Author Topic: CATASTROPHIC rifle failure!!!!!! (Read 8987 times)

rdmallory · « **Reply #30 on:** January 01, 2012, 12:01:14 PM »

I would not touch the ammo you purchased. But I would go back to Walmart and see if they had any more with the same lot number. I would hate to have someone else have the same thing to happen. They might not be as lucky.

I would not think you could double charge a rifle cartridge with factory powder and get this kind of results. Not to doubt you but if when the rifle failed and released all the pressure I am surprised the bullet ever left the barrel.

Doug

eye shot · « **Reply #31 on:** January 01, 2012, 12:16:41 PM »

Yes looking at the reciever pic close the bolt surely was closed. Was the shell casing found or any part of it?

Tpi_Demons · « **Reply #32 on:** January 01, 2012, 12:24:37 PM »

There were a few brass shavings in my face, but that is all that we could find of the casing. I went to walmart and had them pull the remaining ammo that they had and it is being sent to the manufacturer.

scootrd · « **Reply #33 on:** January 01, 2012, 12:32:00 PM »

Quote from: mannyrock on December 31, 2011, 04:15:45 AM

Do go immediately to a large law firm, with first hand experience in successfully prosecuting product liability claims. They are equipped to investigate the matter for your, and let you know whether they believe you have a cause of action or not. They will know the expert engineers who can examine both the ammunition and rifle.

I strongly agree.
you stated "We checked the target"
I suggest , Have law firm take statements while everything is still fresh in everyone's mind.

briarpatch · « **Reply #34 on:** January 01, 2012, 12:44:11 PM »

I cant imagine what happened here. For an instant in time the rifle became a bomb beyond what I would have thought factory powder would generate. I cant see an old factory produced turn of the century gun blowing like that. much less a modern rifle.
There is a lot of power in a contained explosive. Anything is possible.
Do keep us informed.

eodusa · « **Reply #35 on:** January 01, 2012, 04:08:31 PM »

Wouldnt the gas hole relieve most of the pressure?

Tpi_Demons · « **Reply #36 on:** January 01, 2012, 09:24:20 PM »

I am meeting with a product liability attorney on the 3rd. And gas hole venting pressure??? there is no hole except the muzzle. So i guess the pressure made its own gas hole. Again thank you everyone for all the advise!!!! I have an appointment with a highly recommended neurologist in the morning. I keep having a feeling like I am absolutely beyond drunk. It has caused me to fall down a few times and I am afraid if I hit my head where it is fractured that it could kill me. I would hate to survive the explosion and than die because I bumped my head on the table or something. And BRIARPATCH I agree with you, physics must have been off, or do I have armored hands perhaps?

? hmmmm Either way I know that I am one lucky guy, the first thing that I thought was that I was not going to be able to hold my baby girl ever again.

eodusa · « **Reply #37 on:** January 01, 2012, 09:46:46 PM »

Most bolt actions have a vent hole just in case of a splitcase

LunaticFringeInc · « **Reply #38 on:** January 01, 2012, 11:00:19 PM »

I have seen some gun/ammo failures but man thats beyond my wildest imagination! Having worked with explosives I just cant imagine anyone surviving such an aftermath when being so close to it. Glad you did and hope you fully recover quickly.

Flash · « **Reply #39 on:** January 02, 2012, 12:06:34 AM »

You can tell by all the embedded brass on the bolt face and receiver ring that the failure began at the primer area. The cause could be a number of things but my first thought was the neck being crushed into the bullet from a case length being too long. This would shoot the pressure through the roof
It is truely a wonder you survived this and as everyone else, I'm glad to hear that. Good luck with your efforts.

mannyrock · « **Reply #40 on:** January 02, 2012, 04:23:13 AM »

What was just said about case length is possible. About 5 years ago, I bought a new box of Remington Core-lokt, .308 ammo. When I was sitting at the bench, and loading and shooting one round at a time, I just happened to notice that on the round in my hand, the bullet had not been properly seated, and had crushed down the neck alot. One side of the bullet was inside the neck, but the other side had caught the edge of the brass on its way in and had crushed it down. I dumped out the box and found another round exactly the same.

I guess I should have called Remington, but sadly I didn't. I threw those two away, and fired the rest.

