Why we always double check everything

[Walkalong]

I decided to load up a handful of test rounds using a different bullet on an otherwise proven load.

I get out the 3N37, fill the powder measure, check the setting for 7.7 Grs, dial it in, and run 20 drops through the measure running them through the LNL, pulling each one out on the last station, dumping it into the measure, and putting it back in at station one.

I set the scale at 7.7 Grs, take the last powder drop and put it on the scale. It is way too light. OK, now do I believe my Load Data or this drop? I check a couple of more and they are all too light.

Ok, lets check the powder. Yep, it's right, 3N37. Lets check the setting (31.3). Yep, it's right according to my data. Lets check the setting on the powder measure insert. The 20 line, plus another line is 25, plus.......Dang it, 25.3, one line short. *Sigh* Set it on 31.3, run 10 drops, and it is dropping 7.7 Grs now.

But at least I followed my routine, checked the weight, and got it right in the end.

 

[gamestalker]

That's how we do it.

I caught a mistake the other day also, nothing to do with powder charge, but it would have resulted in loaded bottle necks not fitting the chamber.

GS

 

[gonoles_1980]

The process which includes double and triple checks has saved me light loads, heavy loads, and double loads. If I make a mistake, I look for another step to add to the process to prevent it.

 

[jmorris]

Lets check the setting on the powder measure insert. The 20 line, plus another line is 25, plus.......Dang it, 25.3, one line short.

Why I leave powder bars preset for my loads once I find a combination I like, I guess I would have entire powder measures preset but I am too cheap for that.

 

[spitballer]

Yep, that's murphy's law at work. Why redundancy is not a four-letter word in this business. Good for you, old-timer

 

[243winxb]

Yes, Best to double check everything, even the same loading you have been using for years. The scale gets my full attention. One notch more or less is 5 grs.

old timer

Who that be?

 

[cfullgraf]

Why I leave powder bars preset for my loads once I find a combination I like, I guess I would have entire powder measures preset but I am too cheap for that.

It is handy to have preset powder measures.

My two of my three Dillon SDBs never change cartridges and hence the powder measures stay set. The third swaps between two cartridges and each has a fully populated die plate including a preset powder measure.

I still check the weight of thrown charges as they seem to drift a little between uses and powder lots.

The price if a complete SDB is not much more than a complete cartridge change so I change cartridges by swapping out the entire press.

Not so with other presses and cartridges. I have more than my share of powder measures but not enough to dedicate one per cartridge.

So, I do not work from memory (check my records or loading manuals) and check, double check and then check again the powder and charge before loading cartridges.

 

[PJSprog]

Nice catch, Walkalong. A fine example for noobs ... even us "old timers" can and do make mistakes. Catching them in time makes all the difference. Having those processes in place is key.

 

[BullRunBear]

Thanks for the reminder to always, always, always be sure of the powder and load. That's one of the reasons I like using scoops for the powder charge and even then I check them on a scale when starting a new session. My reloading isn't fast but I've spent over 30 years trying to make it error free. So far so good. But my slow pace would probably drive some folks crazy.

Jeff

 

[Slamfire]

I have had a dusty version of AA2520 clog up a 223 Dillion powder horn. I made a number or completed rounds before I found that some rounds had low powder charges. Have to have frequent quality checks.

 

[Hondo 60]

My most recent screwup was with 2400 vs Lil Gun.
Had the wrong powder -
luckily it was only a coupla rounds that I had to pull.
Otherwise it could've been disastrous!

My friendly warning to all my THR friends:

ALWAYS dbl check the powder & charge weight in a published manual or manufacturer's website.

Please stay safe!