One reason I test light loads powder forward and powder back, as well as powder level sometimes, to make sure they will always get the bullet out of the barrel in a worst case scenario. Some powder/bullet combos are terrible powder forward in .38 Spl.
Discouraged had a squib load today
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Crunchy Frog
Member
I use the RCBS Lockout Die with my Hornady LNL-AP press. I prefer it over the Hornady Powder Cop or RCBS Powder Die, both of which require the operator to watch them.
The Hornady powder measure is case activated; it does not dump powder unless a case is in the charging station when the press is cycled. With powder in the hopper and a proper case in place, it SHOULD throw a proper charge every time.
Even so, once in a while my Lockup Die will stop the press. Invariably I find that the measure has thrown an undercharge. My guess is that the powder has "bridged" in the measure. I empty the case and run it back through again.
No mechanical system is perfect.
The Hornady powder measure is case activated; it does not dump powder unless a case is in the charging station when the press is cycled. With powder in the hopper and a proper case in place, it SHOULD throw a proper charge every time.
Even so, once in a while my Lockup Die will stop the press. Invariably I find that the measure has thrown an undercharge. My guess is that the powder has "bridged" in the measure. I empty the case and run it back through again.
No mechanical system is perfect.
I too reload with 650 and had 1 squib in 2k rounds so far. Lesson learned. I got RCBS lockout die. I analyzed HOW this happened and I'm sure it is short-stroke, just learning press. I do admit, I didn't look into every case after I became confident. But now I DO look into every case when I start a batch or after adding powder, primers, etc. Basically, if you don't short-stroke and all going well in a batch - you good.
When you adjust load, shuffle cases, dumping powder back - need to watch out. But in my case I think I did it when putting cover on/off. I probably moved handle and then resumed batch without looking. So, any time you interrupt - watch out. I don't think it should happen again.
Almost every time on a match I see squib. I realized that whatever you do - it might happen. Make sure if you let someone shoot your guns/ammo - watch them closely.
James2
Member
My rule #9: No Squibs!
To avoid squibs I insist on looking into each casing just before putting on the bullet to make sure there is powder in it and no double. If loading single stage, I use a loading board and throw powder in enough casings to fill the board, but before adding bullets, take the board under the light and look into each one. Then when I am satisfied they all have powder and no doubles, add bullets. Keep empty brass out of reach while you seat the bullets on those in the board. (It is so easy to be going along and grab a brass just laying there with no powder in it and seat a bullet on it, if they are within reach.) The progressive gang have given you some ideas too. bottom line: It is up to us to check/look and work on our procedure. No exceptions. No SQUIBS!
To avoid squibs I insist on looking into each casing just before putting on the bullet to make sure there is powder in it and no double. If loading single stage, I use a loading board and throw powder in enough casings to fill the board, but before adding bullets, take the board under the light and look into each one. Then when I am satisfied they all have powder and no doubles, add bullets. Keep empty brass out of reach while you seat the bullets on those in the board. (It is so easy to be going along and grab a brass just laying there with no powder in it and seat a bullet on it, if they are within reach.) The progressive gang have given you some ideas too. bottom line: It is up to us to check/look and work on our procedure. No exceptions. No SQUIBS!
dirtengineer
Member
The RCBS lock out has helped me out a few times. It stops the press before the visual check, but I still do a visual. It is the best choice in my opinion because it physically stops the press.
Hondo 60
Member
Some here like to claim they're as perfect as God.
(some are, some aren't)
I hate to say squibs are part of reloading, as we try like heck to avoid them.
But the question begs, what happened to the powder that was supposed to go in that round?
Do you now have a dbl charge in that batch?
That would be my concern.
I've had a dbl charge (I'm sorry to say) that cost me a Ruger SP101.
Blew the cylinder in pieces & bulged the top strap.
Now that you've had a squib, you need to reassess your methods to eliminate another one.
Glad it was a squib & not a dbl charge!
Stay safe please.
(some are, some aren't)
I hate to say squibs are part of reloading, as we try like heck to avoid them.
