If you make it idiot proof, they'll make a better idiot!

[coloradokevin]

So, I got my new Dillon RL 500b running today, and learned a lesson about the primer magazine tube at the same time. I followed the instructions that came with the press, and it seemed like the primer tube was properly seated in the magazine. But, as soon as I dropped the 60 or so primers into the tube I learned that the magazine was NOT entirely seated.

I never realized how much effort is involved in trying to pick up 60+ spilled primers, along with primers that had worked their way into the little cracks and crevices of the machine itself. It ended up causing about a 45 minute delay, and every time I thought I'd found all of the primers, I ended up finding another couple floating around.

I even managed to completely flatten a live primer in the machine's linkage as I worked the handle, and it fortunately did not detonate in the process.

So, as I said that the beginning... as soon as you make something idiot proof, they'll make a better idiot! I'm that guy today

Kind of wish I'd have realized what would happen if the magazine tube wasn't entirely seated in the magazine!

 

[osteodoc08]

I've done the same thing with 50 primers. Now I try to double check the primer size and appropriate tube as well. Live and learn. I detonated one when I rolled over it with my stool. It definitely caught my attention.

 

[Rule3]

I am sure many have played 100 pick up. Such a fun game

I learned to put primers in my primer tray over a towel, rag, the bed anything soft so they don't roll away into another dimension.

 

[PWGUNNY]

Rolled over and detonated with the stool, that's hysterical.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

So, as I said that the beginning... as soon as you make something idiot proof, they'll make a better idiot! I'm that guy today

I like it when someone can laugh at themselves. IMO that shows good character. Good to meet you Sir...

I'm fairly sure we have all "been that guy" one time or another, I know I have!

 

[Jesse Heywood]

as soon as you make something idiot proof, they'll make a better idiot!

We used to use that phrase designing things for the B-52. But we had an addendum.

Build it idiot-proof and to be assembled wearing arctic gloves. But most idiots won't wear arctic gloves...

 

[jmorris]

Stuff happens and you learn. You would only be an idiot if you did it again.

 

[coloradokevin]

Stuff happens and you learn. You would only be an idiot if you did it again.

Yeah, that happened this morning... Naw, just kidding. It's a lesson that I think I learned the first time! I'll be carefully checking those magazine tubes from now on!

 

[Hondo 60]

Don't beat yourself up.
I've done it too.
You live & learn.

I recently had someone "marvel" at my reloading knowledge.
If they only knew the valleys & pot-holes along the way -

 

[coloradokevin]

Yeah, the best part is that I've been reloading for a while now, just not on this particular machine (I've been using a Lee Classic Turret since I started). The Dillon machine is a whole different animal than the Lee, and I think I'll love it once I learn all of its quirks. But, there's been a bit of a learning curve (apparently) with the new setup!