Fix for a squib load jam?

[His lordship.]

I have wondered how a squib load (bullet stuck in bore due to lack of full propellent charge) can be easily remedied, in a pistol it might be easier than a rifle due to the barrel length.  Does one use a steel ram rod to know out a stuck bullet, or is there an easier way to avoid damaging the barrel due to the flex of the rod?

Thanks.

[trotterlg]

Once started in the barrel a bullet is not usually that tight in the bore.  I have driven bullets full length through a barrel using a wood dowl.  If your problem is a 30 cal I would try a 1/4 inch dowl and drive it through.  You may have to use a couple of different lengths so as not to have too much sticking out unsupported to break off.  I would go from the breach end so you are driving against the flat base of the bullet.  Good luck.  Larry

[John Traveler]

Gunsmiths that provide shooting range support and experienced shooters carry "dammit!" sticks.  Barrel-length pieces of brass rodZ that is barely smaller than bullet or bore diameter.  They provide the most expedient method of tapping out a a squib pistol bullet without damaging the bore.  Wooden dowel rods might be okay too, but I have seen and heard of horror stories about wooden rods breaking off flush with the revolver muzzle.  Lastly, for those really stuck bullets, extended length drill bits with bore protecting bushing installed on the shaft to manually drill out the bullet core without damaging the bore.