Strange occurrence this eve with my RIA 38 revolver.

1234 Views 12 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Coalcracker, Aug 3, 2019

Coalcracker

Discussion Starter · Aug 1, 2019

I was out shooting it. And nailing cans at decent distances. (The wrist exercises are paying off). Any way about 60 rounds in, The report started to get quieter, Then when i was putting the empty cases in the ammo box some powder was coming out. The report kept getting softer and softer. Ended up with squib eventually. It was getting harder to load the cylinder from it getting dirty. I forget my portable bush kit to clean it up when that happens. So im thinking maybe the rounds were not seating all the way and i was getting week primer strikes. Does that make sense?

Save

1 - 13 of 13 Posts

fixitfred

· #2 · Aug 1, 2019

No, if the rounds weren't seating as you describe the cylinder shouldn't close.

A weak primer strike and associated problems are no ignition. Primers are go -- no go and not light strike causes light ignition.

Save

Reactions: 1

AgedWarrior

· #3 · Aug 1, 2019

I agree with fixitfred, no that does not sound right. What loads are you shooting? Are they roll crimped? Could have somehow contaminated powder during loading process if it was not burning completely...
If you have any of that batch leftover, pull a bullet and inspect the powder. Did you make your own lube for some cast bullets? That could possibly cause contamination of powder.

Save

Coalcracker

Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 1, 2019

It was a batch of 100. 125 grain Hi-tek coated bullets. They were done with RCBS dies and final die was a lee factory crimp die. I did not get though the whole batch before the squib. So i can pull some and see if the powder is contaminated. Just seams weird how the rounds started to taper off in performance. It was rounds towards the back of the box. They would have been loaded at the beginning of the run. I have them hinged 100 count plastic boxes.

See less See more

Save

Kobs

· #5 · Aug 1, 2019 (Edited)

When I first started reloading for the 460 and 454 I had squibs too and it was because of a weak crimp. If the bullet leaves the cartridge when the primer fires you're screwed the powder needs to ignite and create pressure first

Save

Reactions: 2

Coalcracker

Discussion Starter · #6 · Aug 1, 2019

Thanks ill look at the crimp too. And when i go to pull a round if the bullet pops out easy with the kinetic puller that will tell me too.

Save

Reactions: 2

gvaldeg1

· #7 · Aug 1, 2019

I'm just glad that you noticed the squib before firing the next round, If the powder ignited, it could have been bad.

Save

Reactions: 1

Alan R McDaniel Jr

· #8 · Aug 1, 2019

Shoot the same loads in another revolver. See what happens. There's not much that could be wrong with a revolver that would cause that. It sounds to me like a hand loading issue. The other guys have given you a good place to start looking.

Alan

Save

Reactions: 3

AgedWarrior

· #9 · Aug 1, 2019

Coalcracker said:
It was a batch of 100. 125 grain Hi-tek coated bullets. They were done with RCBS dies and final die was a lee factory crimp die. I did not get though the whole batch before the squib. So i can pull some and see if the powder is contaminated. Just seams weird how the rounds started to taper off in performance. It was rounds towards the back of the box. They would have been loaded at the beginning of the run. I have them hinged 100 count plastic boxes.

Just from your description my first thoughts were weak crimp/loose case mouth (as Kobs is suggesting) and/or contaminated powder. I suspect you will know pretty quick when you take one or two apart. I would weigh your powder charge again after pulling the bullet, but the unburned powder sounds like contamination or not enough tension holding the bullets.

Save

Reactions: 1

Coalcracker

Discussion Starter · #10 · Aug 1, 2019

I was thinking about trying the loads with my 357. I was wishing i bought it along yesterday. Anytime something don't sound right i check for a squib. I'll try some today when i take the new Ruger mk4 out. I'll pull a round and check the powder. I'll check the crimps on some before going out.

Save

Coalcracker

Discussion Starter · #11 · Aug 1, 2019

Well pulled a few crimps were good. Powder was dry no discoloration. Ran the rest through my Taurus tracker except for 12. No issues. Ran the last 12 though the RIA. No issues. So who knows one of those freak things i guess.

Save

Kobs

· #12 · Aug 2, 2019

Well not every round made has a weak crimp some that I reloaded and shot fired, you just have to pay attention I guess

Save

Coalcracker

Discussion Starter · #13 · Aug 3, 2019

Yeah maybe i didn't pull the lever enough on them few.

Save

1 - 13 of 13 Posts

This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.

Top Contributors this Month