Here is a recap of what I've been going through the last couple months:
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TO: Western Powders, Inc.
Dear Ma'am or Sir,
In the last month I have had two rounds explode in the chamber. The first time no injuries to myself but there was enough damage to my pistol to require servicing. The second one happend less than 30 minutes ago. I am concerned that I have a bad lot of powder, I have had 2 other persons experienced reloaders, check my techniques and equipment (after the first incident) they all they said it was fine and couldnt find any errors.
I've loaded over 3,000 .45 ACP cartridges using Alliant Red Dot without issues. Plus other large caliber hunting rifle calibers using Hodgdons.
Equipment:
RCBS Carbide Dies (.45 ACP)
RCBS Uniflow 2 w/ baffle and micrometer set screw
Lyman Turret press
RCBS 505 Scale
Your website for loading data
Sierra 5th edition for cross reference of load data
Lyman 47th Edition loading guide for techniques / loading procedures.
Test Pistol: Kimber Custom Classic (series 1)
First Round that overpressured: (Assembled on Aug 12, 2003)
PMC Brass (1st reload / Once fired)
Remington 230gr. FMJ (Ball ammo)
#300 CCI Large Pistol Primer
5.8 grains of Ramshot ZIP
OAL 1.268"
The first round was originally worked up from a 5.2 gr starting point. I had incremented by .1 gr all the way up to 6 grains without a problem or any signs of over pressure. No flattened primers, case bulging etc. My Shooting Chrony clocked the 5.8gr load:
837.0 FPS average
90.6 FPS Extreme Spread
I had since disassembled the remaining rounds of this batch and re-scaled the powder and could not find any variance in grain measurements of the powder in the cartridges. (58 cartridges dis-assembled and checked) Explosion occured in SA V-16 Longslide, rated for up to .45 Super ($125 dollars for repairs).
Second Round that Overpressured (Assembled 9/27/03) (Today's round):
S&B Brass (1st reload / Once Fired)
Remington 230gr FMJ (Ball ammo)
#150 Federal Large Pistol Primer
5.6 grains of Ramshot Zip
OAL 1.268"
This second round I was actually working up a new load, to account for new / different primer and brass as well as verify my previous findings. I had started at 5.4 grains (20 Test Cartridges). I had no problems moved to the 5.5 grains (20 test cartridges), again no problems averaging about 700 FPS so I moved to the 5.6 grain loads. On the 12th round of that lot is when the explosion occured. Rounds of the 5.6 grain loads where in the 740 to 780 FPS range roughly and the first group of 6 didnt show any signs of pressure.
I know I measured the weight of the powder charge for the second round using the scale versus just using the Uniflow Powder Measure. I know that there was not a double charge as once the powder is funneled into the case I immediately seal the case by pressing on the bullet with a taper crimp.
The first time, I could accept I made a mistake the second time I am convinced it is not my equipment or my techniques.
Sincerely,
Difranco
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I post this not to disparage any company but rather to find a solution to my problem. The company responded wanting me to send them 50 cartridges for testing and so I did. They said they have done some testing " ...We received the 50 rounds that you sent to us. Initial testing shows 12,000 to 13,000 psi at approximately 680 fps with no pressure spikes." However, they said they hadn't completed the testing and are looking into other factors / circumstances that may have contributed.
At this point I am at a loss and am afraid to reload at this point. It has made me a bit flinchy when I pull the trigger now. Does anyone have any suggestions. If I could figure out what cause my problem I would feel much better about reloading again. Until then I will be shooting factory.
Any help is appreciated.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
TO: Western Powders, Inc.
Dear Ma'am or Sir,
In the last month I have had two rounds explode in the chamber. The first time no injuries to myself but there was enough damage to my pistol to require servicing. The second one happend less than 30 minutes ago. I am concerned that I have a bad lot of powder, I have had 2 other persons experienced reloaders, check my techniques and equipment (after the first incident) they all they said it was fine and couldnt find any errors.
I've loaded over 3,000 .45 ACP cartridges using Alliant Red Dot without issues. Plus other large caliber hunting rifle calibers using Hodgdons.
Equipment:
RCBS Carbide Dies (.45 ACP)
RCBS Uniflow 2 w/ baffle and micrometer set screw
Lyman Turret press
RCBS 505 Scale
Your website for loading data
Sierra 5th edition for cross reference of load data
Lyman 47th Edition loading guide for techniques / loading procedures.
Test Pistol: Kimber Custom Classic (series 1)
First Round that overpressured: (Assembled on Aug 12, 2003)
PMC Brass (1st reload / Once fired)
Remington 230gr. FMJ (Ball ammo)
#300 CCI Large Pistol Primer
5.8 grains of Ramshot ZIP
OAL 1.268"
The first round was originally worked up from a 5.2 gr starting point. I had incremented by .1 gr all the way up to 6 grains without a problem or any signs of over pressure. No flattened primers, case bulging etc. My Shooting Chrony clocked the 5.8gr load:
837.0 FPS average
90.6 FPS Extreme Spread
I had since disassembled the remaining rounds of this batch and re-scaled the powder and could not find any variance in grain measurements of the powder in the cartridges. (58 cartridges dis-assembled and checked) Explosion occured in SA V-16 Longslide, rated for up to .45 Super ($125 dollars for repairs).
Second Round that Overpressured (Assembled 9/27/03) (Today's round):
S&B Brass (1st reload / Once Fired)
Remington 230gr FMJ (Ball ammo)
#150 Federal Large Pistol Primer
5.6 grains of Ramshot Zip
OAL 1.268"
This second round I was actually working up a new load, to account for new / different primer and brass as well as verify my previous findings. I had started at 5.4 grains (20 Test Cartridges). I had no problems moved to the 5.5 grains (20 test cartridges), again no problems averaging about 700 FPS so I moved to the 5.6 grain loads. On the 12th round of that lot is when the explosion occured. Rounds of the 5.6 grain loads where in the 740 to 780 FPS range roughly and the first group of 6 didnt show any signs of pressure.
I know I measured the weight of the powder charge for the second round using the scale versus just using the Uniflow Powder Measure. I know that there was not a double charge as once the powder is funneled into the case I immediately seal the case by pressing on the bullet with a taper crimp.
The first time, I could accept I made a mistake the second time I am convinced it is not my equipment or my techniques.
Sincerely,
Difranco
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I post this not to disparage any company but rather to find a solution to my problem. The company responded wanting me to send them 50 cartridges for testing and so I did. They said they have done some testing " ...We received the 50 rounds that you sent to us. Initial testing shows 12,000 to 13,000 psi at approximately 680 fps with no pressure spikes." However, they said they hadn't completed the testing and are looking into other factors / circumstances that may have contributed.
At this point I am at a loss and am afraid to reload at this point. It has made me a bit flinchy when I pull the trigger now. Does anyone have any suggestions. If I could figure out what cause my problem I would feel much better about reloading again. Until then I will be shooting factory.
Any help is appreciated.