The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Oiling cartridge cases can be dangerous and other mishaps

**Mike Irwin** · September 10, 2012, 11:35 AM

I'm familiar with Hatcher's Notebook and the issues with the cold welding of the bullets. I've not read it in some years, but as I recall it Hatcher notes that, due to the cold welding issues, it was know that chamber pressures were increased and that is why bulletins were issued to ALL National Match shooters telling them NOT to dip their bullets in grease.

As Hatcher also notes, and as is apparently still backed up my Army records, the only issues at those matches were with shooters who ignored the issued bulletin and greased their bullets.

So...

Known issue with higher chamber pressures with tinned bullets, but no known rifle problems in military service.

Issue revealed to National Match shooters in a bulletin.

Bulletin tells shoots that, because of the known issue, bullets should NOT be greased.

Some shooters ignore bulletin and have rifle issues. Apparently no one who abided by the bulletin had issues.

I don't see anything of a coverup there.

As for withdrawing the ammunition -- I don't call that a coverup, I call that a prudent move given the demonstrated failure of some shooters to abide by the warning bulletin.

The only "finger pointing" I see in Hatcher's notebook is that which is RIGHTLY placed on those shooters who read the bulletin and, in effect, said "Consarn it, I dab dub dun do knows bettah than this har Armee fella! He ain't but not know nuttin about shawtin! I been dipping mah bullets since ah wuz a lad, mah pappy dipt his bullets, and his pappy done dipt his bullets!"

So, sorry, I dont' buy your contention that "It's all Hatcher's/The Army's fault."

"So, the main point is, are greased bullets dangerous, as Hatcher said?"

You know, I distinctly remember Hatcher not saying that greased bullets are dangerous. He even said that it was a common practice to prevent fouling.

I do, however, remember Hatcher saying that it was a dangerous practice when combined with bullets that had cold welded into the cases.

That's what the entire bulletin issued to the National Match shooters was about.

Unfortunately, I'm away from home this week, but I'm going to have to dig out my copy of Hatcher's notebook and re-read this section.

September 10, 2012, 11:35 AM	#18
Mike Irwin Staff Join Date: April 14, 2000 Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 41,641	I'm familiar with Hatcher's Notebook and the issues with the cold welding of the bullets. I've not read it in some years, but as I recall it Hatcher notes that, due to the cold welding issues, it was know that chamber pressures were increased and that is why bulletins were issued to ALL National Match shooters telling them NOT to dip their bullets in grease. As Hatcher also notes, and as is apparently still backed up my Army records, the only issues at those matches were with shooters who ignored the issued bulletin and greased their bullets. So... Known issue with higher chamber pressures with tinned bullets, but no known rifle problems in military service. Issue revealed to National Match shooters in a bulletin. Bulletin tells shoots that, because of the known issue, bullets should NOT be greased. Some shooters ignore bulletin and have rifle issues. Apparently no one who abided by the bulletin had issues. I don't see anything of a coverup there. As for withdrawing the ammunition -- I don't call that a coverup, I call that a prudent move given the demonstrated failure of some shooters to abide by the warning bulletin. The only "finger pointing" I see in Hatcher's notebook is that which is RIGHTLY placed on those shooters who read the bulletin and, in effect, said "Consarn it, I dab dub dun do knows bettah than this har Armee fella! He ain't but not know nuttin about shawtin! I been dipping mah bullets since ah wuz a lad, mah pappy dipt his bullets, and his pappy done dipt his bullets!" So, sorry, I dont' buy your contention that "It's all Hatcher's/The Army's fault." "So, the main point is, are greased bullets dangerous, as Hatcher said?" You know, I distinctly remember Hatcher not saying that greased bullets are dangerous. He even said that it was a common practice to prevent fouling. I do, however, remember Hatcher saying that it was a dangerous practice when combined with bullets that had cold welded into the cases. That's what the entire bulletin issued to the National Match shooters was about. Unfortunately, I'm away from home this week, but I'm going to have to dig out my copy of Hatcher's notebook and re-read this section. __________________ "The gift which I am sending you is called a dog, and is in fact the most precious and valuable possession of mankind" -Theodorus Gaza Baby Jesus cries when the fat redneck doesn't have military-grade firepower.