Blown up DDM4 (ammo mfg update)

[Skang]

At least no one got hurt seriously.

Interesting to hear what really happened or caused it.

[Scoby]

That appears to me to be a round fired behind a squib.

If it was a powder/overcharged/wrong powder round with no obstructions in the barrel, most of the gas/pressure would be released behind the chamber and through the upper.

Who was the ammo manufacturer? You've named DD, why not the ammo?

[hunt_ak]

I've been a reloader and shooter for over 25 years. It would be pretty tough to get that much powder in a 5.56 as long it's the proper powder for the 5.56. It would be possible to do it with the wrong powder. However that's highly unlikely to happen in a factory produced round. Overcharges are far more common in handgun rounds.

A squib will do that and so will a fouled barrel. I haven't been around a squib that cycled the action on an AR. I have been witness to a squib from a 7.62 in an HK 91. The guy didn't recognize the issue, yanked the charging handle to load another round, and kaboom.

Good timing to see this after we ordered our rifles, eh?

[Greenbean]

Who was the ammo manufacturer? You've named DD, why not the ammo?

^^^^^

[Iraqgunz]

Not necessarily. There was a company don't recall name that accidentally mixed some pistol powder in with their .223 loadings and the AR's in question went kaboom!

I've been a reloader and shooter for over 25 years. It would be pretty tough to get that much powder in a 5.56 as long it's the proper powder for the 5.56. It would be possible to do it with the wrong powder. However that's highly unlikely to happen in a factory produced round. Overcharges are far more common in handgun rounds.

A squib will do that and so will a fouled barrel. I haven't been around a squib that cycled the action on an AR. I have been witness to a squib from a 7.62 in an HK 91. The guy didn't recognize the issue, yanked the charging handle to load another round, and kaboom.

[bp7178]

There was a thread on TOS whereas some Hornady Steel Match went high order and took an upper with it.

It always amazes me these typically result in only minor injuries.

[SMETNA]

Who was the ammo manufacturer? You've named DD, why not the ammo?

I asked the same question. The OP hasn't been back yet. Not everyone's nocturnal! Patience grasshoppa

[Animal_Mother556]

How did the squib operate the bolt and load a fresh round? Would the squib have enough thrust to push the bullet JUST past the gas hole and operate the action?

Usually, these are caused by the shooter racking another round in manually...and not thinking to check the bore for obstructions...

[Deputy Dan]

Not necessarily. There was a company don't recall name that accidentally mixed some pistol powder in with their .223 loadings and the AR's in question went kaboom!

IG

I think this is what you are referring to:

OFFICIAL RECALL NOTICE

East Alton, IL – Olin Corporation, through its Winchester Division, is recalling six (6) lots of its RANGER 223 Remington 64 Grain Power-Point (PP) centerfire rifle ammunition (Symbol Number RA223R2). Through extensive evaluation Winchester has determined the lots of RANGER Law Enforcement ammunition listed below may contain incorrect propellant. Incorrect propellant in this ammunition may cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable, and subject the shooter or bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury when fired. To determine if your ammunition is subject to this notice, review the Lot Number . . .


If the last four characters of the Lot Number are DK01, DK11, DK21, DK31, DK41 or DK51 immediately discontinue use and contact Winchester toll-free at 866-423-5224 to arrange for replacement ammunition and free UPS pick-up of the recalled ammunition.

If you have any questions concerning this RANGER Law Enforcement ammunition recall please call toll-free 866-423-5224, write to Winchester (600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024 Attn: RA223R2 Recall), or visit our website at www.winchester.com.

We used to have this in our ammo supply at work but not the lots mentioned.

[HKGuns]

I've been a reloader and shooter for over 25 years. It would be pretty tough to get that much powder in a 5.56 as long it's the proper powder for the 5.56. It would be possible to do it with the wrong powder. However that's highly unlikely to happen in a factory produced round. Overcharges are far more common in handgun rounds.

I'm not as senior a reloader as you are, but I was thinking the same thing.

This is curious because I'd expect a squib not to cycle the action and I know with the powders I use it would be difficult to over charge to the extent where that much damage was done.

Edit: That certainly has all the earmarks of a barrel obstruction of some kind. I'd almost expect there to be more damage aft of the chamber if it were an over charged round. He didn't leave his laser bore sight in did he? Glad no-one was injured.