Manny

kevinsmith5 · « **Reply #41 on:** January 02, 2012, 04:59:43 AM »

I don't see any other cartridge in the pictures, was the blown round the last or did the other rounds detonate? That could account for some of the damage. It really is hard to imagine how you lived through that...

yooper77 · « **Reply #42 on:** January 02, 2012, 05:37:40 AM »

Quote from: Tpi_Demons on December 30, 2011, 11:49:27 PM

New to this forum and need some advise. I got myself a pristine browning A-Bolt medallion in 300 win mag. Decided to take it to the range the other day. Purchased two boxes of remington express core-lokt ammo. I fired eleven rounds and she was hitting perfectly. Loaded round number 12 and took aim. When I squeezed the trigger the entire rifle exploded in my face. I now have a fractured skull and a shattered nose, along with numerous lacerations. We checked the target and there were 12 holes in it. The barrel was measured and there is no bulge from a stuck round causing this. I believe it was an ammo issue but am not sure. Any help would be great!!!!! P.S. I am doing ok now other than the pain and dizzyness.

Your rifle is a total loss, but I would contact Remington with your ammo lot numbers and Browning with your serial number too see if they can help you.

Also don't forget to contact Leupold with pictures of your rifle destroyed, never know what they will do in this situation to repair or replace your scope.

yooper77

AtlLaw · « **Reply #43 on:** January 02, 2012, 05:37:43 AM »

Wow!

It looks like the pressure found a path of least resistance in the locking lug recess, ruptured the ring at that point, which then caused the four "petals" of the receiver ring to peal back like an X bullet!

I have never even heard of a failure like that!

If the bullet hit the target, the pressure had a vent. Seems to me that would have had to have been one heckofa secondary pressure spike... if there is such a thing. $:-\$

Only thing I've seen come close to the way that rifle looks was a Swede; long throat, with a light bullet; = short bullet. When fired the bullet jumped to the rifling and stuck because of the pressure drop caused by the large amount of free bore, essentially becoming a bore obstruction. Then the pressure spiked with understandable, and similar results.

briarpatch · « **Reply #44 on:** January 02, 2012, 06:11:23 PM »

I have heard that before Richard, about the pressure drop. I just dont believe it. Dont make it not true, just hard for me to except.

His lordship. · « **Reply #45 on:** January 03, 2012, 05:38:26 AM »

Having experience in selecting lawyers and doctors due to my leg being shattered at work years ago, it is amazing at the interest and quality of talent that you run into with these two professions. The talent goes all over the place.

I do my homework, and go with my gut feeling in interviewing professional help. Some lawyers had absolutely no interest in my case, several doctors were totally incompetent in diagnosing my smashed leg. The attorney I hired had a sailors mouth in language, but he knew what he was doing and his firm has really grown. The surgeon was recommended by my sister who had had work done on her foot. He did a good job in rebuilding my knee and leg.

I received a moderate settlement and can walk reasonably well, but will always be partially crippled. One thing I noticed from your photos is that the bolt did not come back at you, speaks well for Browning's design in holding its position.

I hand-load for .270 Win. and I once tried to see if the case would take a double load, it did not. My .45 Long Colt is the one I really have to watch out for, it can double or almost triple load. I have heard more complaints about Remington ammo, mostly with their .22 rim fire than other brands, I tend to avoid it, although their handgun ammo has worked well with me for many years.

You health problems might get better with time, I am in better shape physically than I was 3 years ago, etc.

AtlLaw · « **Reply #46 on:** January 03, 2012, 07:11:29 AM »

Quote from: briarpatch on January 02, 2012, 06:11:23 PM

about the pressure drop. I just dint believe it.

I'd heard it before the article but was somewhat dubious myself. Seemed to me that would have to be a LOT of freebore! $:-\$

I wish I could find that write up. It was quite a number of years ago but there must have been something about it that made me give it credence. As I remember the rifle looked a lot like the OP's and that would also explain the area of max pressure.

example, not the one I was talking about, this is a double charge.
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=106437

Swampman · « **Reply #47 on:** January 03, 2012, 10:15:27 AM »

I love Remington ammo because it cheap and highly accurate. This failure wasn't caused by ammo. The receiver was cracked.

yooper77 · « **Reply #48 on:** January 03, 2012, 11:23:45 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on January 03, 2012, 10:15:27 AM

I love Remington ammo because it cheap and highly accurate. This failure wasn't caused by ammo. The receiver was cracked.

I am not sure how you know without hesitation that the rifle receiver was cracked where is your proof?

