Ruger Sp101 kaboom.

Slight thread drift and possibly dumb question:

As far as shipping handguns, is there a point where the collective pieces no longer amount to a handgun? Or is a twisted piece of metal with a serial number still worrisome to the ATF?

Likely a moot point in this case, but just a thought that crossed my mind. Hope everything works out to the OP's benefit. A lesser-made pistol may have been a different situation.

Jeez!!!! Glad your OK, I'd send an email to ruger right now, federal may be the brand of cartridges but I would feel it's the guns fault for not handling the pressures.

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Thats definitely the ammo at fault......the gun did what it was supposed to do, in the event of an overpressure round, it fails in a way that protects the shooter from injury, in this case, blowing the top strap out and away from the hands.....even the most well designed handgun will not withstand a drastically overpressured round.

i would shoot an email to ruger, just to see what they say.....but i would really go after the ammo manufacturer.

As far as shipping handguns, is there a point where the collective pieces no longer amount to a handgun? Or is a twisted piece of metal with a serial number still worrisome to the ATF?

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yes, the ATF has guidelines for demilling a receiver....usually consists of 3 diagonal cuts which remove 1/4" of material.

Can we see the busted round? And primers of the rounds you fired from this lot?

Did you happen to get any of the cases that caused or were involved in the detonation. You can tell a lot from the case that causes the incident. Federal will probably want to take a look at all cases involved and if you do have them can you post pics. While working at an indoor range we had a company that did factory reloads and when we had a kaboom they always wanted the case involved if we could get it.

If this was factory ammo, absolutely, yes, you should contact both Federal & Ruger.

Unfortunately, I know first hand the emotions of seeing your gun fly in pieces.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=692143&highlight=Sp101

OP I am happy no one was hurt Damn I have to agree I think the Ammo may be the problem that would take a lot of pressure to do that. I think I will call my brother in law he has a sp101 just like your minus the damage please keep us informed of the outcome.

I don't know if it's too late or not but I would not even clean the parts. Ruger or perhaps Federal may want to examine the fouling to see if the powder used is the cause. The nature of the fouling might lend them a clue in checking for this.

Best of luck with some sort of resolution on this.

The Wife is not impressed.

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A sentiment which I'm sure you share....

Having read all the responses I will add my 2 cents worth.

You have mentioned using 38 Special ammo. It being about 1/8 of an inch shorter than .357 Magnum ammo you can develop an 1/8 inch crust of residue in the forward portion of the chamber that, when a .357 round is loaded and fired may cause the crimp to not release and cause chamber pressures to peak well above the published normal range.

I am very glad no one was hurt during this failure. I'd rather be lucky than good or both would be better yet. Whew!

You have mentioned using 38 Special ammo. It being about 1/8 of an inch shorter than .357 Magnum ammo you can develop an 1/8 inch crust of residue in the forward portion of the chamber that, when a .357 round is loaded and fired may cause the crimp to not release and cause chamber pressures to peak well above the published normal range.

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eh, im doubtful....if the fouling is so bad it doesnt allow the crimp open, then the fouling is going to be so bad its not going to chamber a round.

Analogkid said:

... The Wife is not impressed.

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I must confess that I am impressed with the fact that even though it suffered such a catastrophic failure, it did so without any injury to you.

No matter what happens with your Ruger/Federal communications (and I think that you will probably end-up with, at least, a replacement NIB SP101), I would call that a big WIN since handguns can be easily replaced but eyes/fingers/hands, not so much..

Praise the Lord your OK.

Hondo 60 said:

If this was factory ammo, absolutely, yes, you should contact both Federal & Ruger.

Unfortunately, I know first hand the emotions of seeing your gun fly in pieces.

http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=692143&highlight=Sp101

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^Hondo 60, I read your parallel story and trouble w/ Titegroup. I've been wanting to use Bullseye for .45acp and some other calibers, however I've been blessed to have 2-3 lbs of Unique and the powder market is still taking longer than we thought to catch up with demand.

Anyway, not to thread-jack, but are any of you fellas here against loading up w/ hot powder such as Bullseye, 800-X, Titewad, etc??? I DO a visual check in a loading block before seating on my single-stage Lee press. All comment welcome... THANKS.

Wow...that's scary! Glad you are ok.

I'd say AMMO. This is one reason I prefer to handload. I am CAREFUL and have handloaded for over 50 years, over 40 years loading handguns. I kinda got the routine down. I've seen various handgun grenade threads since all the ammo shortage and it's just MHO, but I think there's some slack QC going on at the factories getting product out. i've seen several threads that involved Winchester White Box. Makes me a bit nervous to buy the stuff, but in 9x19, it's nearly as cheap as brass, especially when I can catch 9x19 on sale. I shoot it in a super strong Blackhawk convertible to save the brass. On over-pressure of 9x19 MIGHT not grenade that gun and I don't know if you can get enough powder in a 9x19 to grenade a blackhawk, even fast powder. But, you sure the heck can in a .357 magnum case!!!!

Dang glad no one was physically hurt. Good luck on the gun. You KNOW, Ruger will blame the ammo as I think they'll be right in doing so. Of course, Federal will deny. Bummer spot to be in, but at least you have fingers left to sign any paperwork.

Well, although you're the analog kid, I'll wager you still appreciate your digits. Very glad to hear you're not more seriously injured. What a shocking failure. Not what I expect from Federal. Please keep us posted. Thanks for your post.

Glad you aren't injured. So how long did it take for your hand to stop stinging? I know mine hurt for a half hour after I had my KB.