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Will No-Powder Squib Cycle An AR?

1K views 10 replies 7 participants last post by  howlnmad 
#1 ·
One of the scenarios I think about a lot is a squib load followed by normal round. (As the thread title states - the firearm is an AR.) I normally don't fire in any form close to "rapid fire". There are occasional times I might do that for a few rounds for a little fun - but I've only done it with factory rounds.

If I did have a squib (let's say there was no powder - just the primer) would that be sufficient pressure to cycle the action? I would think not - but wanted to check here. I take some steps to hopefully minimize the chances of this happening. For example I look at every round after the loading block is filled with charged rounds - prior to seating bullets - to ensure powder in each. But I know mistakes happen - and I'm wondering if there was insufficient pressure to drive a bullet all the way out of the barrel - would that also mean there would be insufficient pressure to cycle the action.

Thanks.

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#2 · (Edited)
I don't think so, from what I've seen its not so much the full cycling that's a problem. Its the immediate tap and rack that is natural to AR users that will jam the next round in behind the stuck bullet from a squib. If you are new to hand loading for AR's, its best to train yourself to take a pause when experiencing a misfire, jam, FTE etc.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Great perspective. Although I know the most sure-fire way to have a problem in the future is to tell myself "I don't need to worry about tap-and-rack since I don't behave that way.", it is good to be reminded to be cautious about that.

I feel good that after having a mis-fire a few weeks ago (click....no bang) I went into extra paranoia mode. (It turns out the primer wasn't fully seated.) When I pulled the charging handle I confirmed an unfired round came out. Even given that - I opened up the rifle, pulled out the BCG, and looked down the barrel to ensure it was clear.

Thanks.

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