Proper disposal of misfired ammo

13848 Views 15 Replies 13 Participants Last post by rustyaa55, 2 mo ago

chip2

Discussion Starter · Dec 11, 2016

Sorry if this topic has come up before. I was at the range yesterday, and I had my first ever misfire (firing pin hit the primer but the round didn't go off). I cleared the round from the gun and asked the range officer what to do with it. He told me to throw it out onto the range in front of the firing line. I complied with the range officer's direction, but after thinking about it, I was uncomfortable with that method and didn't think it was safe. What should I do if this happens in the future? This was the first event of this type in approximately 3500 rounds, so I don't expect it to happen again anytime soon, but you never know. By the way, I'm shooting a service model XD in 9mm, and this is the first malfunction of any kind. Probably the fault of the cheap ammo and not the gun, right?

1 - 16 of 16 Posts

rustygun

· #2 · Dec 11, 2016

I believe the when that happens you give it a good 60 count keeping the firearm pointed down range. I had it happen before and when I ejected the round and examined it I noticed it was a very light primer strike so I tried it again and it fired. One other time I asked the RO and he said they had a special place for them. I think that would be the best way.

Once the bullet is out of the chamber it would react different if fired, not that it would not be dangerous but the case would fly around and the bullet tend to not want to move much.

Tangof

· #3 · Dec 11, 2016

I do the count thing like rustygun suggested. I shoot on my own range so misfires get buried. It's rare with modern ammunition but it does happen. Often a second strike will work. I really doubt it's the fault of the gun.

SteamboatWillie

· #4 · Dec 11, 2016

Yup, at the range when you hear the "click" it could be a hangfire or misfire. Best practice is as rusty gun suggests. A misfire is simply when the primer doesn't ignite.

The reason you should simply hold the firearm pointed downrange for 30 seconds or so is the malfunction may also be a "hang fire". In this case, the primer ignites slowly and may actually continue the process of igniting the propellent after some delay.

And of course in defensive shooting the proper reaction is not to wait, but quickly tap the magazine to ensure it's seated properly, rack the slide to chamber a new round, bang (fire or reassess).

Cait43

· #5 · Dec 11, 2016

Is a Bullet Dangerous?

rustygun

· #6 · Dec 12, 2016

Cait43 said:
Is a Bullet Dangerous?

Leave it to Hickok45, Had not seen that video before thanks for posting.

CW

· #7 · Dec 12, 2016

I had a bad batch of Winchester 22 that had several non fires. Typically count to 30, cock hammer and try again keeping aim at target.

On second occurrence, count 60, then eject.

First time I ever had a misfire, I was using a 12 gauge. Keeping the gun pointed straight up, I walked over to creek and ejected cartridge into water. Not a good thing to do for the environment.

Best is to eject and place cartridge in an ammo box. You are basically talking a very small fragmentation grenade with a blast radius of about 2 feet.
Flying brass is the primary hazard - hence eye protection, and a typical ammo box will contain most cartridges should they go-off.

Something larger like a 30.06 or 50 bmg may need a stronger container. From there its best to ask the range people where to dispose of it.

Last resort is to bury the bad ammo in a designated safe spot, but make sure its the ammo and not the gun.

The 12 gauge issue I had was a firing pin frozen in the bolt-block because the old oil had turned to varnish.

See less See more

Blackhawkman

· #8 · Dec 12, 2016

Cheap ammo and hard primers. This happens with steel cased cheaper ammo. JMO I have seen this alot. All my ammo works as I shoot my own reloads. Never any problems with any gun. I have my own range too.

JoeH

· #9 · Mar 6, 2017

Our range has a red heavy meal box to put no-fire ammo into.

mirod

· #10 · 3 mo ago

SteamboatWillie said:
Yup, at the range when you hear the "click" it could be a hangfire or misfire. Best practice is as rusty gun suggests. A misfire is simply when the primer doesn't ignite.

The reason you should simply hold the firearm pointed downrange for 30 seconds or so is the malfunction may also be a "hang fire". In this case, the primer ignites slowly and may actually continue the process of igniting the propellent after some delay.

And of course in defensive shooting the proper reaction is not to wait, but quickly tap the magazine to ensure it's seated properly from here Dispose it well, rack the slide to chamber a new round, bang (fire or reassess).

Have some old 22lr ammo I had found in the garage that I am looking to dispose of. It had been sitting around for a while and may have been exposed to moisture. Nothing I feel comfortable putting through my guns. Where or how to dispose of properly? About 100rds.

FMHD

· #11 · 2 mo ago

Fellas just a consideration. Modern powder doesn’t hang fire like black powder. Black powder is an explosive.
30 seconds is a long time. I’d think just a few would be fine. Once out of gun the “pipe bomb” that causes the chemical reaction change from powder to gas can’t propel things the same. Imagine a house with ammo in it. I’m sure it goes off plenty. No one gets shot. The path of least resistance in a gun is out the barrel front. Once out of the gun there’s lots of paths for gas to escape. Be careful with it but don’t over worry

Reactions: 1

Shipwreck

· #12 · 2 mo ago

mirod said:
Have some old 22lr ammo I had found in the garage that I am looking to dispose of. It had been sitting around for a while and may have been exposed to moisture. Nothing I feel comfortable putting through my guns. Where or how to dispose of properly? About 100rds.

I have read others say to just use plyers and pull the bullet off the casing. Then throw it away...

FMHD

· #13 · 2 mo ago

Shipwreck said:
I have read others say to just use plyers and pull the bullet off the casing. Then throw it away...

Bullet puller would even be safer. For anyone who doesn’t know it’s like a hammer. Holds the rim you swing down. Dumps everything out and contains it. You could reuse head, powder, etc if it were a reload. I’d not but you could. It’s fairly inexpensive tool but you’d need the correct size bushing for puller. That’s cheap too

Reactions: 1

BackyardCowboy

· #14 · 2 mo ago

FMHD said:
Bullet puller would even be safer. For anyone who doesn’t know it’s like a hammer. Holds the rim you swing down. Dumps everything out and contains it. You could reuse head, powder, etc if it were a reload. I’d not but you could. It’s fairly inexpensive tool but you’d need the correct size bushing for puller. That’s cheap too

Just did some online looking for bullet pullers, saw some of the type that look like plastic hammers.
Found one that had the instruction page shown. It said do Not use on rim-fire ammunition and do not use on factory ammo that has a sealant applied, as it will not remove the bullets. Danger of rim-fire ammo discharging if used with a hammer type bullet puller. Instructions recommended to use only for reloads.
YRMV

Shipwreck

· #15 · 2 mo ago

I've used plyers on 22 ammo many, many years ago. It is super simple. Never had an issue. I think I used 2 sets. One to hold the casing and one to twist off the round

rustyaa55

· #16 · 2 mo ago

Put ammo in can of oil and leave it. The oil will penetrate to kill the powder and primer. Making it completely safe.
This is what my Gunsmith and mentor demanded when i asked the same question years ago.
Still have all my body parts following his instructions.

1 - 16 of 16 Posts