Squib Load Root Causes

[magnumpa]

Other than the obvious light load, what are some other reasons for squibs? I’m loading 38 Special 158 gr. plated Berrys RN using Win 231 to the 3.8 grains for 750 fps as listed for 158 gr. LRN in the Hornady manual.

The only thing I can think of is that I was seating the bullet to the max COL (1.550”) instead of 1.455”, which I later saw was the recommended COL depth for the 158 gr. LRN. So maybe the pressure was off due to the higher seating?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[arjohnson]

Other than the obvious light load, what are some other reasons for squibs? I*m loading 38 Special 158 gr. plated Berrys RN using Win 231 to the 3.8 grains for 750 fps as listed for 158 gr. LRN in the Hornady manual.

The only thing I can think of is that I was seating the bullet to the max COL (1.550*) instead of 1.455*, which I later saw was the recommended COL depth for the 158 gr. LRN. So maybe the pressure was off due to the higher seating?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

The only way to cause a squib load is little to now powder, at least not enough that the projectile doesn*t exit the barrel. Your oal being to long isn*t going to cause a squib. No powder causes squibs.

[McSull]

The only way to cause a squib load is little to now powder, at least not enough that the projectile doesn*t exit the barrel. Your oal being to long isn*t going to cause a squib. No powder causes squibs.

What if it's wet, or otherwise compromised?

[guncollector]

Other than what's stated above about a low powder charge could be a defective/weak primer. A firing pin strike can be hard enough to dislodge the bullet if the primer is bad. One other thing I just remembered is on my AR platform 50 Beowulf I used a really light crimp and when the bolt cycled after the first shot the bullet did leave the case mouth but not technically a squib.

[arjohnson]

What if it's wet, or otherwise compromised?

Anything is possible I guess, chances of that happening are pretty slim unless your ammo was flooded or you store it in water.

Being realistic the most often caused squib is no powder when you reload your own ammo.

[bogey1]

No powder. I had one in my 50bmg. Kept trying to run one home and the bolt just wouldn't close.
Thank god it didn't.

[USMC3531]

The only squib ive had was with russian ammo, the powder didnt light for whatever reason. Opening the bolt the powder dumped all through the action

[knight0334]

No/too little powder, bad powder(partially or no burn at all), a combination of weak primer and too little or bad powder, and bullet too big for bore - that is basically all the causes of squibs.

About the bullets too big for bore - sealed barrel/chambers would likely blow the barrel or casing. Revolvers on the other hand, the bullet can lodge in the barrel and gases escape between the cylinder/barrel gap.

[GeneCC]

Other than the obvious light load, what are some other reasons for squibs?

For a time I used WD40 to clean an AR15. One day one of the rounds went part way up the barrel. Did a little research, found out that WD40 is used to deactivate primers.

Stopped cleaning firearms with WD40. Never saw it again.