almost blew it......

[SSN Vet]

I loaded up another group of 5 round test batches for my 312-155 cast bullets for use in a 7.62x39 Saiga.

Started w/ 20 gr 1680, then 20.5, then 21 then 21.5.

Weighed each charge on the scale (which goes surprisingly fast), and dropped through a funnel set in the top of the rifle charging die. I do it this way, as I have a dedicated turret (for my LCT press) set up for x39 and with the brass all prepped, all I had to do was seat the primer, drop the charge, seat bullet and crimp.

didn't seem to have my head in the game though....I dropped one charge with the charging die not rotated to the ram station , set the crimp to light (for fear of unintentionally sizing the cast bullet down) and had to pull a couple bullets that failed my set back test (they moved when pushing with my finger), I probably should have called it quits then, but I was all set up and wanted to get these loaded so I could sieze the day this Saturday if the sun pops out.

When I was trickling the charge for the second 20.5 gr. round, using a Lee dipper, I thought it seemed like quite a bit more powder than the 20 grain charge was....so I look at the scale set up again.....

It was set for 25 gr. , and I had loaded one to completion with that setting alreday!!!

Did I say I really want a digital scale?

Though my head was not in the game last night, I think my over all attitude and approach to reloading is sound, and that's what saved me.

1. never hurry
2. if at all in doubt, double check
3. do your homework
4. believe what your insturments are telling you (scale, callipers, targets, spent cases, etc...)

and to this I am now adding...

5. when your head isn't in the game, better off to call it quits.

 

[rcmodel]

Might I add:
6. Use a loading block when filling cases.

7. Compare powder charge levels in them all before seating bullets.

rcmodel

 

[CBS220]

A loading block and a flashlight go a long way.

Charge all of your cases, then use the flashlight to eyeball all of the charges.

I weigh my first charge, and then about every twentieth after that (just to make sure). Except in certain cases, such as with pistol powders, it is VERY easy to see if you have decent charge uniformity. A tenth of a grain here or there is not going to make a terrible lot of difference downrange, but just keeping the powder levels "eyeball consistent" is a safe and easy way to do things.

 

[Walkalong]

I load on a progressive, but I drilled a two step hole in between stations 3 & 4, and stations 4 & 5, so a Fenix E1 will slip into it and shine down into the case after its charged. I see every charge I seat a bullet over.

I used to use a Maglite Solitaire, but moved into the world of LED flashlights 3 or 4 years ago. They will only get better and better. They already trump the old ones.