In the first blow up story, that came within a hair’s breath of ending in death, is the video Randy discusses that was brought to our attention by a client produced by Kentucky Ballistics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1449kJKxlMQ
The blow up was from a 50 cal. Serbu and a very old round of ammo. After much thought, Randy feels that part of the problem was perhaps the old round had powder that had broken down over years from heat, etc., as well as, because of the explosion, the cap on the rifle, though fully engaged, was not deep enough to contain the explosion. However, even a deeper, thicker cap very well could not have prevented this astounding amount of power. Yet, with all of the pressure, it still could have happened.
As a result of putting his thumb in his open wound, they now have shirts, “Just Put a Thumb In It”.
Thanks be to God, from quick thinking and outstanding care, he survived and continues his interesting work.
Randy recounts a blow up that happened to his friend, and it is quite possible that the breakdown of the powder, 4064, also caused this experience with his 03-A3 Springfield rifle. There is also his friend, that years ago, had a blow up, from his M-1 Garand. He received shrapnel from this, and though this was decades ago, he had shrapnel work out just recently. Strangely enough, this piece of shrapnel caused year long eye issue and with removal of the shrapnel resolved the eye issue.
Finally, a friend who wanted his Mark X Interarms Mauser in .338 Win rechambered to Randy’s .308x.404 Wapiti Express, however, there was something wrong with the rifle that needed checked out first. Thankfully, the issue was found and corrected or that man would have had a possible deadly explosion.
In summary, Randy discusses some powder issues in reloading that can cause extreme issues, possibly harmful issues.
https://www.buymeacoffee.com/cathyselby
Support Cathy, The Real Gunsmith’s Wife, for all of her behind the scenes work.
https://randyscustomrifles.com
Follow us on Rumble: https://rumble.com/v4rzsnk-blow-ups.html
Join us on Patreon for a minimum of 48 exclusive videos, with local photography by Cathy, as well as some of her digital artography, items of interest. https://patreon.com/therealgunsmith
678