Smyth Busters: Will Excess Bullet Setback Blow Up Your Gun?
This video from Brownells experts Steve and Caleb addresses the myth of whether excessive bullet setback can cause a firearm to malfunction or explode. They explain how repeated chambering can push a bullet deeper into the case, increasing internal pressure significantly, especially in high-pressure cartridges like 9mm. The experts demonstrate that while a catastrophic failure is unlikely in most modern firearms, bullet setback can lead to feeding issues and potentially damage the firearm. They also touch on how firearm design, like the feed ramp geometry of a 1911 versus a Glock, influences the likelihood of setback, and emphasize the importance of proper neck tension and crimping for handloaders.













