Dealing with a Cartridge that Fails to Fire: Safety and Steps

Understanding the Issue: When a cartridge fails to fire, it can be a potentially dangerous situation. This phenomenon, commonly known as a hang fire, occurs when a primer is struck but there is a delay in the propellant igniting. The case may or may not be deformed, and it may or may not eject, but the weapon does not fire.

Let's delve into the details of why this happens and what steps should be taken to ensure safety. My personal experience, combined with insights from hang fires and cartridge misfires, will provide a comprehensive guide.

Safety Precautions and Experiences

The situation of a cartridge failing to fire immediately can be especially concerning when dealing with older, corrosive primed black powder cartridges. These cartridges can present unique challenges, making the handling process both interesting and dangerous. My father, a highly intelligent individual, provided first-hand experience with this issue.

Background Story

When I was 9 or 10 years old, my father purchased some Remington rolling blocks and 250 rounds of 1880ish ammunition from Egypt. These cartridges were designed for corrosive priming and black powder. My task was to attempt to fire these rounds. Sadly, about 70 of them failed to fire, causing delays that ranged from 2-3 to 6-7 counts. The rounds involved were 480 grain bullets, and when the gun butt was 2-3 inches off my shoulder, kicking back was inevitable for a 9-year-old dancer.

Significant Safeguards

At the time, safety was a top priority. The backstop was a 24-inch Case backhoe bucket with a wooden piece to prevent bullets from bouncing back. Houses were behind us, but they were far enough to minimize risk. My 9-year-old skills were well enough honed to avoid missing the large target. It's worth noting that I had been handling guns for 5 years by then and wasn't allowed a pistol until I was 12.

Replacement Strategy for Bad Primers

My father, recognizing the issue, took a different approach to handling "hang fires." He would use a punch to poke a hole in the primer and remove the bad primer, replacing it with a new one. This innovative technique required precise skill and demonstrated the depth of knowledge my father had. However, he admitted that this process was perilous and could have resulted in various unfortunate outcomes.

What Quora Users Need to Know

Many posters on Quora do not understand the level of danger associated with this process. I suspect that many ignore the potential hazards, but it's crucial to understand the risks. The backstop used at home was adequate for our specific circumstances, but in other settings, such as a wildlife attack or during training, the situation changes. In a real-life scenario, a misfire should be aborted immediately, and the shooter should follow safety protocols.

Immediate Actions

When a cartridge fails to fire, the immediate actions can be summarized as follows:

At a Range with a Range Officer: Notify the range officer and let them decide on the appropriate course of action.

Alone: A misfire is a serious concern, and the shooter should take these steps:

Check the ammunition and confirm it is properly chambered. Wait a safe interval, such as counting to 12, to ensure the weapon is safe. Use the bolt action to extract the cartridge and move it to a safe location. Kick the cartridge out of the way. Continue with the shooting session or training.

A misfire is not the end of the world, but it is a significant enough issue to warrant careful attention.

Conclusion: Responsibility and Care

Misfires can be concerning, especially when dealing with older, corrosive primed black powder cartridges. It's crucial to handle these cartridges with the utmost care and attention to safety. Always prioritize safety over convenience, and never take unnecessary risks. Before concluding this piece, I want to emphasize the importance of proper training and adherence to safety protocols. Misfires are part of the shooting experience, and by understanding and addressing them, we can ensure a safer environment for all.

Good night, and stay safe.