Intentional squib-like loading?

[Dahak]

An instructor at my range knows that I reload and asked if I could load up something that sounded like a squib load for his introduction to firearms classes.

Any ideas on how to simulate a squib? I think a primer only load won't muffle/soften the sound correctly. Maybe a wax plug in place of a bullet? I fear a barrel obstruction is necessary for getting the sound right but that's me overthinking without sufficient knowledge or experience to draw conclusions.

He'll use one of the range's 38 special revolvers and doesn't mind having to clean it well afterward but doesn't want to deal with a true squib in the barrel.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[ReloadforFun]

I'm not certain about revolvers, but some squibs in autos only sound of a click, such as a misfire when the primer fires. While making a squib is easy enough, duplicating the soyund without an actual squib may be a challenge.

How would it be to drill through a bullet, front to back, and use a primer only? This should be louder than a click, but not as loud as a regular round. The hole through the bullet would allow the primer gases to escape without driving the bullet into the bore.

I've never done this but perhaps it's a starting point..

 

[mikld]

Most "squibs" I've seen are "no powder loads, primer only". Shoot a normal round, then shoot a primer only round. Huuuge difference in sound. A stuck bullet under controlled conditions is a plus. Instructor gets to demonstrate, visibly, to new reloaders and you get to learn how to clear a squib from your barrel. There is a range rod in every range bag every time I go to the range...

 

[murphydog]

A wax bullet with a primer-only .38 Special case works. It may still send out the wax plug with some force so they should be tested for safety before scaring or injuring someone in his class.

 

[weatherby]

There are times to just say No.
Now is one of them.

You really want to open yourself up to that liability with new shooters ?

 

[cracker57]

for this I really want to pop corn, this one will be interesting...

 

[venomballistics]

A wax bullet with a primer-only .38 Special case works. It may still send out the wax plug with some force so they should be tested for safety before scaring or injuring someone in his class.

I've used exactly this load for indoor pest control. There's no "may" about it. a primer DOES send a wax plug downrange
If primers weren't such a precious commodity, I'd be making a batch.

 

[mtgianni]

Squib loads, named after Earl Squib were originally intended to shoot the 30-06 with a lower velocity load. The 311413 Lyman bullet was developed for that purpose. If you want a quiet load, you need a heavy cast bullet with a small load of fast powder and as long a bbl as you can get.

You cannot get there with a bbl/cylinder gap.

 

[CH4]

I wouldn’t consider it.

 

[Skeet 028]

i loaded somee verylightloads back in the day...Only time I ever used Bullseye...with a 148 gr HBSWC loaded backwards and 3/4 gr bullseye in an old M-36 to shoot rats and mice in a granary. so it wouldn't make holes in the tin. It worked but you would haveto use more powder in longer bbls. 1/2 gr stuck a bullet 1/2 way out the bbl. Sure sounded like a squib

 

[BC38]

Simple. Case with primer, no powder, no bullet - not even a wax bullet.
If the point is to teach new shooters what a squib is like, the primer only case will fit the bill, and there is absolutely ZERO danger. Without even a wax bullet you won't even have to worry about the primer backing out of the case.
The sound is going to be SO much quieter than a regular round that it will serve the purpose, and with no projectile there is no danger of a real squib.

 

[GypsmJim]

I have had totally 1 squib in my lifetime. I know the reason.

When I want to test a firing pin or something I load a primer only and pop it in a safe place.

They sound different.

I'm not a lawyer. I don't want to have to need one. Tell your "friend" to figure it out, but not with your reloading.

 

[BC38]

Just curious, but for those who would be hesitant to load up some empty cases with just primers for a friend, my question would be "why?"

I'm a pretty imaginative guy, and have had to look out for and evaluate potential liabilities almost my entire working career, and I'm not coming up with any potential risks on this one.

I'm sure I must be missing something. Can someone please enlighten me? What can you foresee going wrong with these primer-only loads?

 

[243winxb]

Squib- start with IMR or H 4227 lead bullet load data. Start with 9 grs powder & 158 gr lead. See hodgdon load data.

Now work backwards. Less powder & lighter gr bullets. Unsized brass. Crimp is only thing holding bullet in place. You will get a squib.

Or just fill case with a lot slower rifle powder. 4350?

 

[BC38]

Squib- start with IMR or H 4227 lead bullet load data. Start with 9 grs powder & 158 gr lead. See hodgdon load data.

Now work backwards. Less powder & lighter gr bullets. Unsized brass. Crimp is only thing holding bullet in place. You will get a squib.

Or just fill case with a lot slower rifle powder. 4350?

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.

 

[Dahak]

The goal would be to create no barrel obstruction. I know I mentioned barrel obstruction in my first post but that was just speculation about what might be necessary for the sound.

Instructor's idea is for him to fire the "squib" load - maybe 2-3 spread out in a session to introduce new shooters to the concept. The newbies will not be pulling the trigger on the "squib" load. I want nothing to do with loading anything to be directly used by new shooters whom I do not know.

I'll start with primer only, that's super easy to do. It may not be fully accurate but might be enough for demonstrative purposes.

 

[ProCarryNAustin]

For a revolver, why not resize and just prime with no bullet?
That might give the sound without risking anything.
Would also be easy to see that it is not a normal load.

 

[reddog81]

Just curious, but for those who would be hesitant to load up some empty cases with just primers for a friend, my question would be "why?"

I'm a pretty imaginative guy, and have had to look out for and evaluate potential liabilities almost my entire working career, and I'm not coming up with any potential risks on this one.

I'm sure I must be missing something. Can someone please enlighten me? What can you foresee going wrong with these primer-only loads?

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.

 

[Rule3]

A primer only load in a revolver will give the "squib" sound but will also kick the primer back a little, enough to make the cylinder jam!!



In a semi auto it will just be a pop and no action on the recoil slide.

 

[murphydog]

After the clarification above, this sounds to be the perfect opportunity for your trainer friend to teach this by recording a video with sound. Setting off a primer indoors will still be very loud and if he wants to compare this to a live round it would be difficult to do with everyone wearing hearing protection.