Smith & Wesson Forum

Go Back   Smith & Wesson Forum > Ammunition-Gunsmithing > Reloading
o

Notices

Reloading All Reloading Topics Go Here


Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 05-09-2018, 01:04 PM
elpac3's Avatar
elpac3 elpac3 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Mpls, Minnesota
Posts: 867
Likes: 87
Liked 967 Times in 398 Posts
Default Close call at the IDPA match saturday

Was shooting in a local IDPA match Saturday. Was observing another shooter when the range S.O. called "Stop - stop - stop" and went over and took possession of the shooters 1911.

Walking over to the safety bench, they dropped the mag and looked down the barrel to see a stuck bullet. He was able to remove the barrel and pound out the stuck bullet and continue the match without further incident.

In talking with the new shooter he indicated he had been using a progressive loading press for his .45 cal ammo and apparently one round failed to get the powder delivered.

Thanks to the range S.O. with the keen ear and quick reflexes a potential disaster was averted. The whole event just drilled home the importance of verification of powder levels when working with the progressive presses.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 05-09-2018, 01:13 PM
Narragansett's Avatar
Narragansett Narragansett is offline
SWCA Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Rhode Island
Posts: 6,657
Likes: 26,409
Liked 36,162 Times in 4,525 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by elpac3 View Post
Was shooting in a local IDPA match Saturday. Was observing another shooter when the range S.O. called "Stop - stop - stop" and went over and took possession of the shooters 1911.

Walking over to the safety bench, they dropped the mag and looked down the barrel to see a stuck bullet. He was able to remove the barrel and pound out the stuck bullet and continue the match without further incident.

In talking with the new shooter he indicated he had been using a progressive loading press for his .45 cal ammo and apparently one round failed to get the powder delivered.

Thanks to the range S.O. with the keen ear and quick reflexes a potential disaster was averted. The whole event just drilled home the importance of verification of powder levels when working with the progressive presses.
Safety first!! Good R.O.!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 5 Users Like Post:
  #3  
Old 05-09-2018, 01:32 PM
kraynky's Avatar
kraynky kraynky is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: Central Kentucky
Posts: 3,083
Likes: 11,377
Liked 5,119 Times in 1,947 Posts
Default

Good ears! Hopefully the shooter already knew something was amiss. I had that happen one time several years ago (maybe 20), at deer camp. Everyone was enjoying plinking with my .357 Marlin levergun, (using my reloads). Another fellow was shooting it when I heard only a "POP", not a "CRACK". I did the same thing "STOP-STOP-STOP!!!

Thankfully he heard me and had already started lowering the gun. But I didn't know if he was about to rack in another, or it he knew something wasn't right. He knew. I learned to slow down.

Would have been worse I asume with a .45 handgun than that rifle, but wouldn't have done either gun any good, possibly shooter as well. Three Cheers to the S.O.!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #4  
Old 05-09-2018, 01:41 PM
gwpercle's Avatar
gwpercle gwpercle is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Baton Rouge, La.
Posts: 6,839
Likes: 7,397
Liked 8,054 Times in 3,653 Posts
Default

Progressives do have their little glitches sometimes....
Gotta be careful .
Gary
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #5  
Old 05-09-2018, 02:20 PM
epj's Avatar
epj epj is offline
US Veteran
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 227
Liked 2,397 Times in 1,081 Posts
Default

Surprised that the round had enough ummph to cycle the slide and chamber another round. I had a squib with a 1911 several years ago and no chance of another round being chambered unless I did it manually.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #6  
Old 05-09-2018, 03:00 PM
growr growr is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Montana
Posts: 5,162
Likes: 3,433
Liked 6,245 Times in 2,061 Posts
Default

Having seen my share of squib rounds in years of classes and years of competitive shooting, I have yet to see a squib sending the bullet far enough down the barrel to allow another round to chamber in an auto loader.
Randy
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #7  
Old 05-09-2018, 04:50 PM
elpac3's Avatar
elpac3 elpac3 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Mpls, Minnesota
Posts: 867
Likes: 87
Liked 967 Times in 398 Posts
Default

Don’t believe there was another round chambered. Just the squib lodging the bullet in the barrel.

In IDPA one would quickly clear the misfire and continue shooting. Not sure if he would have racked another round if it would have chambered and fired or not - hopefully not but - - - - -. Would be a much easier mistake to make with a revolver.

