discharged while the bolt was being opened. Regards, Eagleye.

 

[303carbine]

I have had only a couple hang fire situations over the past thirty five or so years, the cause was CCI primers.
I only use them for range work and will never have them on a hunt.

 

[John Y Cannuck]

Two things I'd be wondering about.
One would be the powder, either the entire batch, or just that case, was contaminated.
The other thing, is if you missed getting the flash hole cleaned out on that case.