Ammo incident today. - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

**Edubya** · 05-10-2008, 04:58 PM

I was going to rack my XD9 through a magazine full of ammo. Initially there was not one in the chamber. I pulled it back and released it on the first bullet, then upon racking it the second time, only a brass ejected! I noticed it in time to freeze action, lock the slide back and investigate. I knew that I had not loaded just a case. The bullet had separated from the case and was in the barrel, the powder spilled out into the chamber and on the floor. That bullet was apparently not crimped, or at least, not properly crimped. I released the magazine and visually checked the remainder of the bullets. They were, seemingly, okay.

Now, I'm sure that you want to know what ammo this was, and it's only fair to tell you that it was a hand-load from a well meaning friend. I've fired thirty-six of these and had no problems in the past. He is definitely not an ammature at hand loading. He has his own range and he was in the Army Special Forces, his son is a NC State Policeman, and many LE, SF and others fire at his range.

Why would I tell you all of this? (Or, Lessons Learned) 1.) If I had been in an emergency situation, I wouldn't have hesitated to rack it again and fire; imagine the consequences! 2). Regardless of your loading experience, mistakes can happen! 3.) Never shoot someone else's hand-load, and make sure that you are never distracted from the job at hand when you're loading! 4.) Carry, ONLY factory loads for self-defense!

SEE SIGNATURE:

**Ed Ely** · 05-10-2008, 05:06 PM

Lucky for you!

Rule Number 10: Do not rack live
ammo through any handgun.

Rule Number 11: Re-read Rule
Number 10.

Ed

atmiller · 05-10-2008, 05:25 PM

Remember too that "use to be", "related to", "friends of", and staying at Holiday Inn Express last night doesn't make you a good handloader.

Tripledigitride · 05-10-2008, 05:30 PM

This is a perfect example as to why you should NEVER use ammo that has been hand-loaded by ANYONE other than yourself. This could have turned out much worse.

Glad you're OK, but an eye, a limb, or your life is not worth the few bucks you'll save by shooting this type of ammo.

Again, I'm glad you're OK.

Mercmar · 05-10-2008, 06:05 PM

Crimp on a straightwall semi-auto case has little-to-nothing to do with the problem that you described. If anything, the case was overcrimped. The ONLY purpose of crimping on the aforesaid cases is to remove the bell. If the case is properly sized and not overcrimped, the bullet won't fall out and won't set back easily.

**Edubya** · 05-10-2008, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mercmar

Crimp on a straightwall semi-auto case has little-to-nothing to do with the problem that you described. If anything, the case was overcrimped. The ONLY purpose of crimping on the aforesaid cases is to remove the bell. If the case is properly sized and not overcrimped, the bullet won't fall out and won't set back easily.

Maybe your assessment on the proper sizing would be a better answer, but the bottom line is, the bullet separated from the case. Just wanted everyone to be aware that these things can, and do happen!

Thanks for the feedback

Joeywhat · 05-10-2008, 09:04 PM

I heard a similar story today...this was told by my CPL instructor. We were talking about squibs, and he mentioned someone who had been VERY lucky. Had one squib, then proceeded to fire 3 MORE ROUNDS! There were four bullets stuck on the barrel, and they had all warped the barrel very badly...luckily the gun didn't explode.

Mercmar · 05-11-2008, 06:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joeywhat

I heard a similar story today...this was told by my CPL instructor. We were talking about squibs, and he mentioned someone who had been VERY lucky. Had one squib, then proceeded to fire 3 MORE ROUNDS! There were four bullets stuck on the barrel, and they had all warped the barrel very badly...luckily the gun didn't explode.

Generally, these are revolver stories.

155GOLDDOT · 05-11-2008, 07:48 AM

I saw this once on an indoor range, where a guy fired a whole magazine of .25 acp, and had no holes in a big silhouette target, at near point blank range. Turns out, the barrel was full of bullets, and one was sticking out the muzzle! Needless to say, the gun was ruined.

skyguy59 · 05-11-2008, 08:29 AM

Take a look at the COL on the rounds that caused the incident. If it is too long the bullet will stick in the rifleing and break the taper crimp. When you go to extract the round the bullet will stay in the barrel. Hornady XTP's are notorious for this due to the shape of the bullet. If you load them to the same OAL as 230 gr Ball they will stick every time. This is why it is important to check and double check reloading data. I have been reloading for 40 years and still will not shoot anybody elses reloads. Lucky you checked, you certianly avoided a disaster

