Originally Posted By: 6mm06
It's hard to say at this point if you had a squib load or not. To my understanding, a squib load puts a bullet into the barrel however so far, and when another round is fired, the pressure has to go somewhere. If the bullet was stuck in the barrel and another one landed on top of it, most likely the barrel would split. I didn't notice any damage to your barrel, or even to the forward chamber area.
However, you mentioned that something is there since you can't see through the barrel. Perhaps a bullet just stuck in the lans area and didn't go up into the barrel. I suppose that could account for the stiff bolt closing and damage to the action only. Would be nice to know if a bullet is stuck in the lans.
Several years ago when my son was in high school, he was shooting a little Winchester model 67-A youth single shot .22 rifle. He shot several rounds and all was well. Then he fired one that he said didn't sound right. Not realizing the potential for danger, he then shot another.
Well, the previous bullet lodged in the barrel. Below are photos that illustrate what can happen with a squib load. My son is now 30 years old and still has a tingling sensation in his hand. He is blessed that the good Lord was watching over him that day. He still talks about it. It was a real "earth-shattering" experience for him.
Here's what's left of my son's nice little youth model Winchester. If you notice, the damage was done about where your hand would be on the forearm. Scary stuff.
Perhaps a bullet was stuck in the lans, thus not allowing the last round to chamber properly. The pressure would then be rearward. I'm definitely no expert, I'm just thinking out loud here in trying to reason it all out. Once you find out what is blocking your view through the barrel, then you will know. If it's not a bullet, then there was another issue. For now it's anybody's guess.
All of us will be interested in knowing what really happened. Please keep us informed once you determine the cause.
wow it is amazing to see the power, those pics are works of art! Good luck with your .17!