Oops:Forgot the powder. - The Firearms Forum

bayhawk2 · 01-01-2011, 10:44 AM

So o.k..It happens.Now what.The dredded "pip".In a revolver
no less.Oh I hope I just didn't have a shell in the cylinder?
No luck.The primer pushed that .44 mag bullet out just far
enough that part of the bullet is in the casing and the other in
the barrel chamber.I try to turn the cylinder.It ain't gonna to happen.
Just as well to have stuck a rod down the barrel and into the
cylinder.I try hitting it with the palm of my hand.I realize that
this is not a cheap gun and I can see my hitting it can cause
some damage,so that's not the answer.Yeah I have a few range
tools,but this is my first rodeo as far as pistol reloading goes.
I come to the conclusion"Game over".I take the gun home.
Out to the workbench.In that period of time the pressure build
up in the casing has leaked out.How did I know that?I didn't.
So I scratch my..and the top of my head and such.What to do?
I sure had some crazy ideas that crossed my mind.I won't go
into those as it may..uh..I finally said it was time to take action or
take it to a smith.Install a cleaning rod down the barrel.Take my
handy dandy hammer and drive the bullet back into the casing.
Ahh but then the thought of there really being powder in the caseing
crossed my mind.My hands in front of the barrel?.44 Mag?Plan B.
Put the rod in a vise.Take the pistol (by the handle)and insert the
rod into the barrel.Now I am at least on the right end of the gun.
Now lightly jab the gun forward driving the rod into the bullet.
Repeat if necessary.Backing the barrel back and jabbing it forward
drove the bullet back into the caseing and back into the cylinder.
Wah-lah.The cylinder turned.When opened?The bullet just fell out of the cylinder.Was it the right way to do it?I would like to hear opinions on this.Yes the fix is to keep your head in the game when
reloading.This is not something I'd do normally,but I was loading
different powder charges,to try out at the range.Therefore my
rythem was not routine.Still my bad.So bottom line?Is there a better way?
Long story guys,and a little embarrasing,but if it can help?Did I learn from this?My reloading techniqes will change so that it will be vertually
impossible to do this again.Bayhawk

Shooter45 · 01-01-2011, 10:55 AM

Ya done good.

mikld · 01-01-2011, 11:01 AM

Seemed to work for you. I've used a brass rod and mallet (a rod larger in dia. than a cleaning rod). Since the primer has already fired, it won't ignite any powder that may be left in the case. I'd make sure everything is aligned and carefully tap the bullet back, watching the progress carefully. My first was in 1969 in a .38 Special 3" Rossi. No harm, no foul, just really embarrassing at the range...

BTW; I've got a Mini Maglight on my bench and shine it in every case to make sure there's powder in it!

bayhawk2 · 01-01-2011, 11:56 AM

mikld:Thanks for the info on the unburned powder.I didn't know
that.Yes,it was embarrasing.As you have experienced.Probably all have that have reloaded enough.Lots of folks out on the range.I was trying to be "cool" in my
actions.Did it work?Probably not.No one said anything.They probably have
been there and done that.Yes my method will be identical to yours from now on.
I was in the process of trying to charge and seat in progression with a single
action press set-up.It had failure written all over it.bayhawk.

TheGunClinger · 01-01-2011, 01:19 PM

I always have my trusty hammer and a variety of brass rods in my range bag. Been there done that.

hbucki · 01-08-2011, 01:40 PM

I used to own a HK mp5 .My friend was shooting it at the range next to me. It just quit firing. Tried to cycle the bolt no good.I took it back to the man who converted it HARD TIMES ARMORY. He tried firing it no go. He ran a cleaning rod down the barrel .What do you think fell out. It was in the barrel just far enough to keep the bolt from locking up for the next round. my small daughter had been talking with me while i was loading and i missed a step. That was 20 years ago

johnlives4christ · 01-08-2011, 03:18 PM

i'd say you did okay. my concern would be that if you used a steel cleaning rod you might have scratched the rifling or buggered the crown up a little doing it that way. with a 44 mag you can fit a dowel rod down the bore and would have thought that to be a better choice.

hope i dont have those problems while reloading. i've been trying to be careful

what kind of 44 do you have?

bayhawk2 · 01-08-2011, 07:22 PM

John-I have a Tracker (yeah I know)not much lost if it were damaged.I really do like this
gun though.I used a normal aluminum gun cleaning rod.The barrel is still
nice and shiny.I think I was in panic mode.It will be hard for me to do that again as my reloading process has changed to eliminate that possibility ever again.I hope.You are right.I think I'll invest in a wood
dowel rod.Eliminate the possible barrel damage.Good idea.Thanks.bayhawk

johnlives4christ · 01-08-2011, 07:47 PM

well since your rod was aluminum there wasnt much danger of messing the gun up. i am not a big fan of taurus... but i wouldnt mind a tracker either. taurus revolvers are good for the money... their autos though... idk.. im kinda leery of them

