What was that with the Hornady Critical Defense ammo?

[IMTHDUKE]

Never had this to happen before, maybe someone can tell me what this was. Driving by the gravel pit, so I took my Sig P238 out to get rid of some ammo that it doesn't like. It will fire everything but Hornady Critical Defense Ammo. Loaded a mag and fired first 4 and the 5th was FTE. I cleared the round, fired the next and it sounded like a cap pistol. It fired the rd but it was what I would call a squib....or something. Also, FTE....cleared it and finished the mag. Loaded a mag of cor bon and rapid fire when through the mag like clock work.

What was that little pop from that Hornady rd, bat man

You ever have a factory rd do that?

 

[PSP]

You ever have a factory rd do that?

No, I've felt variance in loads, but never a very light load. Did you check the barrel for a stuck bullet before continuing? That would be my first concern if I heard just a primer go off. Disconcerting report... I've always held Hornady in high regard.

 

[1goodshot]

You should always check the gun if you notice anything different between shots. Sounds like a squib or something.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

I should have checked but did not.

 

[jhenry]

Very dangerous indeed to have a weirdly light load go off and not completely check the firearm.

Is this the only box, or lot, of this Hornaday ammo that did this? If so I would not have shot it all, I would have returned it to Hornaday with an explanation for their examination. If it is this type of ammo in general, that is not one particular box, I would just switch brands and go on. I would still contact them about the weird load.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

This was about 15 rds in a box that I have left and wanted just to fire, because the Sig P238 had had problems with FTE in the past.

 

[Ben Towe]

Lucky you did not have a barrel obstruction from the squib. Always check it!

 

[IMTHDUKE]

I will know from now on. Just never had that happen.

 

[ChihuahuaTN]

DUKE,
Do a Google search there seems to be a significant amount related to Hornady CD and bad primers.

 

[cougar gt-e]

You're lucky the round cleared the barrel or bad things would have happened!

 

[chris in va]

You're posting after the fact, so apparently you still have all your fingers.

 

[Tactical Alex]

That's really odd, I tend to run a lot of Sig's myself and I actually carry the Hornady Critical Defense rounds. I've never had any issues with it. I have heard of the occasional oopsy from a manufacturer where they would have some .380 get boxed into a 9mm, but it's VERY!!!!!!! Rare. Honestly I'd be more likely to think it was something that went wrong with the pistol operation. That is a tough call but, again I actually use both the factors you described and never had a problem.

Sig is usually really good about taking care of problems you might try contacting them directly and see if they'll take a look, or at least find a sig armorer near bye.

 

[IMTHDUKE]

I fired 50 rds through the P238 today without a hicup....or rather my wife did.
Wasn't the gun....was the ammo....next time I will be aware...I just never had the experience. Yes, I have all my fingers

 

[WildBill45]

You contact Hornady, and if you have any of those round left arrange to sent them to Hornady. This way if it was the ammo's fault that may be able to correct the problem, and prevent that happening to others.

But, and there always is a but in life, the variables are many. Was the ammo exposed to oil(s), water, or other outside conditions that may affect the performance. Was it operator error, was the ammo newly purchased or given to you, does the Sig. have a hammer spring problem, or numerous other factors that need to be investigated for your safety as well as others!

Ring Hornady, and see what happens. They may replace your ammo, and/or solve the problem if you have any left for them to inspect!

I am happy to hear you were not injured, but ask an old timer who used to reload ... when it doesn't go boom, STOP & INSPECT, OR IT MAY GO BOOM ... ON YOU!