A few weeks ago I had a squib load create a barrel obstruction using Winchester white box in cal. .40 S/W. My gun was a nice CZ-75, and the second round burst the barrel and locked the slide back where it was a challenge to take the gun apart. Fortunately I was not injured.
I checked the Winchester web site and they have 3 recalls for double loads with their .22 rimfire ammo. I wrote the CEO of Olin corp. (parent company of Winchester ammo) to bring this ammo quality issue to his attention. They responded and I UPS'd the slide, half box of ammo, and the burst barrel to them. They acknowledged that the barrel burst and have sent me 2 coupons for free ammo of Winchester brand. They are planning to contact CZ about a replacement barrel.
At this time they deny that they are at fault. I am awaiting to see what they want to do with the damage cost to me. I checked the websites of CCI, Remington, Federal and Sellier & Bellot and found no recalls for ammunition. Winchester seems to have a history of this problem as I have seen posted ads in gun magazines concerning recalls in the past. If you have any of their ammo I recommend that you shake each cartridge to make sure there is powder inside the case.
I have found Winchester's company representatives to be quick responding and professional so far, however, I will be more careful about the brands of ammo that I purchase in the future as I don't want to loose another gun to a burst barrel. What if this would have been an emergency situation where I needed this gun to protect my life from an attack?
I am writing this from the public library, but will post the ammo lot number just in case anyone is interested in the future.
Thanks.