LDBennett · 01-09-2011, 07:48 AM

The Taurus 92 and 99 are manufactured on Beretta equipment left in Brazil by Beretta at the end of a military contract. I have a 99 (92 with adjustable sights) that is an excellent gun. I bought it in the late 1980's. The only problem has been with the Taurus added adjustable sights that kept shooting off the gun until I modified their design. My fix on the sights has yet to fail.

Their revolvers seem to be OK but they are no S&W. The new plastic pistols are not my cup of tea.... I buy guns I expect to last my lifetime and that of my heirs. Their auto's other than the 92 based versions are suspect to me. I have a Taurus clone of the Winchester Model 63 (22 auto rifle) and a Taurus clone of the Colt Lightning centerfire pump rifle. Both have been problematic guns for feeding ammo and accuracy. I would not recommend either gun or any other Taurus rifle for that matter based on my experiences with these two rifles.

I watched closely as Taurus introduced their 1911. On paper the gun looks really good. Then over time the negative reports stated coming in. The gun appears to be a real value as it comes with all the custom bells and whistles. But apparently the gun is not that great or it would have become a whole lot more popular. That's another Taurus gun I would not buy. But we all get to choose and Taurus guys, except for the Beretta based 92, are not my choice anymore.

LDBennett

bayhawk2 · 01-09-2011, 07:48 PM

LD-Like I've said in other threads.Maybe I just got lucky.I have this Taurus Tracker in which I've fired hundreds of rounds in.The only problem I had with it is with this
un-powdered cartridge.(My fault).It doesn't look the part of handling heavy
loads,but it has held up nicely with some borderline +P rounds.

cycloneman · 01-09-2011, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikld

BTW; I've got a Mini Maglight on my bench and shine it in every case to make sure there's powder in it!

Yep!

01-01-2011, 10:44 AM	#1
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Oops:Forgot the powder. So o.k..It happens.Now what.The dredded "pip".In a revolver no less.Oh I hope I just didn't have a shell in the cylinder? No luck.The primer pushed that .44 mag bullet out just far enough that part of the bullet is in the casing and the other in the barrel chamber.I try to turn the cylinder.It ain't gonna to happen. Just as well to have stuck a rod down the barrel and into the cylinder.I try hitting it with the palm of my hand.I realize that this is not a cheap gun and I can see my hitting it can cause some damage,so that's not the answer.Yeah I have a few range tools,but this is my first rodeo as far as pistol reloading goes. I come to the conclusion"Game over".I take the gun home. Out to the workbench.In that period of time the pressure build up in the casing has leaked out.How did I know that?I didn't. So I scratch my..and the top of my head and such.What to do? I sure had some crazy ideas that crossed my mind.I won't go into those as it may..uh..I finally said it was time to take action or take it to a smith.Install a cleaning rod down the barrel.Take my handy dandy hammer and drive the bullet back into the casing. Ahh but then the thought of there really being powder in the caseing crossed my mind.My hands in front of the barrel?.44 Mag?Plan B. Put the rod in a vise.Take the pistol (by the handle)and insert the rod into the barrel.Now I am at least on the right end of the gun. Now lightly jab the gun forward driving the rod into the bullet. Repeat if necessary.Backing the barrel back and jabbing it forward drove the bullet back into the caseing and back into the cylinder. Wah-lah.The cylinder turned.When opened?The bullet just fell out of the cylinder.Was it the right way to do it?I would like to hear opinions on this.Yes the fix is to keep your head in the game when reloading.This is not something I'd do normally,but I was loading different powder charges,to try out at the range.Therefore my rythem was not routine.Still my bad.So bottom line?Is there a better way? Long story guys,and a little embarrasing,but if it can help?Did I learn from this?My reloading techniqes will change so that it will be vertually impossible to do this again.Bayhawk -->

01-01-2011, 10:55 AM	#2
Shooter45 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2001 Contributor Posts: 8,752	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. Ya done good.