Ammunition manufactures have recalls all the time, yes even Remington. The few current recalls below are not Remington Express Ammunition in 300 Winchester Magnum, but shows Remington has factory ammo problems as all manufactures none are immune.

http://www.remington.com/pages/news-and-resources/safety-center/safety-warning-recall-notice-Remington22Hornet.aspx

http://www.remington.com/pages/news-and-resources/safety-center/safety-warning-recall-notice.aspx

http://www.remington.com/pages/news-and-resources/safety-center/safety-warning-recall-notice-Remington223-62Gr-HollowPoint.aspx

As for cheap, I feel all factory ammo is too expensive including Remington, that's why I hand load and never purchase center fire ammo. Factory ammo would need to be under $0.50 per round for me to even consider purchasing, but why since my hand loads are accurate, less expensive and have much better bullets.

yooper77

JDenis · « **Reply #49 on:** January 04, 2012, 02:49:07 PM »

He's psychic and besides a remington would have never done that. All joking aside, glad your ok and will live to tell the tale. Let us know the final verdict on the cause. Looking at that pile of parts your pretty lucky.

Swampman · « **Reply #50 on:** January 04, 2012, 03:14:51 PM »

If it were the ammo the barrel wouldn't be in perfect condition. Many Remington Centerfire rounds are cheaper that reloading. $12.50 for a box of 20 is cheap considering all the components are new.

charles p · « **Reply #51 on:** January 04, 2012, 04:38:33 PM »

Used to hunt with a fellow that loaded 300 Win Mag by completely filling the case with H-4831 and then compressing a 150 grain bullet. His rifle was a 700 Rem. Please do not duplicate this!

yooper77 · « **Reply #52 on:** January 04, 2012, 05:35:58 PM »

Quote from: Swampman on January 04, 2012, 03:14:51 PM

If it were the ammo the barrel wouldn't be in perfect condition. Many Remington Centerfire rounds are cheaper that reloading. $12.50 for a box of 20 is cheap considering all the components are new.

Tell me how this barrel is in perfect condition? It's completely usable but that still doesn't mean the ammunition wasn't the cause believe it or not.

Maybe where you live 30-06 Springfield is $12.50 per 20, but not where I live. Plus they are just Remington core-lokt bullets for $0.625 per round, not cheap too me.

I hand load cartridges and bullets not carried by Remington or other ammunition manufactures unless you pay their premium price, and when they're available my hand loads are much less expensive and very accurate.
.

yooper77

MZ5 · « **Reply #53 on:** January 05, 2012, 06:38:12 AM »

Wow!

Glad you're not permanently maimed, OP!

pastorp · « **Reply #54 on:** January 05, 2012, 08:21:12 AM »

Quote from: Swampman on December 31, 2011, 03:55:14 PM

Walmart ammo is kept in a locked glass case.

Swampy, not at all walmarts. The Walmart in Ketchikan, AK does not have it behind glass. Some of the ammo is not even behind the counter.

Regards,

tacklebury · « **Reply #55 on:** January 05, 2012, 04:51:04 PM »

Quote from: Tpi_Demons on January 01, 2012, 11:22:52 AM

The receiver ring split into 4 pieces. Two are still attached to the gun and one I have found. The piece from the top of the ring is missing. But with the distance the scope was from where I was standing it could have gone anywhere.I have been back to the range twice to look for it with no luck. And the ammo was in a glass case and all remington ammo boxes have the flaps glued and this one was still sealed. The bolt is partially open. When it exploded it sheared the locks off the bolt and the and added new groves in the gun. And I have already starter a diary.

Have you tried using a strong magnet on a rope or one of those rolling bar magnets? Having all the pieces may help your case. We swing a heavy horse shoe magnet on a rope to pick up nails around an area that we have been building at. Glad to hear you're doing ok.. 8( Keep us informed of your progress...

rbursek · « **Reply #56 on:** January 05, 2012, 05:27:10 PM »

If the bullet crushed the neck a bit I doubt it would chamber.

charles p · « **Reply #57 on:** January 06, 2012, 03:50:19 AM »

Manufacturers can make mistakes. I ordered some bulk Winchester brass about five years ago. The caliber was 300WSM. I noticed one piece with almost no neck. Checked the headstamp and is said 243WSSM. There wasn't enough brass in the smaller case to extrude into a 300WSM.
Don't know how this applies to your problem except to point out that whenever high speed machinery is swiched to produce another load, all parts of the assembly process must be cleared properly. The error I found was probably the result of a changeover from 243WSSM to 300WSM.
I sent the bad case to Winchester and I think they replied that it had been made by an outside supplier. In any event, no harm was done except I am one case short of a full order.

Swampman · « **Reply #58 on:** January 06, 2012, 11:35:34 AM »

Nothing related to the ammo could cause this failure. The receiver was cracked and finally gave it up.

fatercat · « **Reply #59 on:** January 06, 2012, 11:59:33 AM »

had a cousin get a 270 to go off in a bar 7mm remington magnum. looked almost the same.