I was shooting sporting clays a few days ago, and experienced something strange.

On one of my shots, it sounded "different" (not louder, not quieter, just slightly different), and a foot-long flame left the end of the barrel. The recoil felt the same, and the bird broke (out at about 20 yards or so).

I turned around & looked at my two buddies, who just kinda had a "what was that?" look on their faces. They had seen the flame, but otherwise didn't notice much different. (Well, other than that I broke the bird! )

Since I was shooting an Ithaca/SKB M600 O/U, I broke it open to have a look. The empty ejected normally. I looked down the barrel & there was just the slightest hint of smoke lingering in there, just like any other shot. The hull looked normal (the primer was normal, no head expansion or splits, etc). There was no obstruction left in the barrel.

I was shooting AA reloads (my own), and had zero issues the rest of the day. It was a pretty straightforward load of Clays pushing 1 1/8 ounces of #8 shot.

So what happened? I have a theory, but want to see if those who know more than me can point it out before I "lead" anybody's thoughts, maybe to the wrong conclusion.

Thanks!

I would guess it was a "chocked" wad. Meaning the powder cup of the wad was fliped up and did not yield a good seal.

Yup, you had yourself a blooper, and Claybreaker probably nailed it. The wad got cocked, or caught on one of the crimp points and tore. I've been chasing down the same thing in one of my loads. Can't quite figure out where the wad damage takes place. HTH, Dutch.

Thanks guys!

My initial thought was that I just missed putting a wad in at all. (No, couldn't be. Me? Make a mistake? Never... )

But after reading your posts, the damaged wad scenario is very possible as well. I know I've had it happen more than once that the wad will catch on the end of the hull, due to one of the little plastic guide fingers slipping into the wrong position (as in outside the case mouth).

I never thought much of it, but maybe now I should...

Thanks again!