tglee said:
No, not yet. There has been about 8 FTFs in 3000 rounds fired with this ammo. At this point, I have not ruled out the possibility of bullet set back from cambering the same rounds over and over causing the problem. I think the cartridge gauge is a great idea. If and when this happens again I will save the round and scrutinize it very closely.
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8 in 3,000 is a really bad number.
From the department's standpoint, that's far, far too many stoppages (MRBS of 375). From a manufacturer's standpoint, it means the typical "we fired a box of ammo through the gun and it was fine" might lead them to believe there isn't a problem when there is. If you don't mind me butting in a bit, I'd keep a digital camera or camera-phone lying around so the next time it happens you can get pictures of the gun and as good a close-up of the actual stoppage as possible. I know it sounds stupid, but in my experience photos of problems tend to get better attention than just verbal reports.
(then again, I've never had a formal complaint with either Winchester or Smith, so your experience may be great and none of this will be necessary)
The setback possibility is definitely worth looking into. Setback with a 165gr isn't as dangerous as with a 180gr, but it's still not good ... especially if it's enough to keep the gun from functioning. Depending on your department's budget, it might be worth establishing a policy that the round in the chamber (duty ammo) is the first round fired at a practice session. You put a mag of practice FMJ in the gun, but you don't take the live JHP out of the chamber. FWIW, this is what I do every time I go to the range.
- It prevents the possibility of bullet setback.
- It allows me to verify ammo function constantly (this means more then you're shooting 2-3 times per week totaling 100-150 rounds a year as opposed to a department which might only qualify twice per year).
- It reduces the potential AD situation involved in the administrative unloading and loading of the gun before a practice session.
We use Winchester USA white box FMJ 165gr with a muzzle velocity of 1060fps. The SXT 165gr ammo is rated at 1140fps.
Doesn't sound like cause for a problem there, at least to me.
Thanks for the suggestions.
No problem. Hope you guys get everything sorted out. Keep us in the loop!