The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - Ever damage or destroy a gun as a result of reloading?

Hawgleg44 · September 17, 2004, 01:03 PM

I have not personally, but I did see a nice S&W M625 that was blown up that the owner brought to a nationally known gunsmith's shop. The gun owner came in to show him right after it happened. It was during a bowling pin match.

It blew the cylinder apart at the chamber, and took the two next to it along with it. It bent the topstrap up a surprising amount and cracked it where it met the front of the frame above the barrel. The only parts they decided to salvage were the red dot sight and the grips.

He was not seriously hurt, but did get a few cuts on his fingers which they patched up at the shop. It was decided that the problem was an accidental double charge. He was loading a very light charge (even below minimum) of a fast burning powder over a 180gr LSWC. No way of knowing for sure, but it is believed that he at least double charged the load.

September 17, 2004, 01:03 PM	#33
Hawgleg44 Senior Member Join Date: June 19, 2004 Location: People's Republic of Massachusetts Posts: 440	I have not personally, but I did see a nice S&W M625 that was blown up that the owner brought to a nationally known gunsmith's shop. The gun owner came in to show him right after it happened. It was during a bowling pin match. It blew the cylinder apart at the chamber, and took the two next to it along with it. It bent the topstrap up a surprising amount and cracked it where it met the front of the frame above the barrel. The only parts they decided to salvage were the red dot sight and the grips. He was not seriously hurt, but did get a few cuts on his fingers which they patched up at the shop. It was decided that the problem was an accidental double charge. He was loading a very light charge (even below minimum) of a fast burning powder over a 180gr LSWC. No way of knowing for sure, but it is believed that he at least double charged the load. __________________ Results of the 1998 Massachusetts gun laws: It is important to keep in mind the ISP reports show that firearm related homicides decreased 56% from 1994 to 1998. From 1998 to 2002, firearm related homicides increased 48%. During the same time, firearm related accidental deaths have increased 200%. Will work for ammo.