Controversial question. Short rodding a patched ball.

[Whughett]

While this example strengthens the warning to make sure the ball is not short started, there is more information that is lacking to tell the full story. It is stated that the barrel was a smoothbore. It appears from the set triggers that this firearm started out as a rifle and the barrel was later bored out to be smooth. I would be interested to know what the size of the barrel was across the flats, what was the barrel bored out to and was this a ball or a shot load that burst the barrel. Because of the perceived modification to the barrel, I don't think that identifying the maker of the rifle is as pertinent as the other information.

I’ve read, the sum total of my knowledge, that the problem can arise from the projectile not being firmly seated is due to the air being compressed by the explosive effect of the black powders detonation.
Question I have would that compression reach a greater PSI than the black powder its self reached.
The complete destruction of the firearm pictured would be from a very high pressure level it seems. Air or extreme powder charge. ??

 

[WarDawg]

Yeah kind what I was seeking. What’s actually taking place . I know not to do it. But the chain reaction to the rings / bulges and total destruction of the rifle. Wardawg

 

[Eric Krewson]

My two short starts went bloop instead of bang.

 

[shorthair]

So much depends on the bore diameter, the thickness of the barrel walls, the steel of the barrel and the powder charge. There have been barrels that have bulged when the ball is short started. There are a few that have catastrophically failed by splitting where the ball was short started. There are many barrels that have survived being shot when short started. A kind of cursory examination was done by two shooters (The Bevel Brothers) for a Muzzle Blasts) article for the NMLRA. Based on the rifles they tested and measured for bulging, their conclusion was that nothing bad happened to their rifles. I did have the experience of shooting a short started ball in my 1 1/8" across the flats 45 caliber rifle. There was no damage to my rifle.

This not a recommended practice. If it happens, the barrel must be inspected and not treated as if nothing bad occurred. The barrel needs to be checked for bulging. Destructive failure can occur.

Sam Falada noted similar results, iirc he had to use 2 600 grain minies with a third separated by a few inches in a 1 inch 58 caliber barrel before destruction occurred. Your experience may vary and I would be reluctant to fire with a known short ball, cause I value my fingers.

 

[Boomerang]

I must have short started my dinner sometime, because now I have a bulge in the middle!

 

[Whughett]

From personal experience, a ball a few inches from the muzzle will split the barrel. At least in a 44 caliber percussion revolver.

 

[springfield art]

I’m not asking to get folks riled up. But I have heard if you don’t get the projectile ( ball & patch ) for me , fully down the barrel you are setting it up for bad karma to your rifle. It’s nothing would do on purpose. But can happen. Watching a guy on YouTube talking about it. Where folks might push the round down with the ball starter . But forget to actually rod it any further. I know what we hear. But what is the truth in what we have seen . Some say nothing bad will happen. Some say ruined barrel. Where's the proof for either argument. Courious. Wardawg

A ball not fully seated is considered an "obstruction" in the bbl., and can lead to damage or worse.

 

[boberator]

I’ve always marked my rammers when wood or measured by how many fingers of ramrod should be showing with the normal load. If you’ve ever seen a shotgun fired with a little mud or dirt in the barrel you would be very careful about this.

 

[Brazos John]

That looks like blood on the hat and wiped on the cardboard.
I recognize it, because it seems like everything I do demands a blood sacrifice.

This owner wasn't as lucky, although he sustained only minor injuries. Short started about 6 inches from the muzzle, patched ball in a smooth bore.
View attachment 345569

 

[Cowboy]

I’m not asking to get folks riled up. But I have heard if you don’t get the projectile ( ball & patch ) for me , fully down the barrel you are setting it up for bad karma to your rifle. It’s nothing would do on purpose. But can happen. Watching a guy on YouTube talking about it. Where folks might push the round down with the ball starter . But forget to actually rod it any further. I know what we hear. But what is the truth in what we have seen . Some say nothing bad will happen. Some say ruined barrel. Where's the proof for either argument. Courious. Wardawg

 

[Cowboy]

View attachment 350215

Was there first hand and it wasn’t pleasant when I saw it happen. I personally took this picture. Was during a woods walk, timed shot. Shooter short started the ball and peeled the bore end of his Tip Curtis muzzleloader like a banana! Think this should answer your question my friend.

Respectfully, Cowboy