Safest way to disable a dud?

CraigB · Post by **CraigB** » Mon Apr 13, 2009 9:11 pm

I had three misfires today at the range. Two of them fired the second time through, but one ended up not firing. The bullet is actually loose and spins in the casing, but I can't pull it out by hand (I didn't try very hard). I noticed the second and third time that I tried to feed it that the bolt did not close quite all the way. Of course, I didn't try to force the bolt closed or attempt to fire it on the second or third time through.

So anyway, what it the safest way to disable a dud for disposal?

Post by **Bullseye** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 11:38 am

Soak it in some light penetrating oil. This will disable the primer and the powder's explosive properties. Let it soak for a few days submerged in the oil.

R,
Bullseye

CraigB · Post by **CraigB** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 6:33 pm

Bullseye wrote:Soak it in some light penetrating oil. This will disable the primer and the powder's explosive properties. Let it soak for a few days submerged in the oil.

Thanks for the info. I guess I should have asked if they have a means of disposal at the range, but I just put it back in one of the empty ammo boxes and brought it home.

Post by **Bullseye** » Tue Apr 14, 2009 6:36 pm

Most ranges usually have a can for dud disposal. We used to call it an amnesty can. Typically it is a GI ammo can that has a hole drilled in the top so just the round can be inserted. This way no one can accidentally grab one of these duds and try to refire them.

R,
Bullseye

FourCornerm'n · Post by **FourCornerm'n** » Fri Apr 17, 2009 9:50 pm

I've gotten in a habit of using my shooting kit's needle nose pliers and twisting down on the bullet of a .22 dud until the bullet comes off. I pour the powder out and leave the bullet and empty case at the range or on the ground in open country. Others leave duds on the ground which might lead to an accident.

Is there any danger in doing this? I hadn't thought about alternatives.

Post by **Bullseye** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 8:35 am

Using pliers on a rimfire cartridge can be hazardous if the case rim were to accidentally get damaged in the process.

R,
Bullseye

FourCornerm'n · Post by **FourCornerm'n** » Sat Apr 18, 2009 11:26 pm

Bullseye - ? hazardous when I'm disassembling a .22 cartridge and tossing the components? The case rim, in this procedure, is badly distorted beyond possible use, as is the bullet, and then both are thrown away. I thought this was a safe procedure knowing modern powder isn't explosive like black powder. I'm not proposing this is a good idea, just asking. And I'm not sure what your response means

Regards. ':?'

Post by **Bullseye** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 1:23 am

More than once, I have fired a rimfire case after it has been struck once, twice, sometimes three times. All it takes is one time where there is sufficient primer compound under the rim, the rim gets crushed while pulling a bullet, and the round goes boom. It's just not worth it for me to pull the bullet and take that kind of risk.

R,
Bullseye

FourCornerm'n · Post by **FourCornerm'n** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 6:01 am

I was confusing rim with lip of the case where the bullet is held. Not thinking I might be affecting the rim where the primer resides, maybe almost crimped on. I've retried and fired duds on the third try also. Glad I asked. Should've read your previous post more carefully. Thanks. Gonna install a little oil sump. Thank you

Post by **Bullseye** » Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:25 pm

I just hate to think of one of our members getting hurt over something simple like this.

R,
Bullseye