ORIGINAL: BTM

Yesterday I had an interesting experience with my 22-250 that could've resulted in injury, so I wanted to share it with you. It's nothing we haven't heard a dozen times before, but it's worth repeating.
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[/align]I pulled the trigger, and felt/heard nothing. I worked the bolt, and out popped an empty hull with a dented primer. "Hmmmm," I thought. "I must've inserted a previously fired hull. Never done that before." Because I was in imminent danger of being overrun by hordes of ferocious ground squirrels, I jacked in a fresh shell. However, it stopped 1/16"-1/8" short of fitting into the chamber. Because I neck size only, I first figured it was just a tight round.
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[/align]Here's where I lucked out. In my younger, impatient, get-a-bigger-hammer days, I'd have just forced the round into place and proceeded to shoot. However, older-and-wiser Bruce decided to double check. Even though I was SURE nothing was amiss, I looked down the barrel. Even though I saw nothing but black, I figured it was just because of the bright sunlight, long barrel (26" plus muzzle brake) andsmall caliber. Although I was STILL SURE everything was OK, Ireturned to the truck and grabbed a cleaning rod.
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[/align]Imagine my surprise when a little tap dislodged a 52 grain Sierra! Good thing I didn't try to touch off a fresh round!
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[/align]Although I've probably loaded 10,000 rounds in my life, this was the first time I've loadedone without powder. Lesson #1: There's a first time for everything.
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[/align]With hearing protection, a light-recoiling round, and 14# rifle, it's possible to not hear or feel anything. Lesson #2: Never assume it's a dud. It may be a squib.
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[/align]Lesson #3: Never force anything.
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[/align]Lesson #4: Unless you're being atacked by the Fifth Dismounted Hells Angels and you're1/2 second from certain death, always take a deep breath, relax, and double-check everything before putting your finger back on the trigger.
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