Last edited by elpac3; 05-10-2018 at 08:00 AM. Reason: D*&^% cell phone auto correct - typo's
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #8  
Old 05-09-2018, 10:02 PM
gehlsurf gehlsurf is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 27
Liked 74 Times in 29 Posts
Default

Ya know. I'm kinda new to loading (been 4 years), and a progressive intrigues me, but I hear too many stories like this. I just stick to my single stage.

That was EXCELLENT attention on the Range Officers side. Impressive to say the least!
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #9  
Old 05-09-2018, 10:14 PM
OKFC05 OKFC05 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 8,158
Likes: 3,605
Liked 5,199 Times in 2,172 Posts
Default

I know one shooter who loves to load 185gr lead bullets in a .45, and he has ruined THREE BARRELS in club competition, one of which I observed personally. He fired a squib, and with five people screaming STOP! STOP! at him, racked the slide and fired another shot, bulging and locking the barrel.
You can't always depend on the "won't chamber another round."
And the squibs I have personally seen in a revolver locked the cylinder because the bullet stopped partially in the barrel and still just barely in the cylinder. Can't count on that, either.
__________________
Science plus Art
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #10  
Old 05-09-2018, 10:23 PM
BB57's Avatar
BB57 BB57 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 4,710
Likes: 3,527
Liked 12,557 Times in 3,342 Posts
Default

I have upwards of 50,000 rounds loaded on my 550B and the only squib I've ever had was a factory loaded round.

The problem isn't a progressive press it's the nut operating it.

1) Put a light on the head of your progressive press. Several companies sell them for various progressive presses.

2) Visually inspect the powder level in every case before you seat a bullet on it.

3) If anything - ANYTHING - happens on the press that is out of the ordinary, stop and check each station on the press before pulling the handle again.

4) If you get distracted at any time - stop and check each station on the press before pulling the handle again.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 05-09-2018, 10:25 PM
BB57's Avatar
BB57 BB57 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: NC
Posts: 4,710
Likes: 3,527
Liked 12,557 Times in 3,342 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by OKFC05 View Post
/....
And the squibs I have personally seen in a revolver locked the cylinder because the bullet stopped partially in the barrel and still just barely in the cylinder. Can't count on that, either.
The last squib I saw in a revolver at the range had the bullet just poking out of the end of the 4" barrel. This was more than "primer only" but not enough to clear the barrel.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #12  
Old 05-09-2018, 11:18 PM
gehlsurf gehlsurf is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Nov 2016
Posts: 145
Likes: 27
Liked 74 Times in 29 Posts
Default

BB57, that's impressive!!! When I reload I always check my cases for powder measure.

Also, I always have a wooden dowel with me, something feels weird, 2 seconds of a shove of it down the barrel and let's me know what's going on.

On a side note, interesting that a squib came from a factory load. 2 days ago I was testing some reload I did. Also had some factory PMC loads for my 357. In collecting brass noticed some very flat primers. All my reloads felt fine compared to the factory PMC. I never load to max but thought, oh boy, what did I do? Turns out it was the PMC ammo!!!
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #13  
Old 05-09-2018, 11:29 PM
DWalt's Avatar
DWalt DWalt is online now
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: South Texas & San Antonio
Posts: 33,484
Likes: 236
Liked 28,949 Times in 14,015 Posts
Default

I have understood that most Thompson SMGs have had a bulged barrel at one time or another. A squib load leaves a bullet stuck in the barrel and the shooter then performs an immediate action assuming the stoppage was caused by a dud round. I am always very careful to stop immediately and check things out anytime something doesn't feel or sound right. Especially when shooting a revolver.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #14  
Old 05-10-2018, 08:04 AM
elpac3's Avatar
elpac3 elpac3 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Mpls, Minnesota
Posts: 867
Likes: 87
Liked 967 Times in 398 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by gehlsurf View Post
Ya know. I'm kinda new to loading (been 4 years), and a progressive intrigues me, but I hear too many stories like this. I just stick to my single stage.

That was EXCELLENT attention on the Range Officers side. Impressive to say the least!
Range officer was absolutely focused and really on top of things. Really impressed me.

