Why Magnum primers?

[LR1955]

Or that they had a squib load during rapid fire and had a bore obstruction

Bill:

Could be but less likely than a overload.

If a guy had a squib load, it is more likely the bullet would leave the barrel than stick in the barrel. And with squib loads, it is unlikely that the bolt would unlock or cycle far enough to strip a fresh round. If there was no powder, the bullet would lodge in the barrel but the bolt would not unlock. I have rarely seen bullets go far enough into a barrel from a primer that a loaded cartridge could chamber behind the lodged bullet but that isn't always the case. I do know that a primer won't push a bullet through a rifle or carbine length barrel. Or a pistol barrel that is more than about two inches long. And, squib loads make a weird noise and have a weird recoil that an experienced shooter will recognize instantly, no matter how much adrenaline is pumping or how focused he or she is.

Why do I know these things? Not only have I witnessed them happening, I have had numerous experiences with squib loads and lodged bullets in barrels myself. Rifle, pistol, and revolver. Thus my total distrust for any progressive press made, no matter how many safety features they have built into them. Pistol is one thing. You know it and get the wooden dowel and hammer out. Rifle is a huge PITA because you will probably ruin a cleaning rod hammering the bullet out. If I load rifle on a progressive, I visually inspect every loaded cartridge to ensure the primer is seated under the rim and then I weigh each cartridge to check that each is charged with sufficient powder. Makes the time saved using a progressive somewhat minimal but at least I know the cartridge is safe.

I am sure you must have had more than one squib load or no powder load to contend with as you shoot IPSC stuff. It is the nature of the beast when using progressive presses and making a thousand rounds in a morning.

I think if there is anything a new handloader can take from this is that they will experience a squib load and a load that has no powder at all at some time in their shooting career. No matter how careful you are, it will eventually happen. It may even be a factory load or a commercial reload. It will happen so if you fire a shot and hear a pop or a noise that isn't right, stop and check to ensure the bullet left the barrel. This is one reason why experienced handloaders rarely recommend a new reloader start with a progressive press.

LR55