Took the .38 S&W out and...

[glock27]

I've only got one wheel gun S&W 442 that I've shot a few times and can't say that I have seen this happen before.

http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg577/jaredbradtmueller/image_zps8e85663c.jpg

http://i1244.photobucket.com/albums/gg577/jaredbradtmueller/image_zpsaf803c0e.jpg

This happened 14 out of 50 rounds, it was not always the same cylinder...

Any ideas??

 

[Bunnykid68]

Reloads or factory?

 

[glock27]

Reloads that I got from a local gun show. Not brass, they were a silver/tin material

 

[wolfman]

Nickel plated brass, and the factory load was probably a hot and/or +p carry load. Nickel brass is usually a little more brittle, does not stand up to repeated reloading very well, and usually ends up splitting after only one or two. What you are experiencing is not uncommon when dealing with reloads from an unknown source and/or reloader.

 

[Ricnzak]

Was there damage to the cylinder?

 

[glock27]

No damage in the cylinders.
I've got another 50 of these rounds because I bought 2 boxes. Are they going to be ok to shoot?? Just seems crazy. No more of these crap rounds for me

 

[You'll shoot your eye out]

You are saying .38 S&W......... Do you mean a .38 special chambered revolver made by Smith & Wesson, or do you mean a revolver chambered for .38 S&W? A pistol chambered for .38 S&W SHOULD NOT fire .38 special cartridges!!!!!!! (just checking)

 

[sloughfoot]

A 442 should be a 38 special. But.... OP, I would be willing to check out your ammo and revolver if you like.

Those are really alarming splits.

Did your hand really sting when shooting that ammo?

I wouldn't shoot them anymore.

I am in Huntertown.

 

[Leo]

I am with the poster above. With heavily used, tired old brass, you might lose a couple of cases to cracks, but 14 in a box is pretty improbable if everything is proper. I do not see a lot of brass deformation that would be seen of there was an issue with oversized chambers in the revolver. I would take that ammo apart for salvage and buy other ammo for your handgun.

 

[04FXSTS]

I see that with mil surp 7.62x54r steel case in my Mosin, but not 14 out of 50. The Mosin probably has a pretty loose chamber that the S&W should not. Take the other box back or pull the bullets, I would not keep shooting these. Jim.

 

[Doug]

If the recoil seemed greater than factory standard-pressure rounds, I would assume they are overloaded and stop shooting them.
If the recoil seemed the same as standard-pressure factory rounds, it is probably just tired and brittle brass.
Either way, it's probably best not to shoot them and be more careful about your ammo sources.

 

[glock27]

Got them from Precision Cartridge Inc.
I've put about 200 of some standard load Remington rounds.
It is indeed a .38 special.
Mo excessive recoil and no power burns on my hands when shooting. Didn't even know the cases were splitting until one didn't drop out of the cylinder when turned over. Had to push the extractor to get it out.
Pretty sure I won't be using the other box. I've gotten rounds from them before with no problems but they were .40 and .223 with brass casings.

 

[in625shooter]

My advice would be to discard the rounds and stay away from any reloaded ammunition from any gun show (think snake oil salesman). The only reloaded ammunition I buy is the remanufactured from Black Hills, Ultramax or a reputable name brand company. And by that I mean stay away from any individuals or generic companies at the Indy 1500 or ANY gun show.

 

[glock27]

My advice would be to discard the rounds and stay away from any reloaded ammunition from any gun show (think snake oil salesman). The only reloaded ammunition I buy is the remanufactured from Black Hills, Ultramax or a reputable name brand company. And by that I mean stay away from any individuals or generic companies at the Indy 1500 or ANY gun show.

Big 'ol 10-4 on this one...
Definately not going to get any other reloads. Not worth the risk it seems

 

[Indy_Guy_77]

glock27, get in touch with Precision Cartridge and see what they say.

-J-

 

[snowman]

I've also seen this before in brass that I have reloaded multiple times.

 

[mainjet]

I'm with Indy_guy. I would call them and see what they say. I would ask for them to return my money. If they don't then there isn't much you can do except don't ever buy from them again and share your true experience with others.

If they were overcharged hot loads - they shouldn't have been. If it was old brass that cracked the first time you shot them from the weapon they were intended to shoot them from - they shouldn't have. I can see no reason why you should not be able to recover your money from someone that is wanting to continue in business.

ETA - reloading can be a very dangerous process. Buying ammo that is reloaded by someone else can be a dangerous decision. Shooting ammo that is reloaded by someone else can be a very dangerous experience.

 

[Cat-Herder]

I've had this happen with nickle-plated +P cases and +P reloads. I'll occasionally have a standard pressure case give after numerous reloadings.

If you weren't experiencing any other ill effects (excessive recoil, unburnt powder, etc...) I'd probably shoot the lot of 'em out of a hardy 357 magnum rated gun and just be over it...but IANAL, AND YMMV!