29 -2 KaBoom
- Thread starter Rigmover
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Wyatt Earp
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- Jul 9, 2007
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I agree with KKG. Weigh all your components and then weigh all your completed loads. You will sleep better.
I'm guessing you use a single stage press? Where you have the cases in a loading block and put each one underneath the powder dispenser?
Then you visually inspect each case, right?
If that's how you do it, then why don't you go ahead and intentionally double charge one case. See if it looks real obvious. Because I doubt that somebody as conscientious as you would let that slip by.
But, as others have suggested, weigh the components then weigh each loaded round.
you are right about the press, loading block, and powder dispenser. and i do load carefully. but the quick (maybe to quick) visual scan of the charged cases left me with a bit of doubt. i think i will weigh them. thanks
Now I'm curious. Just for grins, double charge one case and see if, even with a "quick" visual scan, you could miss it.
I'm thinking it might be the case that the difference is so obvious that you couldn't miss it even with a "quick" scan.
G
Guest
If you note Pictures #10, #11, and #12 show that the "Top Strap" has been 'drilled and tapped' and I'm guessing this was for a Scope Mount but in spite of that hole the .44 Magnum is a much larger case and a 'Double Charge' means much higher pressures and can give a lot more "Push" that you'll get with any .45ACP loading.
G
Guest
You are a exception to the "Rule" of those who purchase a Progressive Loader. You're still using this very much like a Single Stage Press by checking each and every charge. Most Progressive Loader users are interested in ONLY one thing - High Production. They think the "Automatic" feature of the stations being rotating to the next position is going to "eliminate" any double charges etc.
You said you've had yours through 'two Factory rebuilds' but you didn't mention what the cause of these re-builds was. Something was worn out and something wasn't working right. You were luck enough to have "caught" the problems before they caused you Major troubles. Good for you.
I've seen more than one "Progressive" user just keep on cranking because they weren't paying close enough attention to what was happening until they got several hundred rounds loaded with "something" wrong.
Dale53
Member
I am a
bit reluctant to comment on the fact that I have loaded more than 100,000 reloads on my Dillons without issue (don't want to put a "HEX" on my self
). I'll match my guns reloads for accuracy or any other reasonable criteria you might pose.
However, that said, you MUST "Pay Attention". I use the Dillon 550B with operator advance. I have a light that shows the interior of the case just after charging and before the bullet is seated. It does not require any lost time to inspect each and every powder charge. Just "Pay Attention". I can do 400-500 per hour of match quality reloads.
I do believe that to operate a Progressive safely requires a bit of mechanical ability. If your "body unit" didn't arrive with mechanical ability, let someone else do your loading for you or stick to single stage. On the other hand, this is NOT brain surgery. If you can follow directions and have the ability to "Pay Attention" (did I mention, "Pay Attention"?) you, too, can be a safe reloader.
One other ability is needed - you must be able to read and you need to read a good bit before you "jump in head first".
Lecture over and Dr. D is off the air...
Dale53
However, that said, you MUST "Pay Attention". I use the Dillon 550B with operator advance. I have a light that shows the interior of the case just after charging and before the bullet is seated. It does not require any lost time to inspect each and every powder charge. Just "Pay Attention". I can do 400-500 per hour of match quality reloads.
I do believe that to operate a Progressive safely requires a bit of mechanical ability. If your "body unit" didn't arrive with mechanical ability, let someone else do your loading for you or stick to single stage. On the other hand, this is NOT brain surgery. If you can follow directions and have the ability to "Pay Attention" (did I mention, "Pay Attention"?) you, too, can be a safe reloader.
One other ability is needed - you must be able to read and you need to read a good bit before you "jump in head first".
Lecture over and Dr. D is off the air...
Dale53
G
Guest
Another VERY Good Post and I just HOPE it got listened to by one person but likely those that "NEED" to listen and <span class="ev_code_RED">"Pay Attention"</span> aren't the ones who are going to read this Post.Originally posted by Dale53: ...you MUST "Pay Attention"... One other ability is needed - you must be able to read and you need to read a good bit before you "jump in head first". Lecture over and Dr. D is off the air...Dale53
G
Guest
As Dale53 said <span class="ev_code_RED">"Pay Attention"</span> is the Key no matter if you're using a Lee Loader, a Lyman 310, an RCBS Rockchucker, a Dillon 1050 with all the "Bells & Whistles", one of the Camdex Systems(http://www.camdexloader.com/) or an Ammo Load(http://www.ammoload.com/) brand machine.
winchester1
Member
First of all, anybody can screw up, unfortunately thats probably what happend to this old 29. Fortunately, no one was hurt. I've been handloading for more years than I can count, and I'm kinda proud of the game that have been taken with my loads. But, I have to say, I weigh every charge (according to my notes 1,335 rounds in 2008). I was taught a long time ago to do this and still do it to this day. It takes more time, I know, but you just can't be too careful. After weighing and charging a loading block full of cases, I then do a visual with a light. I have nothing against progressive presses, but I just don't think I could ever go that route, I just wouldn't be comfortable not weighing each one.
Dale53
Member
winchester1;
The neat thing about reloading is that we all don't have to tread the same trail. If it is working for you, then don't fix what ain't broke!
When reloading on anything, from single stage to the finest, fastest progressive it is important to use all of your senses:
1 - Sight, watch what you are doing.
2 - Sound, listen for any change in the sounds
of operation.
3 - Feel, be sensitive to the force required
and note any changes and apply correction
if necessary.
4 - If you DO sense a change in any of the above
IMMEDIATELY check it out.
All of the above will become second nature if "YOU ARE PAYING ATTENTION" (emphasis added).
If you work the above into your workflo you will
find yourself "in the zone" and ANYTHING that changes will get your attention. Our bodies and
minds are wonderful tools if we "JUST TURN THEM ON".
Well, children, AHEM!, Ladies and Gentlemen, the lesson for today is complete.
Be safe!
KKG, thanks for the support.
Dale53
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