Talk about low density loading... I remember many years ago when I dipped Unique and Red Dot charges for 30/06, 150 grain cast plinkers. (around 8 grains or so as I recall)
I loaded them in 60 round blocks, and after charging the cases I inserted a pen tube that had the exact diameter as the case till it hit the powder, and scribed a mark where it stopped at the top of the case. Never had a double or squib back then, or as of today (knock on wood). As mentioned by others, I NEVER seat a bullet without two checks of the powder height. The first is after flaring/charging, the next time is at the seating station prior to seating. I too use a very bright desk lamp properly aimed, and consider it an absolute must.
My .38 special loads using Bullseye where I cannot eyeball the charge, I will take the completed rounds and lay them on top of a 1911 magazine, and shake near my ear. It does not take long to do this or to quickly know what the proper sound should be. Yeah, it seems kinda anal, but my wife shoots 95% of the 38 Special I make, so my extra QC step on her behalf is worth it.
I loaded them in 60 round blocks, and after charging the cases I inserted a pen tube that had the exact diameter as the case till it hit the powder, and scribed a mark where it stopped at the top of the case. Never had a double or squib back then, or as of today (knock on wood). As mentioned by others, I NEVER seat a bullet without two checks of the powder height. The first is after flaring/charging, the next time is at the seating station prior to seating. I too use a very bright desk lamp properly aimed, and consider it an absolute must.
My .38 special loads using Bullseye where I cannot eyeball the charge, I will take the completed rounds and lay them on top of a 1911 magazine, and shake near my ear. It does not take long to do this or to quickly know what the proper sound should be. Yeah, it seems kinda anal, but my wife shoots 95% of the 38 Special I make, so my extra QC step on her behalf is worth it.
