What caused this to happen?

[USGI]

I'm curious what you guys think might have happened to this shell case. I found this up in the hills the other day where a lot of locals go to shoot. I've found pieces of a revolver cylinder there before too, so that might give you an idea what can go on up there! From what I've found on the Internet, this isn't a caliber that used much in the military, so might not actually qualify as being a "Milsurp" round to most. After thinking about it a bit, I believe I know how it happened. Take a look at these pictures - I'd like to see your comments. - Bob

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[green]

Looks like a 40 fired in a 45ACP.

[milboltnut]

Looks like a 40 fired in a 45ACP.

IF you read the post he said he found parts of the cylinder on the ground....

[WarPig1976]

IF you read the post he said he found parts of the cylinder on the ground....

In the past, for unknown reasons. Unrelated to firing .40 in a .45 chamber.

[Skip]

I found this many years ago. I believe a 5.56 was fired in an 7.62 AK.

[browningautorifle]

I believe a 5.56 was fired in an 7.62 AK.

Maybe...how does it measure up against a 7.62 x 51?

[Bruce McAskill]

IF you read the post he said he found parts of the cylinder on the ground....

I think he stated he had found revolver parts there before in the past and not when he found the case.

[USGI]

That was my guess, but would hate to have been the one firing it! Case mouth now close to the size of 45ACP and the primer strike looks offset. Ever heard of that being done before? - Bob

[WarPig1976]

Ever heard of that being done before?

Yes, there's videos on Censortube of people shooting the wrong caliber on purpose. Every once in a while I'll find a batch at the club somebody shot accidentally.

[CINDERS]

The primer strike would be offset due to the 40SW round sitting lower in the chamber so the Hornady logo would have been on the bottom of the chamber. There would have been a fair bit of back thrust as well after obturation before the case swelled enough to grip the chamber walls it may have been some one with a Ghost gun that cannot get 45ACP rounds but tried 40SW at point blank range a chap sitting in a car well don't matter if it wobbles down the bore it still going to do the business.
Elmer Keith in one of his stories relates to how one of his friends was kept a prisoner by a cowboy who took all his rounds (45Colt) but let him keep his HG the lad one day found a smaller cal bullet wrapped the hull in paper till it could just be driven flush into the chamber when the chance arrived the young chap shot & killed the cowboy at close range, even though the round would have wobbled down the bore it did the business.