But the question begs, what happened to the powder that was supposed to go in that round?
Do you now have a dbl charge in that batch?
That would be my concern.
I've had a dbl charge (I'm sorry to say) that cost me a Ruger SP101.
Blew the cylinder in pieces & bulged the top strap.
Now that you've had a squib, you need to reassess your methods to eliminate another one.
Glad it was a squib & not a dbl charge!
Stay safe please.
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Hondo 60
Member
delete - dbl post ^^^^^^^^^^^
Another note on Dillon 650.
There is no way you get double-charged without touching cases. So, in normal operation you can short-stroke and NOT get a charge but to get double-charge you should move case back into charging station
There is no way you get double-charged without touching cases. So, in normal operation you can short-stroke and NOT get a charge but to get double-charge you should move case back into charging station
With my Dillon SDBs and Hornady L-N-L I can get a double or triple charge without "touching cases". I am sure i can get one on my RCBS Pro2000 though i have learned how to prevent it with earlier presses so I suspect i could get a double charge on a Dillon 650.
It happens when i do not fully stroke the press during some kind of upset in the process such as a jam, case out of position, primer not ejecting properly and so forth.
Some of these problems/jams can be cleared by short stroking the press without indexing it. But, the powder measure still operated and dispenses powder.
It was a habit I had to break while I transitioned to the progressive.
Tempest 455
Member
I've had squibs w/ factory ammo as well. Key is paying attention to the sound of the round every time and checking if something seems wrong.
Claude Clay
Member
when instructing there are the 4 rules plus i teach a 5th--
never shoot faster than you can stop.
this has saved me misfortune twice; once with factory and once my own.
a slow to fire primer failed to fully ignite the powder and it acted like a squib load.
on my SDB and 650 my powder check is, with the help of a small led book lite, looking into each case as i am placing the bullet on top of it. if ever distracted or in doubt -- clear the plate. a pause at a time of my choosing, i stroke the handle to its most down position and leave it there. when i return, there is no doubt as to where i was when i left.
never shoot faster than you can stop.
this has saved me misfortune twice; once with factory and once my own.
a slow to fire primer failed to fully ignite the powder and it acted like a squib load.
on my SDB and 650 my powder check is, with the help of a small led book lite, looking into each case as i am placing the bullet on top of it. if ever distracted or in doubt -- clear the plate. a pause at a time of my choosing, i stroke the handle to its most down position and leave it there. when i return, there is no doubt as to where i was when i left.
I don't use powder dies as there just something else to set up and watch. I have a light on my AP which shines in the case at station 3 or 4 depending on what I am loading so I can look in the case before the bullet feeder or my hand put a bullet on top of the case. For hard to see in cases I use the mirror trick to show me inside the case.
Progressive presses at least the Hornady AP is hard to mess up on. To get a double charge one would have to raise the ram a full stroke at least twice, if you are doing this then you are not paying attention at all. Light charges are more likely with light powder charges of powder such as Unique but a grain or 2 light is obvious when looking in the case. Don't try and copy the idiots on You Tube who are throwing the press handle around trying to impress people with how fast they can kick out rounds, a slow steady pace is best as it gives you time to watch whats happening and you will be able to feel when something isn't right.
Progressive presses at least the Hornady AP is hard to mess up on. To get a double charge one would have to raise the ram a full stroke at least twice, if you are doing this then you are not paying attention at all. Light charges are more likely with light powder charges of powder such as Unique but a grain or 2 light is obvious when looking in the case. Don't try and copy the idiots on You Tube who are throwing the press handle around trying to impress people with how fast they can kick out rounds, a slow steady pace is best as it gives you time to watch whats happening and you will be able to feel when something isn't right.
mljdeckard
Member
I have had one squib, loading for 30 carbine. I am pretty sure it was a no-charge case. Now I use my surefire flashlight to check every charge, every time, no exceptions.
wally
Member
Failing to do this is the root cause of squibs!
Double charges are IMHO best prevented by using a bulky powder that overflows the case with a double charge.
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