[QUOTE=Sevens;139724937]Every different handloader has their own process of checks & balances.

Beyond that, I have some experience in a squib load using plated bullets in revolvers. ESPECIALLY when loading plated bullets in to .38 Special. Because of the large case size, because of the very genuine resistance that a plated bullet gives down a pistol barrel and as much as anything -- due to the flash gap where precious pressure bleeds off every shot, you simply can NOT baby your .38 Special plated bullet loads. No way. Doing so is a recipe for a squib.
Thanks for the great advice thinking about the problem they were plated bullets and they had a light crimp or almost none at all.Also I think I used data for lead loads that call for a lot less powder.So 2 factors could have caused the squib.I think much of the pressure blew past the bullet.Thanks for the great heads-up insite.

I don't know why manuals say to use lead data for plated. My experience is that plated has as much, maybe more resistance than jacketed (but I have very little experience with jacketed.)

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Certified Curmudgeon

Lots of good info in this thread. Since I'm new to reloading, I'm learning a lot, especially because I ordered plated bullets for my first reloads.

Thanks!

You are correct, sir.

As I've never experienced firing a squib personally, I wouldn't know, but expect you are correct. My wife, at that time, had very little experience firing a handgun, and probably didn't know exactly what to expect. Obviously, she didn't recognize anything out of the ordinary.

NOTHING has hit the target or backstop for the last 5-6 shots. Hmmm??? An RO caught my wife loading her lipstick in my O/U while we were both shooting trap. I should have sat out the round to keep an eye on my gun.

We all develop our own system to minimize errors. Human nature will make a mistake. It seems probable that a reloader will have one of those 'Oh Shucks" moments. Your reloading process and your shooting method / awareness will prevent the disaster. Constant awareness is the key to safety.

Every time you pull the trigger the possibility of a squib exists. 'Exists' is not 'happen' . If you feel comfortable with 50 "perfect" rounds per hour or 500 "acceptable" rounds per hour, the choice is yours. I could not tolerate the 'agony' of 50 rounds per hour.

If you are fearful of less than perfection every time you pull the trigger, another activity may be a consideration. My physical condition has eliminated perfection from my shooting ability, but my ability is still better than 90% of the individuals I meet at a public range. I'm relaxed, confident, and ready to enjoy my range time. A lousy day at the range is better than a day at home.

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S&WHF 366

Two squibs. I heard both. Bullet stuck in the forcing cone, locking up the cylinder - so I couldn't have fired the next round.

In both cases, the case seemed to have a lot of unburned powder. Made me wonder if it was a case I had not filled with powder, or if the powder had not ignited. Probably I didn't fill it.

My solution is to fill a tray of 50, then take my small flashlight and scan over all the cases to make sure they are filled to about the same level, and not empty and not double-filled. Very similar to what Sevens says he does. Has worked great since, but I also listen for the odd sound.

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S&W Rover