Reloading Safety!

[FROGO207]

There was a recent post on here about seating a proud primer and the ensuing arguments. This not to go there as the correct way stated in the manual is the safe way, always.
However there are a lot of threads lately about various types of messed up rounds. It appears a good amount of new to the reloading game reloaders are possibly skipping one or more of the important QC steps and then we hear "I got (X)00 rounds that are messed up and how do I easily fix them."

I have been reloading a fair number of years and STILL test the first, a few middle, and the last rounds for chambering and feed issues every run. Not necessarily a full load workup every time but at a minimum an abreviated workup then test them when changing any component before making a butt load of them. Correctly seated primers, correct feeding and passing the plunk test are easy and not time consuming tasks. These are as important as correct charges, neck tension, and bullet seating depths but seem to take a back seat unfortunately.

IMHO taking the time up front to get things squared away saves aggravation let alone time in the long run.
Also I am first to admit I am not immune to making a mistake myself but try to keep them to a dull roar whenever possible. Safety first, always.

 

[Soonerpesek]

then we hear "I got (X)00 rounds that are messed up and how do I easily fix them."

I agree with your entire post...

It seems that we ALL can and will have a "messed up round" on occasion,
the important part is that it is caught early so as not to end up with 100's of them.....
Moreso, having the knowledge to identify the issue in the first place is of importance...

Using QC often during the process is imperative.....


As always.......IMMO......

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

IMHO taking the time up front to get things squared away saves aggravation let alone time in the long run.
Also I am first to admit I am not immune to making a mistake myself but try to keep them to a dull roar whenever possible. Safety first, always.

What kind of pains me to the quik is to hear from someone who is reloading but hates pretty much every aspect of the process. Now, I really can't say that contributes to mistakes or lack of QC or anything else related to having to fix things after the fact but it must in some way at least contribute to hurrying and taking shortcuts. I'm not trying to start another food fight or put anyone down - not at all - I'm saying I don't think it's a good sign that someone thinks of it as a necessary chore instead of as a separate hobby on its own to be enjoyed. I get to know my brass and powders like they have personalities. Some do - Unique is a jolly old character but Blue Dot has NO sense of humor and H110 can be downright surly - but I don't expect anyone else to be like me. Just please be careful if you don't know, ask. Check, double-check, and when you're handloading think about it like you're making a thing that someone's life depends on. Because it does.

 

[mdi]

There was a recent post on here about seating a proud primer and the ensuing arguments. This not to go there as the correct way stated in the manual is the safe way, always.
However there are a lot of threads lately about various types of messed up rounds. It appears a good amount of new to the reloading game reloaders are possibly skipping one or more of the important QC steps and then we hear "I got (X)00 rounds that are messed up and how do I easily fix them."

I have been reloading a fair number of years and STILL test the first, a few middle, and the last rounds for chambering and feed issues every run. Not necessarily a full load workup every time but at a minimum an abreviated workup then test them when changing any component before making a butt load of them. Correctly seated primers, correct feeding and passing the plunk test are easy and not time consuming tasks. These are as important as correct charges, neck tension, and bullet seating depths but seem to take a back seat unfortunately.

IMHO taking the time up front to get things squared away saves aggravation let alone time in the long run.
Also I am first to admit I am not immune to making a mistake myself but try to keep them to a dull roar whenever possible. Safety first, always.

AMEN! I have been reloading a long time and make very few mistakes, not because I'm a superior reloader, but because I'm slow and established "safery habits" many years ago and try not to change any process... If I ever got in a hurry or needed a lot of ammo "right now" I'd just go to Turner's...

 

[ballman6711]

We all need to be safe and aware while reloading. Like mdi, I don't get in a hurry and make very few mistakes while reloading.

However, they do happen sometimes. I think the key is to be aware and catch it when it happens, and not after making a bunch of rounds.

I made a mistake a couple of weeks ago, tried to expand a piece of 357mag brass while my dies were set up for 38spcl. Didn't catch it during sizing, but I did catch it on the first piece I flared.



It didn't "feel" right, so I stopped. You can see the result.

chris

 

[bear166]

We all need to be safe and aware while reloading. Like mdi, I don't get in a hurry and make very few mistakes while reloading.

However, they do happen sometimes. I think the key is to be aware and catch it when it happens, and not after making a bunch of rounds.

I made a mistake a couple of weeks ago, tried to expand a piece of 357mag brass while my dies were set up for 38spcl. Didn't catch it during sizing, but I did catch it on the first piece I flared.

View attachment 1046258 View attachment 1046262

It didn't "feel" right, so I stopped. You can see the result.

chris

This happened to me once with a piece of 45-70 brass. My first 50 were just some range brass I bought online, and in there was a single Hornady case. If you have ever come across Hornady brass while loading 45-70, you already know what happened - for some reason their cases are considerably shorter than the standard case length for that cartridge, so I saved it for last and lowered my expander a little bit so I could get a bullet in there.

A month later I'm back at the bench with some nice brand new Starline brass, and what do you know, my expander is still set low from that case. Came out looking just like that...Thankfully Starline was kind enough to put 51 cases in that bag of brass, so I still ended up with 50 in the end.