Just serves as a reminder to always visually check your powder level before seating the bullet.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #15  
Old 05-10-2018, 09:28 AM
Eddietruett Eddietruett is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 1,705
Likes: 1,049
Liked 3,510 Times in 957 Posts
Default

While I’ve never had a powder drop problem with my Dillon, I installed a powder check die just in case. Can’t be too careful.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #16  
Old 05-10-2018, 12:48 PM
robertrwalsh robertrwalsh is online now
SWCA Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Peoples Republic of Calif
Posts: 4,644
Likes: 1,226
Liked 5,989 Times in 2,133 Posts
Default

Good catch by the S.O.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #17  
Old 05-11-2018, 12:45 AM
ArchAngelCD's Avatar
ArchAngelCD ArchAngelCD is offline
Moderator
SWCA Member
Absent Comrade
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Northeast PA, USA
Posts: 8,877
Likes: 1,029
Liked 5,070 Times in 2,660 Posts
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by elpac3 View Post
Thanks to the range S.O. with the keen ear and quick reflexes a potential disaster was averted.
The results would not have been good I'm sure but a disaster, maybe not. In a big heavy gun like the 1911 I think he would have ruined the barrel but not much more if anything. I actually saw a revolver with 5 bullets stuck in the barrel. I have no idea how any shooter could not know something was wrong but.......

What would worry me more is, with the round fired being void of powder it is possible the next round could have had a double charge if it were a bridging problem. That would be a big problem if a double charge was fired after a squib, 1911 or not. That could result in the classic k-boom!

I am in complete agreement, very good R.O. indeed!
__________________
Freedom is never free!!
SWCA #3437
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #18  
Old 05-11-2018, 06:59 AM
stansdds stansdds is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Virginia
Posts: 8,717
Likes: 19,291
Liked 11,744 Times in 5,354 Posts
Default

Many years ago, when I was a IPSC/USPSA competitor and level I range officer, I saw a similar event. This one involved a Cold Gold Cup. The shooter was using reloads. The timer sounded, then "POW, POW, POW, POW, pop, STOP!, STOP!, STOP!, POW, What the..."

A squib load had enough umph to push the bullet into the barrel and cycle the slide. The next round bulged the barrel so badly that a gunsmith had to remove the barrel from the slide. Seems to me he quit match shooting after that incident.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #19  
Old 05-11-2018, 08:49 AM
epj's Avatar
epj epj is offline
US Veteran
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 227
Liked 2,397 Times in 1,081 Posts
Default

Well, there’s one report of a squib having enough grunt to chamber a round. I suspect the GC had lighter than normal springs. Though this event obviously can happen with an autoloader, the greatest danger is with a revolver. We see examples crop up on this forum pretty regularly.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #20  
Old 05-11-2018, 09:22 AM
Filo McShoe's Avatar
Filo McShoe Filo McShoe is offline
US Veteran
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: FL panhandle
Posts: 157
Likes: 124
Liked 248 Times in 89 Posts
Default

got to love a good alert RO
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #21  
Old 05-11-2018, 09:28 AM
silentflyer silentflyer is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Roanoke, Va
Posts: 1,777
Likes: 1,697
Liked 1,284 Times in 640 Posts
Default

Witnessed a 9mm springs and plastic wonder do the same thing at a public range except the guy was so intent in emptying the magazine in less than 2 seconds, he squeezed of the next round which wasn't a squib.
Of course no safety glasses, he was lucky, gun blew up in his hand, cuts and metal/plastic parts in his hand and face, missed his eyes fortunately.
The good Lord looks after fools and idiots.....
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #22  
Old 05-11-2018, 09:48 AM
oysterer's Avatar
oysterer oysterer is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 1,576
Likes: 1,730
Liked 2,731 Times in 868 Posts
Default Revolver

when I started reloading I produced a 9mm squib and a 45 acp squib for a revolver.

The 9mm was stuck highly but unable to chamber another.

And as someone said: The revolver squib was deep in the barrel.

Since then I installed a tactical flashlight on my Dillon frame and I look into each brass before seating a bullet on it. I made it a habit to look as I turn the plate to the seating stage. Never any sqibs since then.
Reply With Quote
The Following 3 Users Like Post:
  #23  
Old 05-11-2018, 10:05 AM
Daver7 Daver7 is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 67
Likes: 30
Liked 168 Times in 38 Posts
Default

I load on a 550.
I use a digital scale and weigh check every round.
Yes it takes longer but it makes me feel better.
Been loading since the 70's, this is just a hold over from my single stage days.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #24  
Old 05-11-2018, 11:00 AM
BE Mike's Avatar
BE Mike BE Mike is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Indiana
Posts: 3,575
Likes: 2,235
Liked 3,476 Times in 1,475 Posts
Default

One reason I love the extra hole in my Dillon 650. I use it for a powder checker. If the buzzer buzzes, I stop. Probably wouldn't have been a "disaster", if the shooter had followed-up with a live round after clearing, but a new barrel would have been in order.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #25  
Old 05-11-2018, 11:34 AM
yeti's Avatar
yeti yeti is offline
US Veteran
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,350
Likes: 2,854
Liked 2,765 Times in 1,160 Posts
Default

Excellent quick reacting RO!

