Rifle explosion
- Thread starter Bob Wright
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Yeah thats a pretty bad catastrophic failure. I've never seen a picture of a worse one.
It is from another club I am a member of, Temple Gun Club.
"Members, yesterday (Sun 28 Aug) we had an Incident with Injury at the Range.
A member apparently loaded the wrong caliber ammo into their rifle and upon firing caused a detonation and complete destruction of the rifle, traumatic amputation of the trigger finger, and damage to other fingers and hand.
While this is a rare event, it can happen to the most experienced shooters.
Safety dictates only 1 firearm and corresponding ammo at a firing point while shooting, and that if firing multiple calibers, take the time to inspect and ensure firearm and ammo are a match.
Our prayers are with the member as he recovers from this incident.
We wish to thank the members on scene that assisted and rendered immediate first aid, called 911, and escorted the BCSO and Ambulance to the location on the range. One of the members had a first aid kit and was able to use it to stop the bleeding and treat for shock until assistance arrived.
We recommend everyone carry a first aid kit in their Range Bag or vehicle as a standard item of equipment on the range. We are grateful that these members had one with them.
Safety First
TGC Board
"Members, yesterday (Sun 28 Aug) we had an Incident with Injury at the Range.
A member apparently loaded the wrong caliber ammo into their rifle and upon firing caused a detonation and complete destruction of the rifle, traumatic amputation of the trigger finger, and damage to other fingers and hand.
While this is a rare event, it can happen to the most experienced shooters.
Safety dictates only 1 firearm and corresponding ammo at a firing point while shooting, and that if firing multiple calibers, take the time to inspect and ensure firearm and ammo are a match.
Our prayers are with the member as he recovers from this incident.
We wish to thank the members on scene that assisted and rendered immediate first aid, called 911, and escorted the BCSO and Ambulance to the location on the range. One of the members had a first aid kit and was able to use it to stop the bleeding and treat for shock until assistance arrived.
We recommend everyone carry a first aid kit in their Range Bag or vehicle as a standard item of equipment on the range. We are grateful that these members had one with them.
Safety First
TGC Board
That's awful. Life changing but not fatal!
Inquiring minds gotta know.....what was loaded into what. Looks like a long action from the picture but it's hard to tell.
Frank in the Laurels
Well-Known Member
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- Jul 15, 2007
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I would love to know what cartridge he fired in what chamber ??? This must have been a huge difference to separate a barrel from the action.. .308-.243 barrel. 30/06- 25/06 barrel..dam lucky to save their eyes on this big of a boom...
lancetkenyon
Well-Known Member
You can't close the bolt in these situations. I was sitting next to a guy at the range one time, and he was having all kinds of issues. I was watching him try and chamber a round in his brand new rifle, and he kept complaining about the gunsmith not building it right tonhis buddy who was with him. He could not get the bolt to close. I asked if he needed help, and he asked if I could take a look.
I asked what he was shooting, and he said "6mm Creedmoor". Barrel was engraved as "6 Creed". Ammo....6.5 Creedmoor. I told him he had the wrong ammo. He had 6.5CM ammo. He said...."Same thing, dude." I laughed and said "Yeah, sure, same thing. 6mm and 6.5mm must be the same measurement. My bad. You should take it back to the gunsmith and show him how he messed up and demand a refund." Then went back to shooting as they packed up and left.
Had a similar incident with .308Win ammo in a .260 Rem. Bolt wouldn't close, but the guy was a very nice and super appreciative person that time. He seemed genuinely shaken by the incident.
Looking at the brass on the table in the photos, it looks pretty good size. Maybe something like a .338WM in a .300RUM? You could maybe close a bolt on those two?
Frank in the Laurels
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Honestly I can't believe that much damage was caused by that mistake, that casing does not look like a NEEDSOMUCHMORE....maybe the action was cracked, mistreated or something ...I've seen failure before but not anything even close to this much damage. Shooter is very lucky to have his vision, boy upstairs must have been looking out for him..
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Latest report: A 308 projectile through a quarterbore barrel
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adam32+P
Well-Known Member
Looks like a Weatherby.
cohunt
Well-Known Member
What action is that? That bolt handle and receiver look very different to me--- Blaser R8?
If it is, I thought the bolt locked directly into the barrel/extension like on an AR style rifle. I would think it would be pretty strong-- you can see the side of the barrel seems to be splayed open. I know that the switch barrels on an r8 can be changed by hand with just an Allen wrench--- I'm no expert on an r8 but could the bolt head have been the wrong one for the barrel/cartridge? --- that is if this was an R8 .
Sorry to hear of his injuries- glad it wasn't worse--
Added note- looks like a box of factory ammo on the bench and not reloaded ammo.
If it is, I thought the bolt locked directly into the barrel/extension like on an AR style rifle. I would think it would be pretty strong-- you can see the side of the barrel seems to be splayed open. I know that the switch barrels on an r8 can be changed by hand with just an Allen wrench--- I'm no expert on an r8 but could the bolt head have been the wrong one for the barrel/cartridge? --- that is if this was an R8 .
Sorry to hear of his injuries- glad it wasn't worse--
Added note- looks like a box of factory ammo on the bench and not reloaded ammo.
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Bob Wright
Well-Known Member
There is blood on the bench and the concrete. I'm sure frags of wood and gun parts were brought back to the bench. Certainly could have injured shooters next to him in these cases, but no mention of that thankfully.
Agreed, I see what look's to be blood, both on the concrete floor and the bench. Not that it's at all pertinent to the incident and lessons learned.
Whatever the pressure generated, clearly much higher than the proof testing pressure for this rifle. Scary incident.
Whatever the pressure generated, clearly much higher than the proof testing pressure for this rifle. Scary incident.
Varmint Hunter
Well-Known Member
Good advice for those who haven't considered it.
Our club maintains a large first aid kit in the (unlocked) clubhouse. First aid training is available to any and all interested parties and is taught by a board member at the club.
Lastly - we have an emergency phone at the end of the benches which will connect you directly to the village PD.
