Freak Hydra-Shok

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MrPeter

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Now I've always been one to tolerate, appreciate, and promote individuality, but this seems a bit off to me.

This came in a box of 20 Federal Hydra-Shok .38 Special +P, and it was near the center of the box, and the box was not dented or crushed. I'm guessing it's not safe to shoot, but what do I do with it? Just keep it, or can I get a free box from Federal by whining some?

Does this happen often? I've ordered thousands of rounds from several manufacturers, including Federal, and I haven't had this issue before. Am I pointing out the ordinary? If nothing else, I just wanted to share :D

The cartridge to the left is a regular cartridge from the same box, and the one on the right is a .40 S&W round for scale.

IMGP1570.gif
 
I definitely would not fire that round; if the correct powder charge is in the case, the pressure will be way over what it should be.
 
pressure issues?

Tongue in cheek...shoot in a .357 mag and you'll be fine. Takin' chances in a regualr .38 spc. Seriously, email your picture to Federal and ask them your questions. You might get a good customer award. It never hurts to try.
 
I'm shooting in my GP-100 (I can never seem to make a post without mentioning that beauty of mine. I'm so proud of it!) So I guess the pressures shouldnt be much of an issue?

I'll email Federal and see what they can do for me. I suppose you're right in that it couldn't hurt.
 
An inertia type bullet puller could have quickly fixed this problem with just a few "whacks". :)

Just a fluke, I expect. Federal is usually good quality stuff. I haven't had a "defective" factory (US made) round yet. But then, I haven't used American Ammunition yet..:scrutiny:

Personally, I wouldn't shoot that round. Just my opinion though. Good luck and happy shooting.

NailGun.
 
Don't shoot it!

As others have already said, deep seated bullets cause pressures to rise dramatically.

It's not worth your good health to risk having your nice GP-100 blow up in your face.

Just e-mail Federal with the lot # and that photo. They will probably replace the entire thing. I would want them to personally. If that type of mistake occured on that lot it's possible others did as well, who knows if the powder charges are correct. Just my .02
 
REPORT IT TO FEDERAL AT ONCE.

Give them the lot data from the box and any other info you might have.
There may be more lurking on shelves produced around the same time.

Federal may not give you a darn thing, but you'll get an honorable mention here reporting the hazard.:)

(Federal has good quality control--they will take you seriously I'll bet).
 
"When in doubt..toss it out." Be it something that's been in the back of the fridge too long, or your (I'm sure) defective round..play it safe. Contact Federal. At the prices Hydra-Shok go for, you deserve and should demand perfection.

Thanks for the heads up!
 
Just a fluke, I expect. Federal is usually good quality stuff. I haven't had a "defective" factory (US made) round yet.
Click to expand...

Really? I have to say that you have been lucky. While I can't say that I have been plagued by defective factory ammo (US or otherwise), I can say that across all the calibers I shoot I bet I see something weird on average of one every 5000 rounds (which is just a guess. I might be way, way off). I bought a box of 9mm WWB that was just horrid, although to be fair I have had great luck since then. Now, I am not saying that I am upset or dismayed at the ammo companies so much as I am just surprised that you have never had a problem.
 
Email sent to Federal, asking if I should worry about the rest of the box. I also sent an attachment of the photo. When I sent the email, I didn't think to include the Lot #. Darnit. If/when they reply and they ask for it, I'll happily give it to them.
It's too bad that you folks don't trust the box of Hydra-Shok's I bought. I guess that means I wont be using them for self defense. Darnit, and these things are expensive as all getout!
Oh well. Better to be more cautious than wreckless. I appreciate all of your input and advice.
 
I think it was Jim March that recently did a test of bullet setback and pressure signs. He found no signs of pressure even with compressed 9mm loads (of course, pressure signs often show up only after dangerous pressure levels have been reached). I think that round would be perfectly safe in a 357 and probably in a 38. It's not my round or gun though, so do whatever you're comfortable with.
I don't see how a problem in bullet seating could have anything to do with the powder charge (I'd assume they're different machines). I'd bet the rest of the box is fine to shoot. You can shake them and listen for powder, and if they chamber fine they should shoot.
Federal is too expensive to let this slide though, I'm sure they'll take care of it.
 
Although I would play it safe and not use that round, I think people are overstating the overpressure issue.

If it was a low volume, high pressure cartridge (like .40 S&W)it would be a different story, but for most 38 special loads there is a huge amount of case capacity to spare.
 
I bought several boxes of Speer Lawman ammo that had this problem. I think it was damaged in shipping. You could see the contour of damaged crate by the pattern of the compressed rounds. The guy I bought them from was happy to exchange and checked the rest of his stock for the defects.
 
It would probably be OK to shot but why take a chance on getting hurt or messing up your gun ( although it is only a Ruger :neener: ) Not worth the risk for shooting one bullet.
Thanks for posting this. I usually eye up my ammo when I'm loading it up, but now I'll look a little closer.
 
#1 - You get an atta boy from here just sot that the "locals" on the board will keep their eyes open.

#2 - Call Federal, they may have a problem in their mfg/packing/shipping process that they are not aware of.

#3 - if you get a freebe then good for you and good for Federal but don't make that your priority for calling them.

THANKS FOR THE POST
 
Quoting:

I think it was Jim March that recently did a test of bullet setback and pressure signs. He found no signs of pressure even with compressed 9mm loads (of course, pressure signs often show up only after dangerous pressure levels have been reached).
Click to expand...

Nope - wasn't me.

----

I WILL say that I strongly believe in hand-inspecting all carry rounds in detail, and at least a glance at practice ammo.

I'm quite fond of the Remington and Winchester 38+P 158gr lead hollowpoints, however the soft lead noses can get "dinged" fairly often. I set aside the best as "carry ammo" and shoot the "dingers" as practice. Is it likely to make a difference? Of course not - but it COULD.

A lot of what we do here is about self confidence in our guns, our skills and our ammo. When we "feel right" with all of the above, if we have to confront a goblin all of that self confidence will be readable on our faces and results in lower odds we'll have to shoot. I would much rather see a goblin run away screaming with it's hands up versus having to shoot it.

Therefore *anything* we can do to increase confidence is worth it.
 
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