Use a light on the press, plus if room is available run a powder check die.
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #26  
Old 05-14-2018, 04:44 PM
fredj338's Avatar
fredj338 fredj338 is offline
Member
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Kalif. usa
Posts: 6,836
Likes: 2,665
Liked 3,927 Times in 2,366 Posts
Default

I think I am up to 7 saves now in IDPA comp as a CSO the last 6yrs. With elec, I can hear a squib. Many shooters will not & tap/rack for a fresh round. Unfortunately I can not help guys that double charge. Had two guns go in one match in my squad. Diff shooters but I found out, same ammo.
__________________
NRA Cert. Inst. IDPA CSO
Reply With Quote
The Following User Likes This Post:
  #27  
Old 05-14-2018, 05:38 PM
BigBill BigBill is offline
Absent Comrade
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Planet earth
Posts: 13,869
Likes: 2,079
Liked 13,353 Times in 5,549 Posts
Default

I don’t like to talk or be interrupted when reloading that’s my number one rule don’t bother me when I’m reloading. So I can focus on what I’m doing.

I eyeball each charge checking for a single charge too.
Reply With Quote
The Following 2 Users Like Post:
  #28  
Old 05-14-2018, 08:27 PM
S&WIowegan S&WIowegan is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Iowa
Posts: 4,106
Likes: 14,444
Liked 3,763 Times in 1,784 Posts
Talking

My last squib(yes I've had more than one) was in an IDPA match locally. I was shooting a Smith & Wesson Model 22-4(blue, fixed sight, 4" bbl.) and using 45 GAP ammo made on my Dillon Square Deal B. The load was 230 FMJ with 4.1 grs. Vihtavouri N310. First round of a double tap was a squib and the SO couldn't stop me in time. The second round knocked the first out and they both hit center mass. The squib may have been a light charge so the bullet almost exited. In any event, the hits didn't count, I went to the safety table and no damage of any sort. The gun is fine. I sold the SDB to a guy with small hands who makes 9mm on it. SDBs are the hardest press to see what's going on.

I retired the 22-4 to a life of luxury in my safe.
__________________
Bob.
SWCA 1821
Reply With Quote
  #29  
Old 05-14-2018, 08:39 PM
CCHGN's Avatar
CCHGN CCHGN is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Pensacola Fl
Posts: 244
Likes: 220
Liked 365 Times in 133 Posts
Default

Sorry, but as SO myself, I would NEVER look down the barrel of a gun. PERIOD. I would yell stop, take possession of the pistol , KEEP it pointed down range, Remove the mag ( NEVER DROP IT) and lock the slide back. Upon seeing the round in the chamber, I'd still consider the pistol hot. I would slingshot the slide and rack it again, to see if the extractor would pull it out . IF NOT, it would stay pointed down range, locked back until someone brought a rod to push it out. Either way, He'd be done shooting that day, with that gun and those bullets. Sorry. YMMV
__________________
USMC Life-GOA IDPA A10051
Reply With Quote
  #30  
Old 05-14-2018, 08:49 PM
Kiwi cop's Avatar
Kiwi cop Kiwi cop is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Taranaki, New Zealand
Posts: 1,968
Likes: 4,282
Liked 6,015 Times in 1,304 Posts
Default

I loaned one of my Unerti 44/40 revolvers to a new shooter who only had one revolver for a CAS match and gave him some of my ammo to use in it. He loaded his own ammo that he had put together using his .38 Special powder dispenser.

The result was 4 projectiles stuck in the barrel as the RO and spotter thought he was missing the plate. The 5th shot pushed the first bullet out the end of the barrel. A bit of barrel damage from where he dug out the bullets he couldn’t shift with a rod but still accurate enough for CAS shooting.

I loaded for years on a Lee Classic Turret press. I always watched it the powder dispenser as it moved forward to drop the powder. These days I load on Pro 1000’s and use Lee’s auto drum dispenser. Again I watch the drum rotate along with the powder level as I a pull the handle. And as I place the bullet on the case with one hand the other verifies the drum has returned fully to the top position.

