Bad day at the range! Multiple case ruputres!

[Robmoo]

I took my FNX-9 to the range today. I had several case ruptures. I was shooting Ultramax lead ball ammo to start with and after this happening 3 times I finally threw the other half of the box away. Then I pulled out the other reloads that I've bought at local gun shows and I had the problem 4 more times! The gun was so badly jarred the left hand safety switch repeatedly popped off. Their doesn't appear to be any damage to the gun. The American Eagle and the clip of Hydra Shok shot without problem. This ammo has been shitting in my house for a while. Some of it may have sat in my house as long as 10 years and some of the casing were stamped WCC 87 which I found meant Winchester Cartiage Company 1987. Either I've never had this problem before or my old S&W 659 was just so heavy I never noticed a problem. Anyone know WTF is going on here? I'd blame it on the Ultramax, but my other reloads likely came from reputable local reloaders such as Dallas Reloading Service. Luckily all the old reloads are gone and all I have left is about 150 rounds of old defense loads. I bought 100 rounds of Remington Gold Sabers to replace my old defense loads. Anyone else have this kind of experience with reloads? I don't want to have another day at the range like today!

 

[woolleyworm]

My first thought is to check the chamber/throat for any signs of leading. I've never shot any Ultramax and only heard a few comments about it. Before I'd throw the ammo away, I'd pull the bullets and give'em to someone that reloads. Inspect the cases and Then I'd see what happens with the cases after new powder/bullet combo. ( note that I would be there to watch the reloading process, do it with them )

 

[shortround]

That is the reason almost every gun maker will not warrant their firearms if you shoot re-loads or re-manufactured ammunition.

Trust no reloads other than your own.

Not long ago, I bought some .357 Sig re-manufactured ammo. Before I took that ammo to the range, I weighed each round on a digital reloading scale.

I did not go to the range that day, because the variation in weight was +/- Seven Grains.

When I don't have time to re-load, I buy factory ammo and have a lot-number on the box should there be a problem.

Be well.

 

[Vaquero]

It sounds like a headspace issue to me. I'd have a gunsmith check the chamber, or do it yourself if you have the knowlege. Compare to other functional chambers of same caliber.

 

[Dawico]

I agree with checking the barrel. Old ammo usually doesn't cause problems if it was properly stored.

 

[matefrio]

Sounds like a good day at the range. Don't go to shoot go to learn.

 

[Dawico]

It sounds like a headspace issue to me. I'd have a gunsmith check the chamber, or do it yourself if you have the knowlege. Compare to other functional chambers of same caliber.

That was my first thought, but that usually isn't an issue with handgun rounds. Contrary to popular belief, the extractor holds the case back against the breech face, so a long chamber usually isn't an issue.

Maybe the cases were too long, causing excessive pressure.

The bullets could have been seated out too far also, causing the same issue. This usually causes feeding problems though.

 

[Robmoo]

I just got done cleaning the gun. The barrel looks good. I might have had some lead build up and cleaned it out with the jacketed stuff. Could firing 25 rounds of non jacketed cause that much lead build up?

 

[woolleyworm]

I just got done cleaning the gun. The barrel looks good. I might have had some lead build up and cleaned it out with the jacketed stuff. Could firing 25 rounds of non jacketed cause that much lead build up?

It can if the lube is inadequate or if the boolits were improperly sized. It's also possible ( slight chance) that the lead ammo was seated out longer and jamming in the barrel before firing, causing excess pressures. Did you cycle any of the ammo through the gun by hand?

also, can you post a pic of the barrel from the chamber end? Did you get a before cleaning pic?

 

[Robmoo]

I didn't get a before cleaning pic. The barrel looked good, but I fired at least 100 rounds after the lead stuff. Inadquate lube? "sigh" This is only the second time I've fired this pistol. I lubricated the frame, but never shot any oil down the barrel. Lack of lubication and the lead ammo probably created the problem. DOH! Now I know.

 

[Dawico]

No, you don't know. Lead bullets are lubed, not your barrel. The barrel should be clean and dry, well, atleast dry.

 

[woolleyworm]

I didn't get a before cleaning pic. The barrel looked good, but I fired at least 100 rounds after the lead stuff. Inadquate lube? "sigh" This is only the second time I've fired this pistol. I lubricated the frame, but never shot any oil down the barrel. Lack of lubication and the lead ammo probably created the problem. DOH! Now I know.

There should have been lube on the bullets themselves. Don't put any oil into the barrel at all. Did the lead ammo "smoke" after being shot?

 

[Robmoo]

Some rounds did smoke.

I usually spray some Rem Oil down the barrel when cleaning. I'm wondering if that thin layer of lubrication left behind would have helped.

 

[TheDan]

You sure you don't have an FNX40 instead of a 9?

 

[Robmoo]

Actually I have both. The FNX 9 is the model I took to the range this time. Last time I took the 40. I've never disassembled both at the same time. It wouldn't be difficult to mix up parts.

How's the Wankel? Is anyone using a Wankel currently?

 

[zfields]

Had the same issue with a CZ75 SA, went back to CZ-USA, barrel was out of spec in the chamber.

Id suggest you have it checked out before shooting anymore.

 

[Outbreak]

I just got done cleaning the gun. The barrel looks good. I might have had some lead build up and cleaned it out with the jacketed stuff. Could firing 25 rounds of non jacketed cause that much lead build up?

I load all non-jacketed bullets for my .40S&W loads. I keep a small supply of factory FMJ TC around. I use a few rounds of FMJ to clean my barrel.

Lately I've been trying to get rid of my old jacketed reloads and my mags have been mixed lead, plated, and FMJ shooting USPSA matches. No issues.

 

[TheDan]

Is anyone using a Wankel currently?

Yep, Mazda in the RX8. I'm hoping they follow through on their new RX7.

I know it sounds like a dumb question, but the reason I asked about the .40 is that some pistols chambered in .40 will actually feed and fire a 9mm, but of course the result is ruptured cases. I think there's even a thread on that with some pics here.

 

[Robmoo]

The only 9mm rounds I have left are some Hydrashok, some Star Fire, and a 250 round box of Remington. If I have any case ruptures with any of them this FNX-9 is going back to the factory for a once over.

How durable are the seals in the newer Wankels?

 

[suhsjake]

I only had one FTF (third round) on my FNX-9, but that was the only one(250rnds through so far). It sounds like yours needs to head back to the factory. I have only put Winchester White Box 115gr/124gr NATO and Speer Gold dot 124gr through it though.