What is the frequency of "short-charges" or underpowered rounds from rifle fire? Does that frequency vary depending on the type of rifle or ammunition used? Any literature on this?
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ANSWERS: 3
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I have not been able to find published statistics that indicate the percentage of commercialy-manufactured ammo having insufficent powder in the cartridge (referred to as a a "squib load" according to SAAMI). Most of what one hears on this topic is anecdotal, stories passed around the gun store. Given the automated process used to make commercial ammo, I'd say that the incidence is small to the point of being almost inconsequential (unless *you're* the one who gets a squib load in the chamber of your $3k rifle).
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I have been shooting rifles since 1948, both in the military and privately. I have loaded my own ammunition for over 45 years. I have NEVER encountered a "short-charge" nor have any of my shooting acquaintances. With United States made commercial ammunition, I have never even heard of such a thing happening. I have fired some Egyptian 9mm pistol ammo that had about 15% bad loads and very dirty powder. That has been my only experience with bad ammo. I suspect there may be some other foreign stuff that has been manufactured where quality control was weaker than in our country but I haven't encountered any.
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The frequency of "short Charges" occurring are rare, but when they do occur the results can be catastrophic. Handloaders do this frequently to "lower" the power and recoil of their favorite deer rifle to a "more" manageably level. So, they dump a half charge of their favorite powder to achieve this only to have the firearm detonate in their hands. P.O Ackley describes this in his books "handbook for shooters and reloader vol. I&II.The U.S. military did tests on this theory also and described in as "wave" pressures and detonating effects of undercharged rounds blowing the firearm up. Another dangerous aspect of a "squib" load is, the projectile could lodge in the barrel as a result of inadequate pressure to propell it through the barrel. This would result in a barrel obstruction, if another round was then chambered and fired. The end results will also be a blown up firearms and possible injury to the shooter. Hope this helps.
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