Slowly getting rid of the "fast" powders

[JackOfAllTradesMasterAtNone]

Although I'm not as paronoid as several of you. Loading with semi-progressive press, (Dillon450), I am watchfull of my actions and don't worry about double charges. (I load my rifle cartridges on a single stage press) That said, I use 2400, 296 and AA#9 for the magnum pistols for certain worked up loads for hunting accuracy/velocity.

Eric, you can eliminate the 2400 for the .357mag by switching to AA#9. The #9 meters terifically.

Still, I'll stick with Bullseye and 231 for the .45acp. There's nothing better.

I've got to go with what someone else stated in so many words. .. Good practices at the reloading bench will avoid any chance of double charging a cartridge.

-Steve

 

[robctwo]

I'm using the Hornady LnL progressive auto index. I haven't noticed an opportunity for a double charge unless I stop the cycle, remove the case and move it back in the shell plate one notch. The only time I do anything like that is when I'm working up a load, and I use a block under my shell plate to disengage the auto index. I never seat a bullet on one of those shells without weighing it, which is what I'm doing in the first place.

Had some issues with not charging a case early on. That was a rookie error and a problem with the powder drop barrell sticking at the top. Had a few squibs. They can be a problem if not watching for them. Didn't shoot any rounds with one stuck in the pipe. Started taking a dowel to the range. Cleaned up the drum on the powder drop and clean it periodically now. Also have become aware of it cycling every round. Seems to have cured the problem.

I'm using Clays for the .45 right now. 3.8 to 4.2 depending on the bullet. It's fast powder but I'm comfortable with it.

 

[rayra]

RON in PA

Paranoid arn't we. What's the probability that factory ammo in 38 special hasn't been double charged since the factories use fast burning powder to save money.

Damned arrogant, aren't we.
Vanishingly close to 0, since they are loaded via automated machinery.

We're humans, we make mistakes. Why do you choose to denigrate a desire by others to increase the safety factor as "paranoid".

Paranoia is gnerally an unfounded fear. Folks that have been reloading for a while KNOW that accidents are possible in the process. It isn't 'paranoia'.

 

[AtomSphere]

will Pistol Power overflow if double charged in a 9mm?

 

[confed sailor]

also dont reload in the heat, sweat deactivates powder. i found that out the hard way. although the little nagant survived, im still nervous with new loads.

 

[DBR]

Peter,

I posted this suggestion a couple of years ago. It still works:

I use a Dillon powder measure on my RCBS 2000. The 2000 doesn't use the dillon linkage to insure that the measuring bar goes back each time, so you have to keep an eye on the bar but since it flares the case mouth when it drops the powder it frees up the next station for a powder checker. I use the RCBS "lock out die".

I installed the powder measure on the second station where the expander usually goes. The checker goes where the powder measure usually goes. It has worked great for me. You have to remember to seat the primer with an up stroke before the down stroke so the primer is seated before the powder drops.

 

[silicon wolverine]

I use blue dot and magnum primers for most of my pistol loads. Yes it costs more but i can visually see the powder in the case. I blew up a beretta 9000 pistol using ultramax ammo that teh company claimed was either a double charge or a cracked case. There wasnt enough left to know which it was.

SW

 

[ed7.62]

Slow powder.

I am a UK shooter, We shoot quite a bit of Titegroup, Bullseye and Red Dot mostly in 38/357 148gr WC. Not only is it cheap shooting but, has been the best for comp shooting in the club. The 25m record of 100 max score was set last month by a pal of mine shooting HBWC 148gr with 2.7gr of Bullseye. Ok so it is a little dirty and BE is a real pig to meter through a Lyman1200 Digital, but who cares when it shoots so well. My 44 under lever open sights will give less than a 1 inch group at 50m with 7gr of Red Dot.

We do long range revolver 100m where the boys load 357 180-200gr over 14+ 0f 2400 or H4227, these loads are also good for tiger but not many of these about in Wales. Ed.

 

[bobaloo]

Here's how you double charge with a progressive... I use a Hornady LNL. Several times in the midst of reloading I've pulled the lever, pushing the ram up. The depriming pin hits something in the bottom of the case, or the primer is stuck, and I back off to check it out, not all the way, but just a little, so the shellholder doesn't advance. The case under the powder feed has been moved up enough to trigger the powder drop. If I then finish the stroke to deprime and size the case, I've dropped another load of powder into that case.

I know it happens, I've done it several times. I've trained myself that if for whatever reason I don't finish the stroke of the handle I pull the case under #3 and check it out. I've never actually loaded a double charge, but if I hadn't been careful I could have done it, even with an autoindexing press.