Definitve Cartridge Failure Statistics

[Mike H]

I'll put this one in the semi-auto forum since cartridge failures don't seem to bother the wheel-gunners all that much.

I just got through reading about the whole .40 S&W safety saga again in an associated thread and it occurred to me that whilst some handgun studies examine torture/failure tests that by their nature would highlight any Kb issues associated with a particular gun, I have never seen any studies that address case failure/double charge/squib load/bullet setback rates with handgun cartridges. I'm talking purely about commercial loads here since reloaders all end up saluting with their left hand sooner or later

Does anyone know if this issue has ever been addressed or even if there are any basic statistics regarding the number of reported Kb failures by caliber ?

The only way to shed some light on these alleged problems, specifically with the .40 S&W, is to collect some data.


Regards,

Mike H

 

[James K]

Interesting idea, though I question the bit about reloaders "saluting with their left hands". Most reloaders have no problems and the few that do rarely are injured by a handgun failure.

To the point, I reload a lot (though less than I used to) but I always carry factory loads in a defense gun. Even then, I inspect every round. The truth is that factory loads are far far more reliable than my (or IMHO anyone else's) reloads. Period.

Jim

 

[Mike H]

Jim,

My tongue in cheek remark about reloaders is borne largely out of the fact that they get the heat for some, if not all, the Kb's that occur, deservedly or not.

I would agree with your point about carrying factory ammunition in your defensive weapon, but for a different reason. IMO if your reloaded ammo is not as reliable as factory stuff you're using the wrong materials. I can see no reason why your cartridges should be any less reliable than branded, indeed I know of at least one reloader who claims his ammo to be MORE reliable than factory.

Personally, I would use factory ammo for carry purely based on the potential for prosecution. Ayoob makes mention of several post shooting court cases where a slimy prosecutor has attempted to prove that the "accused" was a Rambo wannabee because he loaded his own cartridges, somehow suggesting that this made them more lethal.

Stay safe and watch out for those double charges.

Mike H