UPDATED-Bad day at the range...

[Shark Bait]

As previously discussed, I think the best way for me to avoid this potential problem in the future is to change my powder choice to something that takes more space in the case. That's the route I will go anyway. Hey, I survived and learned a few things. The search for another 629 has begun.

 

[rosewood]

Glad you weren't hurt.
Endoscopes an be had for less than $20. It is a camera on a cable, plugs into your phone or computer. I've thought about mounting mine on my Dillon, so I could see into the case before seating the bullet. I might just do that now. It wouldn't take much to do it.

ANY disruption of the loading sequence when using my Dillon causes me to check all cartridges in process at that moment. I will pull the next couple of cases off stage 3 and weigh the charge, for instance, if I have a primer mess up, or even if the case in stage one doesn't go up into the size die because I didn't have it aligned properly.
You can't be too careful.

I have a flexible neck LED light sitting on my bench and aim it right at the case on the seating station so i can look at the charge before placing the bullet there. Although, in a .44mag with tight group, a double charge may not be real noticeable in such a big case.

Rosewood

 

[AlHunt]

Most of the kabooms I read about are hand loads.

Nothing against hand loading, but from what I have read, the element of human error makes the product less safe than factory ammo.

Yes, a hand loader can get exactly what they want. But I can't agree that hand loading is safer than buying factory loads. Human error is the issue, and these reminders drive the point home.

To each their own. This is easily avoided by choosing powders that fill more than half the case. The few factory rounds I've disassembled over the years used very small powder charges that could be doubled or tripled. Almost all of my ammo has 0% chance of a double charge.

 

[Mrnurse]

Bah... risk/reward.

Basically nothing more dangerous each day than getting behind the wheel of your car and entering that "race of death" and yet we still choose to do it.

I'm going to continue handloading for all the benefits, too numerous to list, just as I have been for the last 30-some years.

You'll keep buying factory ammo. We'll both be happy. And you won't miss anything because you have no idea what you're missing.
WELL Good for you. Ive seen a M1a Blow up with Quality Handloads here in CLT. The up side to reloading your ammo is during your Post Surgery rehab time (after you blow off your fingers ) will allow you to catch up on other sports... Like Rock Climbing un- tethered, Wing Suits Flying, and Bungie Jumping.

 

[Shark Bait]

To each their own. This is easily avoided by choosing powders that fill more than half the case. The few factory rounds I've disassembled over the years used very small powder charges that could be doubled or tripled. Almost all of my ammo has 0% chance of a double charge.

Exactly what I will be doing. Several powders have been suggested, but which would be the cleanest shooting?

 

[AlHunt]

Exactly what I will be doing. Several powders have been suggested, but which would be the cleanest shooting?

For me, H110 has been my 44 mag powder of choice. I've used Unique, Blue Dot and 2400 that I can recall. Unique was the only one I thought was smoky and dirty.

I think you're looking for something a little softer shooting and I think the lower pressures involved lend themselves to a little dirtier ignition. But. it'll be a fun project finding a new go-to load for your use.

 

[Groo01]

I appreciate all of your kind words. I was never worried about being judged by you guys, so I have no reason to conceal what happened. I screwed up and lost a damn fine revolver. Anyone who would ridicule someone for a mistake isn't worth listening to anyway. The reason I posted this was to help others avoid the same thing, and get some helpful suggestions from you all. Thanks again!

Groo here
As in an auto accident,,[I totaled my car "@%%$@@" it..
Cop... Are you still standing, got all your arms and legs,
Anyone else hurt??????
No??????????????????????
Then say "Thankyou for taking care of me!!!]

 

[357 shooter]

This reaffirms my Fanatical Adherence to FACTORY ONLY LOADED AMMO FROM A LARGE COMPANY THAT CARRIES LIABILITY INSURANCE AND A QA PROGRAM. $900.00 Pistol and Perhaps a $20,000.00+ ER Visit.... No thanks folks.

Yeah Boeing is a large multibillion dollar company that carries liability and a QA program and I feel safer firing my handloads than flying in one of their Max Jets.

Reloading allows to me to affordably shoot many guns that I would not own otherwise.

 

[noro]

Shark Bait,

Glad you're OK. Don't know if you're interested, but you might
want to call S&W. A LONG while back, they would replace blow
ups as a courtesy. Now I think they offer a choice of replacements for a reduced cost. Might be worth checking into
especially if you're going to look for another 629.

 

[remnard]

I had the same thing happen to my Lew Horton 29. blew the top strap right off. no one got touched and I never found a single piece! I emptied every handload I made and every charge was spot on. I was loading on a single stage press at the time also. Never know what happened. I cant get the cylinder open and theres a couple rounds still in there.

 

[flagman1776]

Sorry this happened to you and thankyou for your bravery in posting it so we can learn. It is indeed pretty spectacular.

A friend of mine had a blow out on a heavily ramped 1911/45. The case ruptured, blew the (full) Wilson mag out, destroyed, split /blew off the checkered wood grips. The gun was rebuilt and he was still shooting it last I knew. He was loading on a single station press with a loading block, but admitted being interrupted and we suspected a double charge. We pulled all the bullets from that batch and they were prefect.

I load on a Dillon 550. One of the things I like is any kind of hang up, I pull all the cases out of the press. I inspect each one and single feed them as necessary to completion. You really don't need to fill all the stations, you can process single rounds.

 

[H P Bushrod]

Glad you're okay brother. The gun can be replaced, You can't.

 

[hittman77]

Holy cow. You and your friends and other bystanders are so very lucky.

Accidents do happen and can happen to any of us.

No snarky comments from me, not even gonna hint at a good natured ribbing. Thank God all ended up as good as it did.