Definitely looks like a QC issue; the factory missed the crimping step. Once in a while you do get poor quality ammo intended for self-defense. I have seen damaged cases and primers seated upside down in otherwise what should have been top quality ammo. When I was on ERT we shot a lot of Federal .308 168 gr. Match BTHP in our precision rifles, as it produced the best accuracy overall; however, there were some QC issues discovered, luckily, during training only. We did chamber and inspect every round that we carried in our go-bags.

As for the perpetration with the FBI load in 2 inch barrels, I think the rep. might have a point. In my 637 I carry the 135 gr. GD SB +P load. I remember the old time detectives that still were “grandfathered” to carry their 2 inch .38 revolvers on duty carried 148 gr. WC’s because of perpetration issues.

Hope Federal makes good on your ammo, but if not, you might want to run them through a Lee FCD if you or someone you know has one.

Regards,