LugerForum Discussion Forums - View Single Post - Why is automatic pistol cartridge case so long?

Ron Smith · 06-29-2009, 03:39 PM

"So we don't frequently hear overloading a rifle cartridge and it explodes, not much extra empty space inside."

Alvin,

You can very definitely, and easily overload a rifle cartridge. That's one reason why they make powder tricklers for reloading rifle cartridges. Just a very few additional grains of powder in a high intensity rifle cartridge can make your day suck.

I recently saw a .338 Short magnum (one of the new hyped magnums) bolt action, rifle that was locked up so tight that it had to be beat open with a hammer. The case had separated 1/4 ahead of the rim (looked like it was cut with a torch) the remainder of the cartridge had to be reamed of of the chamber.

The owner and reloader, had his thumb over the vent hole on the left side of the receiver. The escaping gas blew / burnt a 1/8" hole complelely through his thumb, exiting at the base of his thumb nail.

He is very luck that he was using a good quality rifle, and it held. He could have lost his hand, or much worse.

Reloading / handloading isn't something to take lightly.

06-29-2009, 03:39 PM	#12
Ron Smith User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orygun Posts: 4,243 Thanks: 118 Thanked 245 Times in 150 Posts	"So we don't frequently hear overloading a rifle cartridge and it explodes, not much extra empty space inside." Alvin, You can very definitely, and easily overload a rifle cartridge. That's one reason why they make powder tricklers for reloading rifle cartridges. Just a very few additional grains of powder in a high intensity rifle cartridge can make your day suck. I recently saw a .338 Short magnum (one of the new hyped magnums) bolt action, rifle that was locked up so tight that it had to be beat open with a hammer. The case had separated 1/4 ahead of the rim (looked like it was cut with a torch) the remainder of the cartridge had to be reamed of of the chamber. The owner and reloader, had his thumb over the vent hole on the left side of the receiver. The escaping gas blew / burnt a 1/8" hole complelely through his thumb, exiting at the base of his thumb nail. He is very luck that he was using a good quality rifle, and it held. He could have lost his hand, or much worse. Reloading / handloading isn't something to take lightly. __________________ I Still Need DWM side plate #49... if anyone runs across a nice one. What ~Rudyard Kipling~ said...