Been a very long time since I had a squib.
Reply With Quote
  #31  
Old 05-16-2018, 06:09 PM
k31scout's Avatar
k31scout k31scout is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: MI
Posts: 207
Likes: 100
Liked 52 Times in 37 Posts
Default

I wear an LED light on my hat when I load and get a good look in every piece of brass. Could never find a light that would attach to my Lee Classic Turret and give me a good look inside the brass.
Reply With Quote
  #32  
Old 05-16-2018, 09:25 PM
smithrjd smithrjd is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: CA
Posts: 450
Likes: 22
Liked 270 Times in 126 Posts
Default

I had it happen to me.. A Model 52-2. I don't use a progressive press either, but I do load 100 at a time. NO idea what really happened, the pistol cycled, fired again and it locked up, several magazines into the range session . Don't remember anything funny about the sound or recoil. Nothing in the barrel either. Took the pistol apart at home and found a bulged barrel. Now I am really anal about checking each round multiple times. Thankfully a member here had a spare barrel, or I would have had a very expensive paper weight.
Reply With Quote
  #33  
Old 05-17-2018, 12:01 AM
DRAINSMITH's Avatar
DRAINSMITH DRAINSMITH is offline
Member
Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday Close call at the IDPA match saturday  
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: SOUTH WEST IOWA
Posts: 100
Likes: 82
Liked 85 Times in 36 Posts
Default

We have a local gun Smith here in town that teaches a CCW course and when he hears someone talk about getting into reloading he gives them one of my business cards.

If they call I will show them how to load but the first thing I do is show them a CD that my granddaughter cut for me. It shows gun blowing up and folks posting on Youtube showing "how it is done" that have no need to be reloading, I have 3 types of presses. The first one is a Hornady single stage. I have two of them. I set them up the same way and when I pull a handle they pull a handle. I explain how each prosses can result in a catastrophic failure. I show them how to check each stage along the way After we make 20 rounds we move on to the Lee turret. Again I have two of them and we go through the same procedures that we did with the single stage. The only thing different with the turret is this is the press where I show how to set up the dies. And on the turret, we make 30 rounds. We then move on to my progressive presses Now. I have 4 Hornady Ammo-Plants. We make 50 rounds on them.

After we are done I ask them what kind of press they like. If they like the progressive or single stage I get them in contact with a buddy that has a 650 Dillon and a Rockchucker that he will help them out on.

The next day they return to my range with their gun and I have them pick out 10 rounds that they made and have them load 5 into their gun. Now, remember I have scared the **** out of them explaining how one small mistake will ruin or blow up their gun and how it can remove a finger or even kill you. I then watch their face when they pull the trigger. The first pull it is pure terror, the second is fear the third is normal and the fourth and fifth is a big smile. Now while they are shooting my grandson slips one more of their rounds into their bag. When they go back to reload the now, notice that there are six rounds instead of five. I tell them that I added a round that either has no power or it might be very hot. I tell them that I want them to shoot them but to listen and feel for any difference I have only had two refuse to shoot them. They got a hug right away. The ones that shoot all six rounds get a wack to the back of the head, and a Dad lecture. I explain to them that There was a round that was going to at least ruin your gun and possibly kill you and you shot them anyway. Why?

At the end of the shoot, I give them all the rounds they made and even though I provided the brass the primers, the power, and the bullets. I then explain to them"I don't shoot your reloads. You don't shoot mine." And that is the best way to go. I then explain all they owe me is a handshake or a hug. And I want to know what type of press they get. Now as far as all you cops, you all need more loving. Every one of the guys I taught gave me a hug.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
Forum Jump

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
IDPA match @ BGSL, Wilmore, KY Saturday atbarr Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 1 07-14-2011 09:47 PM
IDPA Match @ BGSL, Wilmore, KY Saturday atbarr Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 0 05-17-2011 11:52 AM
IDPA Match @ BGSL, Wilmore, KY Saturday atbarr Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 0 03-16-2011 08:25 PM
IDPA Match @ BGSL, Wilmore, KY Saturday atbarr Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 0 02-15-2011 02:14 PM
IDPA Match @ BGSL, Wilmore, KY Saturday atbarr Smith & Wesson Competitive Shooting 3 12-16-2010 06:54 PM

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
smith-wessonforum.com tested by Norton Internet Security smith-wessonforum.com tested by McAfee Internet Security

All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:59 AM.


Smith-WessonForum.com is not affiliated with Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC)