What is a common cause of a firearm malfunction?

Using the wrong ammunition is a common cause of a firearm malfunction because firearms are designed to operate with specific types of ammunition that match their caliber and chamber specifications. Each firearm has particular tolerances and requirements; if the ammunition does not fit properly or is not made to the exact specifications required, it can lead to issues such as failure to fire, misfeeds, or even catastrophic failures.

For example, using ammunition that is either too long or too short can cause feeding issues or can create dangerous pressures within the chamber. Additionally, using incompatible ammunition can lead to the bullet not being properly seated, resulting in jams or other malfunctions. Proper knowledge of ammunition specifications and ensuring the correct type is used is essential in preventing malfunctions and ensuring safe operation of the firearm.

Maintaining a clean barrel, while important, is not a cause of malfunctions when done properly; in fact, it typically prevents issues. Over-lubricating the weapon can lead to reliability issues, but it is less common compared to issues stemming from mismatched ammunition. Creating a custom loading procedure may have implications on performance, but without the right powder type or bullet weight, it would only be a concern to those who routinely modify ammunition, unlike the foundational issue of using incorrect ammunition