First squib load

[Jusgunn3]

Well, I got my first one and it was from the 1st batch of 9mm I loaded a couple years ago. It was 100gn RN over 4.3gns of Titegroup loaded on a 550b. Luckily I heard it when it went off and made sure to unload the gun. . We shot a few hundred before that one. I guess I will shoot the rest slowly and up the charge on the next batch.

[not-fishing]

Get a squib tool because it won't be your last.

[C.G.]

Get a squib tool because it won't be your last.

Had one many moons ago, it put the fear of God into me and I never had another squib after that. It took a while to get the bullet out of the barrel since I kept looking around to see if anyone at the range noticed my stupidity and while trying to act very nonchalantly.

[kramynot]

I've been lucky not to have experienced one, but did catch a potential squib a couple of weeks ago while reloading. I use an older RCBS Progressive, Lee Pro Autodisk and have an RCBS lockout die installed. I think I was charging with either Green Dot or Titegroup and for some reason the powder bridged in the hopper and didn't drop a charge. The lockout die performed as it was supposed to and locked up the press. It actually took me a while to find out what was going on because I've never had that happen before.

[glassparman]

My first ever reloading was some 303 British about 10 years ago. I just went into my ammo cabinet and decided that the powder I had used was not what I wanted . . . now 10 years later, I have better decisions on powder choice.

Glad I did because in the 100 rounds, I found two without powder.

I now use a Rock chucker and load each round one-by-one checking the powder as I load a projo.

[naz]

I had one in my first 9mm load too. I was probably distracted or still didn’t have my workflow down

“Learn from it and drive on” as my shooting buddies like to say

[Full Clip]

I now use a Rock chucker and load each round one-by-one checking the powder as I load a projo.

[divingin]

Well, I got my first one and it was from the 1st batch of 9mm I loaded a couple years ago. It was 100gn RN over 4.3gns of Titegroup loaded on a 550b.

No it wasn't. It was supposed to be.


It happens. Good that you caught the malfunction and took appropriate steps to investigate before continuing.

I try to tell people that if a gun misfires, check that it is safe before continuing. Most don't. Pretty damn simple to stick a cleaning rod through the barrel to ensure it's clear - lot cheaper than replacing a barrel and possibly slide, and/or frame. Alternatively, turn your phone flashlight on, place it at the muzzle, and look for light on your thumbnail at the breech.

[DaveInOroValley]

I can see the advantage to the way that my Dad used to reload. Took awhile but I remember him placing the charged cartridges in a tray and then a strong spot light above to check for any anomaly.

I have to say in all the years I helped him reload we never had any failure. But it definitely took time.

[1911-CV]

"100gn RN over 4.3gns of Titegroup loaded on a 550b...I guess I will shoot the rest slowly and up the charge on the next batch".

Better check the loading data (bullet type, gr, OAL, etc.) before adjusting the charge.

Titegroup load data

[fnlrun]

I have a Square Deal for my 45. I couldn't see the powder charge so I got a Harbor freight flexable light and mounted it right on the press looking into the shell casing. Cheep $10 insurance!

[Jusgunn3]

I may have been getting low charges as well from the hoper at one point because some were have trouble cycling a compact 9mm but were fine on the full size gun?

[slamfire1]

Let he who has not had a squib, through the first round!

These things happen and it is wonderful you caught it before pulling the trigger again. The Bullseye Pistol Match Director, at a range I compete, was practicing with his Rock River Wadcutter.



This is not a cheap pistol, about $2600 before you put a $400 optical sight on top!.

Anyway, he got distracted by the people around him, did not notice the bullet had not hit the target, but then, he is good enough that he shoots clusters, and the next round bulged the barrel. He had a squib with the previous round.

Actually he was lucky, in March a gunclub member had a squib in his 1911, bulged the barrel, and slide! Replacing a slide is more expensive than just a barrel.

Think about your reloading process, and what can go wrong to create a no charge cartridge, or a double charge cartridge. Based on others and mine experiences, interruptions during charging cause the most mistakes. Learn to stop, clear the table, inspect everything, before starting over after an interruption.

Be more paranoid. Paranoia is good for reloading. It keeps you focused.

[Sir Toast]

All great advice.

I'm equally nervous about a double charge.

[Jusgunn3]

I have a Square Deal for my 45. I couldn't see the powder charge so I got a Harbor freight flexable light and mounted it right on the press looking into the shell casing. Cheep $10 insurance!