How to Blow Up a Revolver

[VMI77]

http://weaponsman.com/?p=23137

There’s the old double-charge. Since this late, lamented Colt Anaconda is… er, was a .44 Mag (which is hard to double-charge without obviously spilling powder) a more likely explanation is an oversized load of something fast-burning.

Overconfidence + Handloads + Revolver =

[video]https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=96&v=Q_XNWeMqCT0[/video]

[TheCytochromeC]

It kind of reminds me when I see a classic car get destroyed in a movie, there's just one less one out there now. Except no one got to see the magic happen.

[WildBill]

I am curious about what type of powder was used.

Most loads completely fill the case so a "double charge" is not possible.

[VMI77]

I am curious about what type of powder was used.

Most loads completely fill the case so a "double charge" is not possible.

That's what the Weapons Man said...but apparently doesn't know what was used.

[PBratton]

Sad. Truly, truly sad.

[WildBill]

Sad. Truly, truly sad.

Sad that it is not replaceable.

[eureka40]

I cried a little.

[JSThane]

Everyone knows, if you're going to hot-load a revolver by grabbing the fastest-burning powder you can find, filling the case, and going to town with it, you use a Ruger!

I jest, even Rugers have their limits. Follow the loading manuals carefully, and never deviate... but if you do, please don't do it with a collectible firearm! Ruger still makes the Blackhawk, Redhawk, and Super Redhawk, all firearms designed to be abused past the limits of other guns. An Anaconda is strong, but not as strong as a Super Redhawk! If you really feel the burning need to have a front sight embedded in your cranium, regardless of whether it's still attached to the firearm, please don't use an old Colt!

On the plus side, I believe this particular image set has been floating around the internet for a few years, so it's most likely not -another- Anaconda post-mortem, just a re-hash.

[surprise_i'm_armed]

Is that covered under warranty?

SIA

[rbwhatever1]

I imagine some of these thoughtless morons are shooting at gun ranges without a care in the world about other folks around them. I wonder if the idiot told his buddy "watch this" before he blew up the Colt.

I have a pair of 1858's and enjoy shooting them. I've never harbored any desires to push them beyond their limits or attempt to blow them up.

[Jumping Frog]

Is that covered under warranty?

SIA

No.

Warranties exclude handloads.

[kragluver]

I hope he pulls the bullets and inspects the loads from all other rounds from that batch of hand loads. A double charge of bullseye or unique will definitely do that and not overflow the case.

One should inspect every cartridge visually before seating the bullet (even when using a progressive).

[ShootDontTalk]

A full case charge of powder and enough bullet setback will compress the powder and drastically increase the pressure. Reloading for a .44 Mag (or any round with heavy recoil) demands good, firm crimping. The recoil itself causes the bullet to slip back compressing the powder. That is where the crimp comes in. I had a guy hand me a couple of .44 Mags once that had set themselves back due to that problem. Scary, but not exactly a new problem.

kraal uber...IIRC there is a die that can be used on a progressive press that will warn of excessive powder loads. As usual, I can't remember what it is called.

[sjfcontrol]

A full case charge of powder and enough bullet setback will compress the powder and drastically increase the pressure. Reloading for a .44 Mag (or any round with heavy recoil) demands good, firm crimping. The recoil itself causes the bullet to slip back compressing the powder. That is where the crimp comes in. I had a guy hand me a couple of .44 Mags once that had set themselves back due to that problem. Scary, but not exactly a new problem.

kraal uber...IIRC there is a die that can be used on a progressive press that will warn of excessive powder loads. As usual, I can't remember what it is called.

"Powder Cop"?

[ShootDontTalk]

Here is one:

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/234716 ... hecker-die" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Others make them too.