Intentional squib-like loading?

[243winxb]

A bad idea. Get a new instructor.

You do realize he's looking to SIMULATE a squib - not create REAL squibs, right?

If your post was sarcasm, you need to use a smiley or two.

If the 4227 is reduced to much, yes you will stick a bullet in the barrel. The correct sound may be hear before the stuck bullet. 38 special reloads erratic, can't figure out. | The High Road

Reminds me of the guy loading 30-30 rifle with IMR 4350 powder with a starting load. The strange sound made me go ask him, what he had loaded. 4350 is the wrong powder.

Do not try this with a ball powder, it could be more dangerous.

SAAMI- SQUIB LOAD
A cartridge or shell which produces projectile velocity and sound substantially lower than normal. May result in projectile and/or wads remaining in the bore.

Overall, a bad idea.

 

[mikld]

I've only had one squib, back in 1971. In a revolver the sound is much different than a wax load (BTDT), a blank, or a primer only load. If the "friend" is a certified firearms instructor and possesses half a brain, a powder only squib load would be advantageous; to demonstrate the actual sound and how to check and clear the barrel. I have loaned my range rod to clear an OOPS! (and slugged many barrels), and knocking out a squib bullet is no big deal, but many would need to actually see it done...

 

[Sevens]

I think the entire premise here is senseless due to FACTS:

Fact: every squib is it's own animal, some are lighter than others so to try and simulate a squib is to try and simulate something that varies across a large spectrum

Fact: the only way to really have a good chance to "hear" a squib event would be some shooting session where nobody else is also shooting

Fact: using all your senses, it is much much much more reliable to be aware of a squib by FEEL and in a controlled setting such as an indoor range, seeing a hole in the target

Fact: the instructor wants to demonstrate a squib by having people watch him discharge some fake, hand-made pseudo-squib? This is ludicrous.

Fact: it's definitely a great skill to be aware of and on the lookout for squibs but at the same time, it does not mesh well with defensive shooting training which happens at a fast pace

It doesn't surprise me that we have a deep discussion on this because dumpster loads of dumb discussions happen on gun forums but I am genuinely surprised that some of our finest minds in this field are participating in this and seriously trying to move forward with it.

 

[cracker57]

Next he may ask you to load a hang fire to show the students..

 

[glenwolde]

If you load "primer only" or wax bullets you have to drill out the flash holes on those cases or the primers will back out and tie up the gun. I think the wax bullet is a good idea. Yes, a primer in an empty case is loud, but I'm assuming these will be fired on a range in combination with normal ammo and hearing protection. They'll feel like a squib then...

 

[BC38]

Have you ever shot a primer only load in a handgun? It's very loud, like painful ear ringing loud. This won't simulate a squib, this will simulate what its like to fire a live round without ear protection.

Stuffing a cotton ball or 2 in the case will help muffle sound a bit. I'm not sure this will be ideal either, but it would be much better and doesn't cause ear ringing pain.

Yeah, I've made and shot a number of primer-only loads.
With no ear protection, they sounded about like a 22LR to me.
I'm not sure exactly why, but your experience and mine seem to have been very different.
However, I have to agree that the cotton-balls idea seems like a good way to further muffle the sound for a simulated squib round.