Russ In Texas

05-10-2008, 04:58 PM	#1
Edubya XDTalk 100 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: NC Posts: 334	Ammo incident today. I was going to rack my XD9 through a magazine full of ammo. Initially there was not one in the chamber. I pulled it back and released it on the first bullet, then upon racking it the second time, only a brass ejected! I noticed it in time to freeze action, lock the slide back and investigate. I knew that I had not loaded just a case. The bullet had separated from the case and was in the barrel, the powder spilled out into the chamber and on the floor. That bullet was apparently not crimped, or at least, not properly crimped. I released the magazine and visually checked the remainder of the bullets. They were, seemingly, okay. Now, I'm sure that you want to know what ammo this was, and it's only fair to tell you that it was a hand-load from a well meaning friend. I've fired thirty-six of these and had no problems in the past. He is definitely not an ammature at hand loading. He has his own range and he was in the Army Special Forces, his son is a NC State Policeman, and many LE, SF and others fire at his range. Why would I tell you all of this? (Or, Lessons Learned) 1.) If I had been in an emergency situation, I wouldn't have hesitated to rack it again and fire; imagine the consequences! 2). Regardless of your loading experience, mistakes can happen! 3.) Never shoot someone else's hand-load, and make sure that you are never distracted from the job at hand when you're loading! 4.) Carry, ONLY factory loads for self-defense! SEE SIGNATURE: __________________ *I ain't the expert, but I've made a lot of the wrong decisions!* If Homicide Is Outlawed, Only Outlaws Will Commit Homicide

05-10-2008, 05:25 PM	#3
atmiller XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 804	Remember too that "use to be", "related to", "friends of", and staying at Holiday Inn Express last night doesn't make you a good handloader. __________________ NRA Life Member XD-40 Subcompact XD-9 Service with laser sight XD-9 Tactical with Storm Lake Barrel, mag well, CobraChrome, Williams Firesights, Drop-In Sear and Trigger Bar XD-40 Tactical with mag well, Don's Guide Rod & 22 lb. Spring XD-45ACP Tactical with TLR-1 XDm-40 Bi-Tone Most Recent Purchase: Taurus OSS .45

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05-10-2008, 05:06 PM	#2
Ed Ely XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: 37.65N -84.76W (Elev. 932 ft) Posts: 7,524 Blog Entries: 1	Lucky for you! Rule Number 10: Do not rack live ammo through any handgun. Rule Number 11: Re-read Rule Number 10. Ed

05-10-2008, 05:30 PM	#4
Tripledigitride XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hendersonville (Nashville) Tennessee Posts: 675	This is a perfect example as to why you should NEVER use ammo that has been hand-loaded by ANYONE other than yourself. This could have turned out much worse. Glad you're OK, but an eye, a limb, or your life is not worth the few bucks you'll save by shooting this type of ammo. Again, I'm glad you're OK.

05-10-2008, 06:05 PM	#5
Mercmar XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 1,559	Crimp on a straightwall semi-auto case has little-to-nothing to do with the problem that you described. If anything, the case was overcrimped. The ONLY purpose of crimping on the aforesaid cases is to remove the bell. If the case is properly sized and not overcrimped, the bullet won't fall out and won't set back easily.

05-10-2008, 09:04 PM	#7
Joeywhat XDTalk 1K Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Ypsi, MI Posts: 1,081	I heard a similar story today...this was told by my CPL instructor. We were talking about squibs, and he mentioned someone who had been VERY lucky. Had one squib, then proceeded to fire 3 MORE ROUNDS! There were four bullets stuck on the barrel, and they had all warped the barrel very badly...luckily the gun didn't explode.

05-11-2008, 07:48 AM	#9
155GOLDDOT XDTalk Newbie Join Date: May 2008 Location: Midwest Posts: 3	I saw this once on an indoor range, where a guy fired a whole magazine of .25 acp, and had no holes in a big silhouette target, at near point blank range. Turns out, the barrel was full of bullets, and one was sticking out the muzzle! Needless to say, the gun was ruined.

05-11-2008, 08:29 AM	#10
skyguy59 XDTalk Newbie Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 27	Take a look at the COL on the rounds that caused the incident. If it is too long the bullet will stick in the rifleing and break the taper crimp. When you go to extract the round the bullet will stay in the barrel. Hornady XTP's are notorious for this due to the shape of the bullet. If you load them to the same OAL as 230 gr Ball they will stick every time. This is why it is important to check and double check reloading data. I have been reloading for 40 years and still will not shoot anybody elses reloads. Lucky you checked, you certianly avoided a disaster Russ In Texas