Topic 8.

CARTRIDGE AND CARTRIDGE MALFUNCTIONS RECOVERY

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of this lesson, the learners should be able to:
 Determine the proper ammunition for every type of firearms;
 Detect the different types of cartridge malfunctions; and
 Perform actual recovery from cartridge malfunctions using a model pistol and dummy
ammunition.

Lesson Proper:

A. AMMUNITION/CARTRIDGE – In its operational definition, is the round inserted or chambered

that is ready for firing. The term may also refer to a “single round.”

Legally, it refers to a complete unfired unit consisting of a bullet, gunpowder, cartridge case
and primer or loaded shell for use in any firearm (RA 10591).

Rule: every learner/shooter must have to “use only the correct

ammunition for their gun.”

In order to know that you have the correct caliber or type of ammunition to your gun, the following
must have to be observed or noticed all the times:

a. Caliber designations for ammunition can be identified at the base or head stamp of the
cartridge.

Head stamp - Numerals, letters and symbols (or combination thereof) stamped into
the head of a cartridge case to identify the manufacturer, caliber, and gauge or give additional
information about the cartridge.

b. Most firearms have the ammunition type stamped on the gun itself (often on the barrel).
c. Ammunition type and caliber are identified on the box and sometimes on the base of the cartridge
as well.

What are the three items to be checked that you are using the correct ammunition for your gun?
1. The barrel of the gun
2. The box of ammunition
3. The base of the cartridge

Note: Be aware that certain ammunition with different designations may

be compatible with certain guns.

Examples:
a. .357 Magnum and .38 Special
b. 9mm Parabellum and 9mm Luger

What is cartridge gunpowder load?

Refers to the amount or quantity of gunpowder in a cartridge. A cartridge labeled with “+P” or
“+P+” means that the cartridge is overload.

B. CARTRIDGE MALFUNCTIONS - It is very important for tyro shooters or learners to know and
identify the causes of these malfunctions. Identifying the causes and knowing how to treat or recover
from these malfunctions will not hinder or stop the shooter to continue in his firing activity.

Types of Cartridge Malfunctions and its treatment or solution:

1. Misfire – this is the total failure of the cartridge to fire after the primer has been struck by the firing
pin.

Solution:
a. rack slide to eject unfired round;
 b. make sure magazine is fully seated (by tapping the base of the magazine);
and
c. continue shooting

2. Hangfire - the cartridge fails to fire immediately or there is perceptible delay in the ignition of the
cartridge.

Solution:
a. keep the gun pointed in a safe direction;
b. wait 30 seconds; and
c. then unload safely.

3. Squib load - Very dangerous because a bullet is lodged in the barrel. It can be identified as a
psst or puff with no noticeable recoil.

Solution:
a. cease shooting immediately; notify Safety Officer if a STOP or CEASE FIRE
hasn’t already been called;
b. keep the gun pointed in a safe direction, and your finger off the trigger;
c. unload the gun;
d. determine if a bullet is lodged in the barrel by inserting a cleaning rod or nay other
available material (never peep or look into the barrel); and
e. follow the Safety Officer’s directions.

4. Failure to Fire – This is caused by failure to properly seat the magazine.

Solution: (Whack – Rack – Bang)

a. whack the magazine;
b. rack the pistol; and
c. fire

5. Failure to Extract or Double Feed – Failure to extract happens if a spent cartridge case was not
pulled from the chamber by the extractor thus preventing the next round from being chambered.
Double feed is caused when two cartridges simultaneously try to enter the chamber.

Solution:
a. lock slide back;
b. remove the magazine;
c. rack slide several times to clear the chamber;
d. re-insert the magazine;
e. release the slide; and
f. continue firing.

6. Failure to Eject/Stovepipe - In this malfunction, the expended cartridge case was not ejected or
thrown away from the gun.

Solution: Grab – Pull – Release – Fire

a. slide hand over top of pistol, grabbing the shell and slide at the same time;
b. pull back, cycling the slide and removing empty shell at the same time;
c. let slide slam forward; and
d. continue firing

Note: At all times, finger must be off the trigger, and muzzle pointed in a
safe direction or down range.

Enhancement Activity:
Visit your dashboard

Assessment: (visit your dashboard)