Ammunition Issue? Any Ideas?

[Rubiks06]

I was at the range today and i wanted to try out the bullets that i am using for home defense and as concealed carry ammunition. The first round down range the bullet fired but the bottom of the casing blew off and left the side walls of the casing jammed in the barrel. I wanted to know if anyone else has had this issue or heard of this happeneing before. They were not reloads and they were the right ammunition for the pistol. This could have been really bad and frankly im not sure i trust this ammunition anymore. Any thoughts?

For those who are curious. 180 gr JHP Federal Hydrashock

Im sorry i forgot type of gun and caliber. The pistol is Springfield XD-40 Subcompact model (.40). It has 2000 rounds through it none failing like this. Granted this was the first time i put the Hydrashock through it. I checked the barrel and slide after the incident no damage to the gun and i put 150 rounds of monarch .40 s&W through it afterwards without a single jam. I think the entire life of the gun ive had one jam.

 

[feddoc]

The incident you described is pretty rare; I've been shooting centerfire stuff for 35 years or so and have never had a sidewall blow out.

Based upon what you said, (right ammo, no handloads, etc.) my guess is a simple brass failure. Even if you had pictures, it would be hard to tell if the brass was thinner at the point of failure.

If you still have the pieces, it might be prudent to ship the pieces of brass (and the end of the box...should contain the lot number) and send them back to Federal to see if they have an explanation. They might even toss in a brick or two of ammo as compensation.


FWIW, those same loads are my choice of load for my Baby Eagle; never had a misfire.

 

[NozeMan]

Thats a little scary. I carry 165g Hydrashocks in my P229 (.40).

 

[squeeze]

Thats a little scary. I carry 165g Hydrashocks in my P229 (.40).

No it's not. Brass failures are few and far between, but they happen. Could be a hot round, could be weak brass. (sometimes it's dumbassery, like accidentally loading a .40 in a .45 ropeller) QC can't catch everything all the time. Write Federal and they'll probably want the casing back and give you free ammo... or you could do like the Glock-hating clowns and freak out and start saying all XDs blow up.

 

[pilotpete24]

Like feddoc said, I would ship that lot back to the manufacturer and buy a new box (or have them send you a new one). Hydrashock is good ammo, I've never had a problem with the .45 ACP stuff. On the other hand, you are using this pistol/ammo combination for defense and if you don't completely trust it WITH YOUR LIFE! then maybe it's time to try a different ammo. There are a number of great defensive rounds out there, just try them until you find one that works great and stick with it. It's more important to trust your weapon/ammo than use something everyone else says is great.

 

[Rubiks06]

Im not gonna freak out and say all xd's blow up. I love my xd. I sent federal an e-mail to see what they want me to do. Well see what comes of it. Thanks for the advice. After looking at the two boxes it looks like one is significantly older than the others. Looks like the gun shop i purchased my first box from had been holding onto it for a while. The box is stamped 1992...im sure that couldnt have anything to do with it. *rolls eyes* i may go talk to the gunshop today too.

 

[Brett327]

The box is stamped 1992...im sure that couldnt have anything to do with it. *rolls eyes*

I've shot military ammo and dropped MK 80 series bombs that were manufactured in the 60's, so it's probably not that.

Brett

 

[MasterBates]

I have shot Govt surplus 45 ACP that has headstamps from 45 & 46. Worked fine.

I regularly shot surplus de-linked 30-06 from the Lake City arsenal, from 59. And greek HXP from 67-70.. All worked fine.

 

[insanebikerboy]

Agree with the above, it's not the age that matters, properly constructed and cared for brass can last practically forever.

You've done pretty much what's needed, let Federal know and then see what happens. I don't think that I've ever experienced that in all my shooting, even with handloads. Chances are it's just a poor mix for the brass.

 

[A4sForever]

The incident you described is pretty rare......my guess is a simple brass failure.... send them back to Federal ...

Ditto ... sounds like a brass casing failure ... Federal is quality factory ammo ... call them and send 'em back .... they will make it right.

 

[Rubiks06]

just heard back...apparently pre-95 casings had a flaw. they have since been remedied and have had no further problems. Federal is sending me 4 more boxes to make it right. I am one satisfied customer...