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.

RE: My first dud
 

I don't think the primer would have enough power to push the bullet out of the barrel. Sounds like it was a light powder charge.

RE: My first dud
 

wheeew, when I first read the title, I thought it was my wife posting about me on here :D

RE: My first dud
 

Oh no mossy, she tells us about all the many duds you have. More duds than not she says.

RE: My first dud
 

I think you're right steve, thats the about the only explanation I can think of. After being so carefull its hard to believe I could screw up like that. Figures it'd be a hunting round. thanks for your input.