Bullet driven into casing

[rtparso]

I unload my carry ammo (Winchester JHP) every time I go to the range. I remove the mag and unload the pistol then reload with range ammo (WWB FMJ). After loading and unloading several times the bullet has been pushed into the casing. A fresh round measures 1.232 and a round that has been loaded several times is 1.136. Any body else have this happen? Any suggestions as to a fix?

[pa_guns]

Hi

It's a common issue with JHP's. It also can happen with FMJ's that have been cycled a number of times.

Any bullet that has "shrunk" like the one you have is potentially dangerous to shoot. The safest thing to do is to toss it.

Bob

[sprice1973]

+1 with Bob,toss it!

[LikesToShoot]

I'd give it a wack or two with my bullet puller untill I got it a little longer then re-crimp and fire it.
How old is the ammo in this mag? Time for some new? BLAST the whole mag and enjoy the "Big Bang" of the 45. :)

[Hawkmoon]

Ammo for semi-autos isn't "hard" crimped. It can't be -- there has to be a definite shoulder at the front end of the case to headspace on. Basically, you should not be recycling your ammo multiple times.

This has been discussed here previously. Here's one of the threads:
http://forum.m1911.org/showthread.php?t=32318&highlight=setback

You can find more by using search. Search on the term "setback" -- just search back a month and you'll find enough to keep you reading for awhile.

[jeepinbanditrider]

If you get it set back in there far enough it could cause a dangerous spike in pressure and lead to a permantly dissembled weapon. Be safe toss it and throw in some new ammo. Considering how often you shoot defense ammo buying a 20 rnd box every now and then and cycling it won't break the bank.

[pa_guns]

Hi

In addition to setback, you will muck up the front of the bullet as you cycle it multiple times. With a FMJ that will make it a bit inaccurate. With a JHP you can change things enough to impact how it expands.

If the ammo is intended for self protection, you want the best stuff. Marginal ammo is a false economy. You should do a bit of practice with your carry ammo. Shoot the JHP's rather than recycling them ...

Bob

[rtparso]

I normally shoot a mag or 2 of carry ammo every couple months. I have been carrying for a while but this is my first 1911 and none of my other guns do this. I guess I will start shooting the round in the pipe every trip or so. Just as long as it is normal and not a screwed up gun.

[sdrct]

My normal process is 50-100 rounds of range/practice ammo, then fire off the 2 ready magazines of defense ammo. This means that the last time I fire any pistol it is with full power ammunition exactly like in carry/defensive configuration. The two ready magazines are then switched to rested magazines on about an every two week basis, and the defense ammo is fresh, not previously chambered. Probably seems a little anal, but it feels right and I virtually never have any type of operational failures.

[pa_guns]

Hi

You can see setback in 9mm and in 40 S&W. Some pistol designs, and some specific pistols are harder on the ammo than others. 1911's and pistols designed specifically for hard ball ammo often get cited for this more often than others.

Bob