Gun Safety Tip - Squib Loads -- Concerns Over, and Dealing with, Squib Loads :: 08/28/2014

What is a Squib Load and WHY should I be Aware, Careful and Concerned?  Squibs are scary as heck. If you are very lucky and have a big hunk of steel as a shooting piece, you will ruin it but that is as far as it will go (notice the 'bulged' barrel in the picture to the right):

However, if you are not lucky -- You have pieces of gun flying like shrapnel everywhere. You can do your own image search on that one.

As a reloader, I am well aware that I am at a higher risk for squibs than the average guy buying ammo at the local Wally World.  I take my reloading very seriously and will tolerate no distractions while on the press. That being said, I was not immune and had 2 incidents both at IDPA matches: The first one was so obvious, I stopped immediately, unloaded and proceeded to the safe area where with the proper tools I removed the bullet and returned to the competition.

A "squib" load is defined as one which has insufficient power to propel a bullet through the barrel of a gun. The squib or stuck bullet may get stuck anywhere from the chamber to the muzzle end. Squib bullets are dangerous because they can bulge the barrel or cause it to burst if not removed before another round is fired. Firing another round before the squib is removed may cause the gun to explode and/or cause injury or death to the shooter or people near by.

If, after you pulled the trigger of your gun you heard a little "pop" and or saw a little smoke and you didn't feel the normal firing recoil and it just didn't seem quite normal - STOP IMMEDIATELY. IF IT GOES POP, YOU STOP! Hold the gun pointed safely down range for thirty seconds then cautiously (while keeping your finger off of the trigger of course) remove the magazine and lock the slide back. If there is a stuck casing in the chamber of the gun remove it.

To check for a squib in the barrel:

1. FIRST UNLOAD THE FIREARM AND 'REMOVE' ALL AMMUNITION FROM THE WORK AREA
2. Shine a bore light through the breach while holding a piece of paper at the muzzle end of the barrel. If you can't see any light shining on the paper then you have a squib
3. Shove a rod (use brass or aluminum if possible) or wooden dowel through the muzzle end of the barrel to feel for an obstruction.

Causes Of Squibs

1. Insufficient Powder Charge
2. No Powder Charge (Primer Ignition Only)
3. Deterioration Of The Ammo From Age Or Prolonged Exposure To Weather Or Moisture

What Is The Best Way To Remove A Squib Bullet From The Barrel?

Determine where the bullet is lodged. Insert a cleaning rod of the appropriate size and type into the barrel (from the breech if possible), and then mark the cleaning rod where it stops at the muzzle and/or breech end. Lay the cleaning rod along the side of the barrel to see where the stuck bullet is internally. If at all possible, work from the end of the barrel closer to the stuck bullet.

For More information on this issue: http://www.tannersgun.com/squibs.aspx

http://gunfreezone.net/wordpress/index.php/2014/08/28/squib-2/