Thread: Misfires

I had a couple yesterday so thought I'd outline the causes and prevention.

The two dangers are that:
It may be a hang fire (delayed detonation) and explode after it has been ejected.
A projectile may be pushed partway down the barrel resulting in burst barrel of another shot is fired.

Not closing the bolt fully
Releasing the trigger allows the firing pin to fall but with reduced force. Said to be the most common cause. The round fires just fine when tried again.

No powder in reloaded case.
Very dangerous. Can result in stuck bullet and "overpresure failure" . Darwinian.

Dud primer in reloaded cartridge.
Due to oil or water contamination. Apparently this is an uncommon cause.

Blocked / broken firing pin or spring problem.
How common is this ?

Headspace. Case much shorter than chamber so it moves when hit by firing pin.
How often does this actually result in a misfire and how often does it just give variable ignition ?