my bullet puller is on it's way

[DillHarris]

Well, I'm a pretty new reloader and greatly appreciate all that I've learned from all the experience shared in this forum. I also greatly appreciate those people who set their pride aside and share their mistakes. Those have been some of the most useful threads for me. In that vain, I now have a bullet puller on its way to my home. Been meaning to get one anyway, now I've got a reason.

Was loading my first full power 357 loads last night. 140 gr Hornady hp/xtp, winchester brass, wspm primers, and H110 powder. Loaded the first twelve at my starting level. Set the bullets to an OAL of 1.590" (max length and to middle of crimp groove), put on a firm crimp and then realized I had the scale set six grains low. I hand weighed each charge and this being my first time using this powder, it didn't register that the powder level was WAY low. They were all the same. Luckily I noticed when I went on to the next weight. Needless to say those twelve rounds are set aside and clearly labeled until the bullet puller comes in.

I consider myself a pretty cautious reloader. I hand weighed each charge. Even the plinking loads I've been making I do batch style and check the level in every case. Just glad I double checked the scale after and realized it. It has at the very least saved me the trouble of removing a stuck bullet. At the worst, well I won't think about that.

Thanks again to all you guys out there who have helped newbies like me with your experience. I've decided I much prefer learning from your experience than I did THIS experience. Not a lesson I'll forget on double checking everything. Keep your powder dry and double check your scale.

DillHarris

 

[Mal H]

Trust me,we've all BTDT, Dill. If it were any other powder, I would say go ahead and shoot 'em. It would be much easier than pulling tightly crimped bullets. But, as you obviously know, H110 (and W296) is a powder you don't play around with at the low end.


BTW, say 'hey!' to Scout and Jem for me next time you see 'em, ya hear?

 

[strambo]

I did that once myself too. Wanted to go up to 5.7 grains and set my beam scale at 5.2 grains (2 marks after the WRONG big mark!) Oh well, I don't remember the specifics, but I remember 5.2 was the starting load so I didn't need to pull anything. It scared me that I could have goofed the other way and loaded 6.2 grains...

 

[Ala Dan]

Every handloader needs a good bullet puller (LOL )

Best Wishes,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

 

[BluesBear]

...H110 powder...realized I had the scale set six grains low.

You were SIX grains low?

What charge weight were you trying for and what did you end up with?

 

[DillHarris]

Disclaimer: This data is being typed by ME and should therefore be considered suspect until confirmed by published manuals.

I got my data from the most recent Hodgdon Annual Manual and confirmed it with my 47th edition Lyman.

Starting Min. Load : 17.1 gr H110 (15.x gr in Lyman)
Final Max. Load: 19.0 gr H110 (19.5 gr in Lyman)

Winchester brass, WSPM primers, 140 gr. Hornady HP/XTP bullets

How I set the scale at 11.1 gr. I don't know. I remember checking to make sure the tenths grain was exact, and I suppose in a complete brain lapse, decided that the full grain could just be anyhere. Pretty bad mistake really. I use a the Lee scale. Nothing fancy, but I checked it with check weights and it is really accurate.

I pulled the bullets this weekend. Went pretty good once I got my method down. At the very least, I am confortable that I have a firm enough crimp on them. The bullets are a little worse for wear. I'll shoot them as some reduced loads with W231. Thanks for the replies.