 

[Bazoo]

This happened to me once with a piece of 45-70 brass. My first 50 were just some range brass I bought online, and in there was a single Hornady case. If you have ever come across Hornady brass while loading 45-70, you already know what happened - for some reason their cases are considerably shorter than the standard case length for that cartridge, so I saved it for last and lowered my expander a little bit so I could get a bullet in there.

A month later I'm back at the bench with some nice brand new Starline brass, and what do you know, my expander is still set low from that case. Came out looking just like that...Thankfully Starline was kind enough to put 51 cases in that bag of brass, so I still ended up with 50 in the end.

I have a system. I generally, when after having done something like using a special setting, I loosen my lock ring or my seat plug before stowing my die.

I did do the 38 special flare setting on 357 brass a while back. Whatever my seating die is set for, I leave the dummy for it in the die as a reminder.

 

[bear166]

I have a system. I generally, when after having done something like using a special setting, I loosen my lock ring or my seat plug before stowing my die.

I did do the 38 special flare setting on 357 brass a while back. Whatever my seating die is set for, I leave the dummy for it in the die as a reminder.

That's a good idea. Typically, I stick with one load per set of dies, just because I don't like fussing with them too much. Hence why I have different sets for .38 and .357 - but obviously there's exceptions to every rule, as Hornady forced me to understand! I like your suggestion though, I will use it if I ever run into something like that again.

 

[Ranger99]

Although the kind man that taught me the
safe meticulous way to load obligated me
to show others at no cost that the same
way he showed me, I'm about ready to
quit trying to show anybody else.
The last few I've showed don't want to
listen past a certain point and start referring
me to yoofloob videos and rambo type
websites that just nearly disregard any
safety. Probably the worst are the ones that won't rid themselves of distractions while trying to load. Hopefully, they'll only mess up some of their components and not their irreplaceable parts.

Oh well. . . All you can do is tell em

 

[.308 Norma]

I'm not trying to start another food fight or put anyone down - not at all - I'm saying I don't think it's a good sign that someone thinks of it as a necessary chore instead of as a separate hobby on its own to be enjoyed.

No disagreement or "food fight" here. I've mentioned several times on THR that back in the '80s, when my wife and I were into IHMSA shooting, we allowed reloading to become a chore because we couldn't afford the ammo required to be competitive otherwise. So we quit IHMSA.

 

[jmuv]

Over the years that I have been reloading ammo I have been ask on occasion “ what does it take for Me to start loading my own ammo?” My answer has always been the same. Well first you have to be a serious person. If you don’t take reloading seriously you can and probably will have problems that can cost you more than you are willing to loose. A firearm, a finger, a friend or even a life. Mistakes can be made by almost any person but the seriousness of the person reloading can and oftentimes reduce the severity. Like my old industrial arts teacher was fond of saying “ measuring twice will insure that you only have to cut once”.

 

[deadeye dick]

There was a recent post on here about seating a proud primer and the ensuing arguments. This not to go there as the correct way stated in the manual is the safe way, always.
However there are a lot of threads lately about various types of messed up rounds. It appears a good amount of new to the reloading game reloaders are possibly skipping one or more of the important QC steps and then we hear "I got (X)00 rounds that are messed up and how do I easily fix them."

I have been reloading a fair number of years and STILL test the first, a few middle, and the last rounds for chambering and feed issues every run. Not necessarily a full load workup every time but at a minimum an abreviated workup then test them when changing any component before making a butt load of them. Correctly seated primers, correct feeding and passing the plunk test are easy and not time consuming tasks. These are as important as correct charges, neck tension, and bullet seating depths but seem to take a back seat unfortunately.

IMHO taking the time up front to get things squared away saves aggravation let alone time in the long run.
Also I am first to admit I am not immune to making a mistake myself but try to keep them to a dull roar whenever possible. Safety first, always.

When setting up my Lee CTP for powder I weigh the first drop than drop 10, measure again. If all is ok drop 20 than finish the box of 50 or 100

 

[dcloco]

What kind of pains me to the quik is to hear from someone who is reloading but hates pretty much every aspect of the process. Now, I really can't say that contributes to mistakes or lack of QC or anything else related to having to fix things after the fact but it must in some way at least contribute to hurrying and taking shortcuts. I'm not trying to start another food fight or put anyone down - not at all - I'm saying I don't think it's a good sign that someone thinks of it as a necessary chore instead of as a separate hobby on its own to be enjoyed. I get to know my brass and powders like they have personalities. Some do - Unique is a jolly old character but Blue Dot has NO sense of humor and H110 can be downright surly - but I don't expect anyone else to be like me. Just please be careful if you don't know, ask. Check, double-check, and when you're handloading think about it like you're making a thing that someone's life depends on. Because it does.

COMPLETELY agree.

IF there is a process that a person does not like, look around, post on THR and ASK......."How do I complete this task easier, better, faster, etc".

There is SO much reloading equipment AND methods that make many steps easier.

HUGE fan of LEE dies. Not so much of their other products - sorry...but I don't.

