TFB recently reporting on the announcement of a safety recall for certain lots of Winchester and Browning 9mm ammunition. The 115-grain rounds in question, manufactured for these brands in East Alton, Illinois by the Olin Corporation, are subject to a factory defect causing the powder to burn improperly. This can cause what is known as a “squib load”, which means that the bullet may not have enough force behind it to exit the firearm’s muzzle. Attempting to fire another round through a barrel obstructed by a squib can cause a catastrophic failure during which the gun could potentially blow up in the shooter’s hand. See below for the previous articles detailing the original Winchester and Browning recall, as well as coverage of squib situations that TFB has published previously.

Squibs and Recent Ammo Recalls @ TFB:

• Recall Notice: Winchester and Browning 9mm Ammo
• 22 squibs in one barrel. New record?
• POTD: Not Your Average Squib
• POTD: Squib Round Stuck in Polish P-64 Pistol!
• PSA- catching a squib load
• PSA: Subsonic Squib

This photo shows what can happen to an Italian Krupp-canon that has experienced a squib load, and similar damage can occur in modern hand-held firearms as well.

Unfortunately, it has been discovered that several additional lots of 9mm ammo are also defective. These new additions, sold under the Herter’s brand, span four known lot numbers. Fortunately, this only applies to recent purchases made after March 25, 2021. Please see the official recall notice below for details, and be sure to check the numbers on your ammo if there’s a chance you may be affected. Always be safe with your shooting endeavors!

PRODUCT WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE

HERTER’S™ 9mm Luger 115 grain FMJ (manufactured by WINCHESTER®)

Herter’s is recalling the following lots of 9mm Luger 115 grain Full Metal Jacket pistol ammunition.

Symbol: HRT9A
Lot Numbers: SC13LD44, SC13LD45, SD10LD44, SD10LD45

Note: If ammunition was purchased before March 25, 2021, it is NOT subject to the recall.

Herter’s has determined the above lots of 9mm Luger 115 FMJ ammunition may contain propellant that does not properly ignite and burn when the cartridge is fired. Ammunition containing propellant that does not properly ignite and burn may result in a bullet remaining in the barrel (i.e., a bullet-in-bore obstruction). Firing a subsequent bullet into the bore obstruction could cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable and subjecting the shooter and bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury.

DO NOT USE HERTER’S™ 9mm Luger 115 FMJ SYMBOL HRT9A THAT HAS LOT NUMBER SC13LD44, SC13LD45, SD10LD44 or SD10LD45. The ammunition Lot Number is stamped on the 50-round carton as indicated here:

To determine if your ammunition is subject to this notice, review the Symbol and Lot Number. If it is Symbol HRT9A and Lot Number SC13LD44, SC13LD45, SD10LD44 or SD10LD45, immediately discontinue use and contact Winchester toll-free at 844-653-8358 for free UPS pick-up of the recalled ammunition. Upon receipt of your recalled ammunition, Winchester will ship replacement ammunition directly to you or issue you a reimbursement check.

This notice applies only to Symbol HRT9A with Lot Number SC13LD44, SC13LD45, SD10LD44 or SD10LD45. Other Symbols or Lot Numbers are not subject to this recall.

If you have any questions concerning this 9mm Luger 115 FMJ pistol ammunition recall please call toll-free 844-653-8358, write to Winchester (600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, IL 62024 Attn: 9mm Luger Recall), or visit our website at www.winchester.com.

We apologize for this inconvenience.

HERTER’S

June 21, 2021

Images courtesy of Winchester Ammunition and Wikimedia Commons.