01-01-2011, 11:01 AM	#3
mikld Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oregon Posts: 573	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. Seemed to work for you. I've used a brass rod and mallet (a rod larger in dia. than a cleaning rod). Since the primer has already fired, it won't ignite any powder that may be left in the case. I'd make sure everything is aligned and carefully tap the bullet back, watching the progress carefully. My first was in 1969 in a .38 Special 3" Rossi. No harm, no foul, just really embarrassing at the range... BTW; I've got a Mini Maglight on my bench and shine it in every case to make sure there's powder in it! __________________ My Anchor is holding fast. Last edited by mikld; 01-01-2011 at 11:03 AM..

01-01-2011, 11:56 AM	#4
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. mikld:Thanks for the info on the unburned powder.I didn't know that.Yes,it was embarrasing.As you have experienced.Probably all have that have reloaded enough.Lots of folks out on the range.I was trying to be "cool" in my actions.Did it work?Probably not.No one said anything.They probably have been there and done that.Yes my method will be identical to yours from now on. I was in the process of trying to charge and seat in progression with a single action press set-up.It had failure written all over it.bayhawk.

01-01-2011, 01:19 PM	#5
TheGunClinger Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SW Florida Contributor Posts: 2,383	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. I always have my trusty hammer and a variety of brass rods in my range bag. Been there done that. __________________ New England Patriots Rule Next year.

01-08-2011, 01:40 PM	#6
hbucki Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 9	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. I used to own a HK mp5 .My friend was shooting it at the range next to me. It just quit firing. Tried to cycle the bolt no good.I took it back to the man who converted it HARD TIMES ARMORY. He tried firing it no go. He ran a cleaning rod down the barrel .What do you think fell out. It was in the barrel just far enough to keep the bolt from locking up for the next round. my small daughter had been talking with me while i was loading and i missed a step. That was 20 years ago

01-08-2011, 03:18 PM	#7
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. i'd say you did okay. my concern would be that if you used a steel cleaning rod you might have scratched the rifling or buggered the crown up a little doing it that way. with a 44 mag you can fit a dowel rod down the bore and would have thought that to be a better choice. hope i dont have those problems while reloading. i've been trying to be careful what kind of 44 do you have?

01-08-2011, 07:22 PM	#8
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. John-I have a Tracker (yeah I know)not much lost if it were damaged.I really do like this gun though.I used a normal aluminum gun cleaning rod.The barrel is still nice and shiny.I think I was in panic mode.It will be hard for me to do that again as my reloading process has changed to eliminate that possibility ever again.I hope.You are right.I think I'll invest in a wood dowel rod.Eliminate the possible barrel damage.Good idea.Thanks.bayhawk Last edited by bayhawk2; 01-08-2011 at 07:24 PM..

01-08-2011, 07:47 PM	#9
johnlives4christ Former Guest Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Kentucky Posts: 3,828	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. well since your rod was aluminum there wasnt much danger of messing the gun up. i am not a big fan of taurus... but i wouldnt mind a tracker either. taurus revolvers are good for the money... their autos though... idk.. im kinda leery of them

01-09-2011, 07:48 AM	#10
LDBennett Advanced Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Hesperia, CA Posts: 5,715	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. The Taurus 92 and 99 are manufactured on Beretta equipment left in Brazil by Beretta at the end of a military contract. I have a 99 (92 with adjustable sights) that is an excellent gun. I bought it in the late 1980's. The only problem has been with the Taurus added adjustable sights that kept shooting off the gun until I modified their design. My fix on the sights has yet to fail. Their revolvers seem to be OK but they are no S&W. The new plastic pistols are not my cup of tea.... I buy guns I expect to last my lifetime and that of my heirs. Their auto's other than the 92 based versions are suspect to me. I have a Taurus clone of the Winchester Model 63 (22 auto rifle) and a Taurus clone of the Colt Lightning centerfire pump rifle. Both have been problematic guns for feeding ammo and accuracy. I would not recommend either gun or any other Taurus rifle for that matter based on my experiences with these two rifles. I watched closely as Taurus introduced their 1911. On paper the gun looks really good. Then over time the negative reports stated coming in. The gun appears to be a real value as it comes with all the custom bells and whistles. But apparently the gun is not that great or it would have become a whole lot more popular. That's another Taurus gun I would not buy. But we all get to choose and Taurus guys, except for the Beretta based 92, are not my choice anymore. LDBennett

01-09-2011, 07:48 PM	#11
bayhawk2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Posts: 102	Re: Oops:Forgot the powder. LD-Like I've said in other threads.Maybe I just got lucky.I have this Taurus Tracker in which I've fired hundreds of rounds in.The only problem I had with it is with this un-powdered cartridge.(My fault).It doesn't look the part of handling heavy loads,but it has held up nicely with some borderline +P rounds. Last edited by bayhawk2; 01-09-2011 at 09:55 PM..