My first dud
I've reloaded about 500 rounds since starting my new favorite off-season hobby and havent had any duds until last deer season.
I fired at a doe and the shot just made a semi loud crack! I shoot a 444 marlin and it normally goes boom real good. My hunting partners said it sounded weak as well. I unloaded the gun and checked the barrel to make sure the bullet wasn't stuck in there and it was clear. I'm pretty sure it wasn't just the primer going off.
Does anyone have any suggestions as to the likely cause of this. the only thing I did differently with my hunting loads is brush a little primer sealer on the primer and around the bullet crimp to keap moisture out.
PS I didn't hit the doe.