Until....I saw a thread about Lee APP: Lee "APP" press | The High Road At post #15 (thank you GW Staar), I was HOOKED! Processing fired brass to prep for stainless pin cleaning sucks. Removing crimps...well....sucks as much, if not more.

NOW....this is a dream with a Lee APP.

One of the many tools that shorten the amount of time (as in deprime or swage crimp....1000 cases in an hour!!!).

 

[lordpaxman]

IMHO taking the time up front to get things squared away saves aggravation let alone time in the long run.

I completely agree and your post makes perfect sense….to me. However, there are other minds out there, and, you don’t know what you don’t know. While I cringe reading some threads I’d rather they post here and get some much needed assistance rather than show up at the range next to me. Our local club wanted to add a safety check for new member applicants and not let them be members if they were “unsafe”. I convinced them part of our charter is to educate them. Learning to learn is a process in itself.

 

[CQB45ACP]

As so many have said in one way or another, directly and indirectly, here and elsewhere, handloading to me is a hobby in itself. I enjoy the process and ultimately shooting the end result of course. But some among us aren’t process people and never will be. They’re impatient and cut corners doing anything—trying to fix a toilet, taping a sheet rock joint, preparing a gourmet meal, or preparing their own taxes.

Basic pistol handloading (which is the only thing I do) isn’t difficult but it still requires practice and discipline at following the same process over and over again. Once I learned to do that (early on after two squibs in the same batch) I haven't had a safety failure and have preempted a couple of careless mistakes.

I recall years ago a wise boss/mentor described how to best brief senior leaders. He said not to worry about the briefing itself, just be yourself, but pull your hair out preparing. Held me in good stead.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I completely agree and your post makes perfect sense….to me. However, there are other minds out there, and, you don’t know what you don’t know.

The one thing I know is, I have a lot to learn.

There's an old fable about a man who climbed every mountain in the world seeking the ultimate wisdom from the ultimate guru. It's a good learning parable, in my opinion.
I lurked here for years before even bothering to sign up because I always figured I didn't have much to teach but I had a lot to learn. Eventually I did sign up because I saw that there were one or two things, maybe, somebody could learn from my mistakes. Maybe. There's not a lot to learn from other people's successes, admirable as those successes might be; but there's a lot to to learn from their mistakes, if you're willing to listen and they're willing to tell..

 

[Seedy Character]

[QUOTE="ballman6711, post: 12149589,

I made a mistake a couple of weeks ago, tried to expand a piece of 357mag brass while my dies were set up for 38spcl. Didn't catch it during sizing, but I did catch it on the first piece I flared.

View attachment 1046258 View attachment 1046262

It didn't "feel" right, so I stopped. You can see the result.

chris[/QUOTE]


Yep, that is why I NOW have a set of RCBS .357 dies and a set of Hornady .38 Spl dies. No major adjustment.

 

[ballman6711]

I actually have two sets of 38/357 dies but never bothered to set the second set up. Now may be a good time.

chris

 

[mdi]

Like Seedy, I had a faux pas with my 38/357 dies. I have been reloading 38 Special for a very long time and my die set is composed of 6 or 7 dies of different manufacturers, a few duplicates. I haven't done any revolver reloading in a while so a few weeks ago I reloaded some 38s for a new snub nosed Taurus I bought. A few days later I figgered I needed some 357s for the new gun too. Yeah I still had one of the flaring dies set up for 38 and ruined a nice, primed, nickel plated 357 case . I changed flaring die and yep, you guessed it screwed up another so I went in the house and ordered a Hornady die set (I wasn't in a hurry, I wasn't confused, I just picked up another die and to check the setting, I ran the ram up a bit too fast!). When the Hornady set arrived I used my lable maker and put 4, "357 Magnum" labels on the box. I set them up for my Co-Ax and loaded a box full. The Hornady die set will be used for 357 Mag. only and my "eclectic" die set will be used for 38 Special only.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

I am kinda noticing a trend of people wanting to take shortcuts.
"I'm short of powder so can I just start at the max and expect good accuracy?"
Seriously? Let me think on that. Ummm.... NO!
"I only have enough primers for hunting season so would it be safe to just skip ladders and go straight to a max load?"
Again, let me think.... Ummmm... NO!

Ladies and Gents, do it right or don't do it. Please?

 

[barnfrog]

While I cringe reading some threads I’d rather they post here and get some much needed assistance rather than show up at the range next to me.

This is what I have enjoyed most about the reloading and handloading community: the willingness to share knowledge and experience. Sometimes I feel like I'm a bit of a pest with newbie questions, but I know folks here and on other sites are happy to help me get it right if I just swallow my pride and ask.

And to FROGO207's point about "taking the time up front to get things squared away," I couldn't agree more. I spent two hours last night getting my new-to-me Dillon press set up with dies and powder measure, sacrificing a few pieces of brass, re-reading instructions and double checking everything. Tonight I'll throw and weigh a couple more dozen powder charges to make sure it's metering consistently, and then load 10 rounds only. If those plunk, fire and cycle properly this weekend, then I'll load a larger batch.

Reloading is not a good hobby for impatient people.