6CM Case separation new brass (near fatal).

[dmccrerery]

I had an accident Feb 2020 where my rifle blew up. Today I still have not determined the cause. Of course covid has delayed and delayed my search for the cause. I love to shoot club matches but nothing more competitive. I am retire military veteran and at 76 I would hate to give up a sport I love. I will mention the powder manufacture, but no other manufactures. I don’t want to make remarks that would be negative or taint there reputation.

My rifle was approx. 1yr old and .308 caliber, I had no problems with it and it shot well. Because of my age and several shoulder surgeries I decided to go to a 6 CM. Gun was sent to a barrel manufacture and they installed the new barrel and returned it to me. I loaded 1 round with Acc 4350, 36.1grs, and 115gr vld bullet. .020 off lands the brass was brand new never shot before. Bad day for a left hander shooting a right handed gun. My face was peppered with debris, 2 larger pieces entered the corner of my right eye 1 lodged 2mm from my brain and the other broke the bridge bone and lodged at top of my nose. Have lots of debris in both eyes, l still have my eye sight but problems expected in future.

The gun was x-rayed the Gun and barrel manufactures were at the procedure. The Powder manufacture was not present. I forgot to mention the powder lot I used was recalled. I did not know that until a month later when I saw it in Rifleman Mag.

Last Monday Mar 29, 2021 I decided to cut the receiver if my Gun Smith could not open it. Against the wishes of my Attorney.

What we found

Debris: part of the case head, primer and bolt pieces. The case was fully engaged in barrel (Supported). It looked like the case head was cut off with a scapple at the bottom of the web. When the case was removed from the barrel. We inserted a 6mm bullet into the neck of the case to see if it completely released from the case and it was okay.

Now I am trying to find a lab that can do a SAAMI spec closed bomb test with the powder used. And do a certified Rockwell hardness test on bolt. There is a stamp on one lug but not the other, I would like the test done on the bolt body also, because it more less shredded some of it.

I am open for any suggestions. Information as to whom may be able to preform the above the SAMMI specs or other test would be especially helpful. Also manufacturing standards

Dave

60mi from Atlanta

 

[nakneker]

Dang Dave. Nightmare scenario. I’m sorry you may have some long term Issues with your eyesight but I’m glad your alive to talk about it. Sounds like a bad one.

 

[bobm]

I am reading with interest. Sorry to hear of your injuries, dmccrerery. Not to derail your thread, but I may have the same recalled product I just purchased three days ago in a private sale. This was my first purchase of this brand of propellant. Never used this brand before. I had no idea a recall was in effect.

Can someone confirm the recall notice data and tell me if my three cans are affected? "Sniff test" on all three is OK.

Notice......

ACCURATE POWDERS RECALL NOTICE « Western Powders

 

[jelenko]

From reading the recall notice, you compare the code on the jug to what's in the table in the notice.

As the recall notice says, for 4350, if the date code is before Oct 1, 2016 and the lot number is between 2 and 22, the powder is included in the recall.

 

[338 dude]

I am reading with interest. Sorry to hear of your injuries, dmccrerery. Not to derail your thread, but I may have a recalled product I just purchased three days ago in a private sale. This was my first purchase of this brand of propellant. Never used this brand before. I had no idea a recall was in effect.

Can someone confirm the recall notice data and tell me if my three cans are affected? "Sniff test" on all three is OK.

Notice......

ACCURATE POWDERS RECALL NOTICE « Western Powders

I believe your powder is under recall it says lots two through 22 according to the recall you have powder from Lot No. 16

 

[JFrank]

As in your picture lot 16 is recalled

 

[dmccrerery]

I am reading with interest. Sorry to hear of your injuries, dmccrerery. Not to derail your thread, but I may have a recalled product I just purchased three days ago in a private sale. This was my first purchase of this brand of propellant. Never used this brand before. I had no idea a recall was in effect.

Can someone confirm the recall notice data and tell me if my three cans are affected? "Sniff test" on all three is OK.

Notice......

ACCURATE POWDERS RECALL NOTICE « Western Powders

This is what ticks me off. there has to be a better means of notification. NRA was of no help.
Sniff test, Smells okay, they replaced my can. They said it was recalled because of length of storage concerns.
I guess there is more to that.
I added a couple pics

 

[jackieschmidt]

That was obviously a massive overpressure. It looks like the powder detonated rather than burned.

I remember when that recall came out, as I use 2495 in my 6BR with 80 grn bullets. My lot did not come under the recall.

it would help if manufacturers would list the reason for a recall, such as a faulty retardant, resulting in a error in burn rate. This....”it’s just bad” really does not cover it.

 

[bobm]

Those pictures drive home the need to always wear quality shooting glasses.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

That sucks dave. Sorry to hear of your injuries. I wish there was a better way to notify people of recalls. I have 16lbs of that powder and had no idea

 

[bobm]

In doing a "search" on this site there are a number of threads and posts about powder recalls, including this one.

Search results for query: powder recall

I have an email and the photos sent to Western Powders per the recall instructions.

Would it be good to have these powder recalls made into a "sticky" top page item?

UPDATE.....I got a quick response from Hodgdon Powder just now. I was assigned a recall ID number, was asked for photos of cans showing lot number with my ID number attached. Was given a check off sheet asking about powder conditions, etc. Signed a release agreement. All easily done by email.

I will be refunded $35.00 per can. They are unable to replace powder at this time.


