Sako cartridge case failure

[terrier]

I was recently checking zero prior to a stalking trip. Nice 3 shot group with Federal Fusion (.308 150 gr.) from Tikka T3
I then tried a Sako Super Hammerhead (150gr,) and had a new, for me, experience. A much louder report than normal, followed by a fair bit of smoke from the loading port and around the bolt shroud, and with bits of debris blowing back into my face ( a small spot of blood, but no serious injury). This box of ammo is a few year's old, and I have fired 5 rounds over time without incident.
Ejecting the fired case required slightly more effort than usual, and, when examined, there were two vertical splits running up from the base and with dark powder burns running up about the lower 10=12 mm The primer was intact. The round hit the target, but around 30mm below the first group.
I examined the remaining 15 rounds and discovered numerous surface markings (slight grooving) on 3 of the cases running up from the base for about10-15mm, corresponding to where the fired case had ruptured.
Advice / observations welcome.

 

[finnbear270]

Break em' down & Bin em'

 

[terrier]

I should have noted these were all factory loadings.

 

[sh1kar]

I was recently checking zero prior to a stalking trip. Nice 3 shot group with Federal Fusion (.308 150 gr.) from Tikka T3
I then tried a Sako Super Hammerhead (150gr,) and had a new, for me, experience. A much louder report than normal, followed by a fair bit of smoke from the loading port and around the bolt shroud, and with bits of debris blowing back into my face ( a small spot of blood, but no serious injury). This box of ammo is a few year's old, and I have fired 5 rounds over time without incident.
Ejecting the fired case required slightly more effort than usual, and, when examined, there were two vertical splits running up from the base and with dark powder burns running up about the lower 10=12 mm The primer was intact. The round hit the target, but around 30mm below the first group.
I examined the remaining 15 rounds and discovered numerous surface markings (slight grooving) on 3 of the cases running up from the base for about10-15mm, corresponding to where the fired case had ruptured.
Advice / observations welcome.

advise sako with the batch number

 

[finnbear270]

"This box of ammo is a few year's old", Would reckon the batch number could be irrelevent now.

 

[jthyttin]

Sako gives some warranty their cartridges, it was maybe 10 years.

I've understood that it's standard practice for some RFDs to resell ammunition they've taken in from other customers. And the contents of factory box can be anything. Would be illegal here, don't know about UK laws.

 

[scotch_egg]

I exactly the same 19 years ago on an early T3 .223 using PMC factory ammunition.

 

[Andy RV]

Have you got any pictures of the case which failed and the remaining rounds?

Definitely report it to Sako!

 

[jall55]

Break em' down & Bin em'

Take them back to the gunshop

 

[Smellydog]

It does happen occasionally. Even a factory product can go wrong.
Take pictures and email sako if you want.

 

[Bavarianbrit]

Take them back to the gunshop

If it is still there.

 

[bullet chucker]

They do not have a best before date on them? So keep them and report to Sako for advice. They may' want to inspect them, and give you a replacement VOUCHER/BOX for your trouble, worth an ask?

BC.

 

[finnbear270]

Take them back to the gunshop

If it’s still open.

 

[jthyttin]

They do not have a best before date on them

Like I said Sako warrants the ammo for some period. Just couldn't find it on their website and don't remember if it was 10 years.

My friend had several cases of 9.3x74R that developed corrosion on the outside. Bullet/case junction IIRC. He contacted Sako and they were just spreading their hands, since the production lot was 1 or 2 years out of the warranty period. He was quite ****ed, the rounds were kept in stable room temperature and humidity. On the other hand, you need to draw the line somewhere.