Bugs in the Reloading Process

[spencer rifle]

So there I was, reloading 9mm 124 JHP, and I notice that the last case seems really full. Almost like it was a .380, but I knew it wasn't. So I pulled it off before applying the bullet and poured out all the powder. At the bottom of the case I found one of these, dead:

It's not bad enough they are everywhere and smell bad. Now they are trying to kill me. IT'S TIME TO OUTLAW THESE THINGS!

 

[scooterb]

Wow... That's different

 

[SSGSAD]

Wow... That's different

YES, I agree, did you leave the brass laying around for a while ?????

 

[lowendgenerator]

I think it's time to change your tumbling media.

 

[Broom_jm]

Well, THAT will change your load volume! Good on you for catching it in the first place!

I have to admit, when I saw "bugs" in the reloading process, I was thinking crushed shoulders or seating depth issues.

 

[shibumiseeker]

Good catch, and good for listening to that little voice that said "something is not quite right here.."

The original computer bug was just that. A moth had gotten in between two relay contacts in an air force computer and when the person who was troubleshooting it was asked what she was doing inside the computer she replied "debugging the computer."

 

[spencer rifle]

YES, I agree, did you leave the brass laying around for a while ?????

Brass has just been sitting in the basement in a box. But we live in an old house and the wildlife is always trying to share our space.

 

[Robert Richardson]

Wow, a true debugging.Did you check it for a transmitter? HA!

 

[BGDave]

If you had set it off I know the what the last thing to cross his mind would be.

 

[turnerdye1]

Do you think the round would have went off fine? I mean the case was a bit more full but its not like the lady bug is like an over charged case lol.

 

[shibumiseeker]

Do you think the round would have went off fine? I mean the case was a bit more full but its not like the lady bug is like an over charged case lol.

It wasn't an overcharged case and most 9mm is not that sensitive to compressed charges, but it's probable that the ignition flash would not have reached the powder if the bug were blocking the hole.

 

[spencer rifle]

It was blocking the hole. I was worried about overpressure, though. I am using Clays, and compressing it makes pressure go up FAST.

 

[Broom_jm]

If nothing else, the lady bug was taking up space/volume. That means the powder has less initial space for gas expansion, so it's "possible" this could have resulted in an over-pressure situation. Given the position of the "bug", it's more likely very poor ignition would have resulted in a squib, if anything.

 

[shibumiseeker]

It was blocking the hole. I was worried about overpressure, though. I am using Clays, and compressing it makes pressure go up FAST.

Assuming it ignited, which I don't think it would, even with Clays most modern 9mm guns can handle +p+ pressures occasionally (they are proof tested well above those ranges) and the pressure spike due to compressing a charge (setback being most common) is not infinite, the top of the curve is typically 15-25% higher than the uncompressed pressure.