ANOTHER UPDATE....I was instructed to fill the containers with water and dispose of properly.....what ever that meant. I chose fire over water. One pound at a time up in smoke. Dropped a flaming alcohol soaked cotton ball in the metal container. I hated to do this but, better safe than sorry. Small powder make big fire.

 

[PopCharlie]

Dmccrerery,
Glad you are ok. I hope you can continue with the sport we love. Prayers your way.

PopCharlie

 

[dmccrerery]

Pressure was established to be 100,000+ psi
Pressure blew the right lens out and the glasses off. Think about that every time I squeeze a trigger.

 

[dellet]

Pressure was established to be 100,000+ psi
Pressure blew the right lens out and the glasses off. Think about that every time I squeeze a trigger.

I had a similar, tho not as bad, experience a few years and a few thousand rounds ago. It stays with you. I still flinch at times based on video.

Good to know you're ok and back at it.

 

[tmwinds]

In your post you ask for suggestions and also stated you have a attorney. I would suggest that you delete this post and work closely with and listen to the advice of your attorney.

 

[newbieshooter]

In doing a "search" on this site there are a number of threads and posts about powder recalls, including this one.

Search results for query: powder recall

also the daily bulletin:

Take Notice — Recall of Accurate 2495, 4064, 4350 Powders « Daily Bulletin

Readers -- if you reload with Accurate-brand 2495, 4064, or 4350 powders, check your containers now! Accurate Powder is recalling certain lots of these powders in both 1-lb and 8-lb containers. This is serious.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

Reloading Powder Recall: Accurate 2495, 4064, and 4350 « Daily Bulletin

Readers -- if you reload with Accurate-brand 2495, 4064, or 4350 powders, check your containers now! Accurate Powder is recalling certain lots of these powders in both 1-lb and 8-lb containers. This is serious.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

Recall of Accurate 2520 Powder — One Lot « Daily Bulletin

OK guys -- check your powder stashes. Here's an important notice regarding Accurate 2520 powder. There is one lot of Accurate 2520 that is dangerous, so you should not load with it. If you have some of this powder from Lot 0913192116, stop using it, and contact Western Powders at 406-234-0422.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

SAFETY NOTICE: Hodgdon Recalls ALL IMR 4007 SSC Powder « Daily Bulletin

PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE FOR IMR 4007 SSC POWDER Hodgdon and IMR are officially announcing a product safety warning and recall notice for IMR 4007 SSC smokeless powder. All lots of powder are included in the recall.

bulletin.accurateshooter.com

 

[afret]

I wear glasses and wear ballistic safety glasses over them that meet the military impact rating.

 

[dryhumor]

“Would it be good to have these powder recalls made into a "sticky" top page item?”

^^^ This would be a good idea....

 

[Jtate]

Over 20 years ago, I had a case separation, no fault of my own. ( not my reloads) It is literally a bomb going off in your hands. Sako extractor surgically removed from my face. The things that helped me get back in the saddle. 1) start with rimfire and a lot of it. 2) get a suppressor 3) lite trigger- any anticipation will cause a flinch. 4) shoot at live game the adrenaline will help you over come a bunch. And FYI for the rest of you I fucking HATE muzzle brakes.

 

[Webster]

I had an accident Feb 2020 where my rifle blew up. Today I still have not determined the cause. Of course covid has delayed and delayed my search for the cause. I love to shoot club matches but nothing more competitive. I am retire military veteran and at 76 I would hate to give up a sport I love. I will mention the powder manufacture, but no other manufactures. I don’t want to make remarks that would be negative or taint there reputation.

My rifle was approx. 1yr old and .308 caliber, I had no problems with it and it shot well. Because of my age and several shoulder surgeries I decided to go to a 6 CM. Gun was sent to a barrel manufacture and they installed the new barrel and returned it to me. I loaded 1 round with Acc 4350, 36.1grs, and 115gr vld bullet. .020 off lands the brass was brand new never shot before. Bad day for a left hander shooting a right handed gun. My face was peppered with debris, 2 larger pieces entered the corner of my right eye 1 lodged 2mm from my brain and the other broke the bridge bone and lodged at top of my nose. Have lots of debris in both eyes, l still have my eye sight but problems expected in future.

The gun was x-rayed the Gun and barrel manufactures were at the procedure. The Powder manufacture was not present. I forgot to mention the powder lot I used was recalled. I did not know that until a month later when I saw it in Rifleman Mag.

Last Monday Mar 29, 2021 I decided to cut the receiver if my Gun Smith could not open it. Against the wishes of my Attorney.

What we found

Debris: part of the case head, primer and bolt pieces. The case was fully engaged in barrel (Supported). It looked like the case head was cut off with a scapple at the bottom of the web. When the case was removed from the barrel. We inserted a 6mm bullet into the neck of the case to see if it completely released from the case and it was okay.

Now I am trying to find a lab that can do a SAAMI spec closed bomb test with the powder used. And do a certified Rockwell hardness test on bolt. There is a stamp on one lug but not the other, I would like the test done on the bolt body also, because it more less shredded some of it.

I am open for any suggestions. Information as to whom may be able to preform the above the SAMMI specs or other test would be especially helpful. Also manufacturing standards

Dave

60mi from AtlantaView attachment 1246744View attachment 1246745

Is it possible it was a .224 barrel chambered for 6mm.? An obstruction in the bore?