Two-pieces of a M1903-A3; shooter injured.

[Adam Helmer]

Today, being Thursday, the "Tioga County Militia" met in a local gun shop when it opened at 0900. A militia member came into the shop with a gun case. This is normal, as we usually have "show and tell" gun subjects and there are many interesting items displayed, week by week.

Today, a fellow had a M1903-A3 that was in two pieces. The receiver was blown off and I did not see who made the WWII rifle. The magazine well, floor plate and rest of the trigger guard were in pieces and the stock was broken in two at the floor plate. A brass cartridge case was still in the chamber.

The injured gun owner had a laceration on his shooting hand middle finger, a "ding" on his nose and forehead. He was shooting a 160 grain cast bullet ahead of 5744 powder and WW primer in a WW case two days ago at the local gun club. On round number 3 the rifle blew apart! He insisted he double checked the charged cases and none were double charged.

At my former gun club in NH we had a half dozen guns in various stages of destruction hanging on the wall in the big hall over the fireplace. Each has a "story."

Adam

[Gil Martin]

The shooter was very fortunate that he was not more seriously injured. reloading requires careful attention to details. Not sure what happened, but I would be curious if the shooter weighed each charge and then immediately seated the bullet in the case. On the other hand, did he use a powder measure and then place charged cases into a loading block before seating bullets? Let us know any further details. All the best...
Gil

[Dan Morris]

Obstruction??????????????? I too, would like to know.
Dan

[buckhunter]

Before I seat any bullet be it a handgun case of rifle I grab my mag lite and look at the powder level. If its the same then Iam good to go. Also weren't some of the 03's not heat treated properly and were subject to breaking? Could that have been the problem. My guess is double loaded.

[Adam Helmer]

buckhunter,

The WWI M1903s went through several heat treatment processes, but the WWII M1903-A3s were all nickel steel receivers double heat treated, as I understand.

I doubt a bore obstruction as a cause, but the gun's owner was evasive to questions from the "Militia" yesterday at the meeting. He FINALLY said what bullet and powder he used. I suspect he was on his cell phone, arguing with his wife or watching TV while he charged his cases and got a double charge into the destructive case.

It was the worst blown-up M1903-A3 I ever saw.

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Dang, what kind of powder? I didn't think it was possible to get a double in a 06! Unless he was using reclaimed blank powder
Dan

[Adam Helmer]

Dan,

The shooter said he used 5744 powder. He stated it would be possible to put in a double charge of 5744 with a cast bullet. I suspect he did just that.

Adam

[Dan Morris]

OK, I'm going to date myself, I was thinking of older slow burners like 4831 and 4350.
Dan

[Adam Helmer]

Dan,

The Latest Lyman Reloading handbook lists a starting load for a 160 grain .30-06 cast bullet and 5744 at 26 grains. Double that would easily fit into a .30-06 case.

Adam

[Dan Morris]

Yup, sure would!
Dan