A squib load occurs when there is no powder or a partial burn of powder and the primer ignited.

A squib load occurs when there is no powder or a partial burn of powder and the primer ignited.

• A. A misfire.
• B. A stovepipe.
• C. A squib load occurs when there is no powder or a partial burn of powder and the primer ignited.
• D. A jam that prevents cycling.

Answer: (C)

A squib load means the primer goes off but there’s little or no powder to produce enough gas to drive the bullet out of the barrel. When powder is absent or only partially burned, the shot is extremely underpowered and the bullet may get stuck in the bore, creating a dangerous obstruction. This differs from a misfire, where the primer fails to ignite at all, and from jams like a stovepipe or other cycling failures that involve the action not feeding or ejecting correctly. Understanding this helps you recognize why this scenario is treated as a serious safety issue: if you suspect a squib, stop firing, safely unload, and inspect the barrel before attempting another round.

A squib load means the primer goes off but there’s little or no powder to produce enough gas to drive the bullet out of the barrel. When powder is absent or only partially burned, the shot is extremely underpowered and the bullet may get stuck in the bore, creating a dangerous obstruction. This differs from a misfire, where the primer fails to ignite at all, and from jams like a stovepipe or other cycling failures that involve the action not feeding or ejecting correctly. Understanding this helps you recognize why this scenario is treated as a serious safety issue: if you suspect a squib, stop firing, safely unload, and inspect the barrel before attempting another round.