Blown Lee pictures:

IIRC -  the reloaded cartridge cases were formed from .30-40 brass. The rim was machined off and a deep extractor groove was machined into the case.

In my opinion, this potentially left the brass 'paper thin' in the web area of some altered cases. Catastrophic Case Failure likely allowed huge gas pressure to tear apart this Winchester-Lee. The bolt and firing-pin remained in place in this incident.

The 'Shooter/Owner' thankfully survived the episode with facial lacerations and black-eyes. He knowledgably reported, photographed, and documented his accident. He posted his experience on another forum. He generously gave permission to post his photos on the KCA forum a few years back.

The pictures generate many different opinions as to the cause of the rifle's failure and destruction.

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