Swirl marks on paper target

[glock 357]

I was working up some loads and punching some paper at 25yds I get swirl marks on the target. I have never scene this before. Anyone know what it means or is this normal? Is my powder not burning fully by the time it leaves the muzzle?

Only my 75gr hornady match loads leaves these marks. The 55gr hornady does not leave these markings. Same powder "tac" for both grains.

Click on attachment below to view the picture of the paper target.

[5.56Geo]

I have heard of this before but have never seen this myself. It looks like powder residue leaving the bullet when it makes contact with the paper target. The swirl pattern is caused by the spin put on the bullet by the barrel twist(rifling), possibly?

[gunnerstuff]

Fire Works?!?

It looks like gas cutting around the projectile as it travels down the barrel. Builds up carbon fouling and gets released as it cuts through the paper.

[noylj]

That is rather unique. You didn't draw it on yourself?
This is a question for the bullet maker.
You just wouldn't have any unburned powder on the bullet that would suddenly burn just as the bullet passes the paper--and if you did, the bullet would be thrown way off course or tumble.
Jacketed bullet? Jacket damage and lead being ejected due to high rate of spin?
I have seen bullet lube on a target shooting cast bullets.

[stand125]

Just a guess, but maybe as the bullet gets slowed down however slight by the target the powder residue is thrown off the bullet onto the target. The targets look thick.

[glock 357]

No drawing on paper.

Hornady .223 match 75gr bullet over Tac loaded to magazine length in a 16" 1:7 twist ar.

[xfer42]

Fire Works?!?

It looks like gas cutting around the projectile as it travels down the barrel. Builds up carbon fouling and gets released as it cuts through the paper.

+1 on this.
If the black is all from the bullet then thats a lot of carbon. Moly coated bullets?

[gunnerstuff]

Did you notice it is in only one specific location?!? I would really carefully inspect the throat of your weapon and the first parts of the lands. Make sure there is no anomoly. Also check your dies, could very well be a burr that is causing a deep gouge in the projectile, enough for gas to bypass.

[M27]

I have heard of this before but have never seen this myself. It looks like powder residue leaving the bullet when it makes contact with the paper target. The swirl pattern is caused by the spin put on the bullet by the barrel twist(rifling), possibly?

is gas cutting possible with a FMJ?

maybe he is using molly?

[lpspinner]

This is the 4th of July week. Fireworks!

5.56Geo's explanation sounds possible. All look like it's spinning in the same direction.

Just cause I hate clicking on links.

[glock 357]

Possibly just a bad combo

[Sideline Shooter]

Did your bullets eat refried beans lately??

[Carsgunsandchics]

Aliens?

[glock 357]

Did your bullets eat refried beans lately??

LMAO

[problemchild]

Bullets are undersized. Take a set of calipers to the bullets and see what diameter they are.

If they are ok maybe the powder is moist, defective etc? That is really weird! I wouldnt use that powder again.

What range is the paper at?