Reasons for a Stuck Bullet

[Low Light]

So I got through my first batch of reloads this weekend. I loaded up some 125 grain .38's using a range of 3.2 to 3.6 grains of TiteGroup (using data on HSM's website for their 125 plated bullets) and some 230 grain .45 Auto FMJ's using a range of 4.3 to 4.7 grains of TiteGroup.

Everything worked flawlessly in the .45 (knocks on head). However one of the .38's loaded with 3.6 grains of TiteGroup managed to get stuck in the barrel. Brass looked real dirty and the plating on the bullet was stripped by one of the lands - right down to the lead below. Also I couldn't be certain but looking down the bore at the stuck bullet (once the gun was empty of course) it almost looked like the bullet was canted upwards towards the top of the bore. Like it wasn't able to right itself and jammed itself into the bore.

With a little bit of Hoppes Lube, a rubber mallet and the male screw end of a cleaning rod I was able to push the bullet out and the barrel is fine.

Question is what (if somebody were to be able to nail it down) causes this? Since this was my first batch of loads I measured every charge, so unless the scale was way off it was in the 3.6 grain neighborhood. Too tight of a crimp? Badly sized bullet?

Here's a pic of the bullet:

[Sheldon]

Probably missed putting powder in that round.

[ChrisGarrett]

I'm going to go with 'too little powder' for $500, Alex.

Chris

[Fjold]

However one of the .38's loaded with 3.6 grains of TiteGroup managed to get stuck in the barrel. Brass looked real dirty

That's a sign that the pressure wasn't high enough to expand the brass and seal the chamber.

[Bill Steele]

I would go with missed powder charge as well. Primers (depending on which one you used) are definitely powerful enough to move the bullet into the bore.

One caution is when loading something like Titegroup in a case like a 38 or 357M, it is just as easy to double as miss, likely good to review you proceedure and see where you can tighten it up. Double is always worse than no powder.

[Low Light]

Here's a follow-up question for all: is it possible to have too much of a crimp? Is it possible to crimp a bullet enough to do this (even with a charge or maybe an undercharge). I'm thinking the answer is no?

Thanks for the responses so far, all. I'll go with undercharge or no charge at all (I was certain that I double checked every round visually, but missing one is always possible).

[joelogic]

Too much crimp would cause a pressure spike. Which would at least expel the bullet.

Failing to charge a round is always possible and it can be extremely dangerous. Since this is your first batch I would break down the rest.

[Bill Steele]

Here's a follow-up question for all: is it possible to have too much of a crimp? Is it possible to crimp a bullet enough to do this (even with a charge or maybe an undercharge). I'm thinking the answer is no?

Thanks for the responses so far, all. I'll go with undercharge or no charge at all (I was certain that I double checked every round visually, but missing one is always possible).

Every single squib (from no powder, just primer) I have had was with deep revolver cases, loading light target loads, loading in batches (not progressively loaded), every single one was lodged somewhere between the cylinder throat (those lock up the action) to the base about halfway into the forcing cone (those unfortunately DO NOT lock up the action ).

[hermosabeach]

Have you hit the billets with a micrometer?

The shape of that feels more like a 9mm not a .38 special / .357 mag

Did the bullets that fired hit and make a clean hole?

[Ferrum]

My guess is if the round was over crimped, it would also blow out the primer? Just a guess...

I'm going with no or too little powder.

[tmorse]

I have had the same issue trying to make some bunny fart round and not using enough powder. I think the problem I had is with the large case volume of the 38. the small volume of powder either moved forward or spread out along the bottom of the horizontal case and did not reliably ignite causing a noticable funny ignition sound. When I lift the barrel between rounds the powder reliably ignite with a nice little report.

I am looking for a less dense powder with more volume per weight to fill the case more. going to try trailboss I think when I can find some.

[thomashoward]

Called a squib. More powder. Get a little flashlight and check before seating.
It happens

[hermosabeach]

For "Bunny Fart" rounds, some folks will take a pillow and pull the stuffing to act as a wad in the load
Powder
Then some Polly Fill stuffing
Then load the bullet

The stuffing keeps the powder against the primer

[Swagman00]

Another problem can be wet powder.

I sized some brass once (oiled the cases) and loaded up a 50 count. The first twenty were great at the range, but when I fired number twenty one, the gun just fizzled.

Sure enough on teardown, it was a squib. Some powder was not only unburned, but also black all over the bore and the barrel was caked with an oily soot.

Gotta make sure those cases are clean before loading up.

[M27]

How did you measure your powder. When using a powder measure go slow and smooth. If going to fast and slapping the handle up and down can cause inconsistencies. This could be the issue but I am more likely to believe you missed the powder all together.