Random Acts of Patriotism features a photo of a maimed revolver which appears to have been destroyed by a massive loading bench error, possibly a double charge of powder.
Reloading is as dangerous as negotiating the on-ramp of an urban freeway. So you say to yourself as you unlock the reloading shack, "Let's be careful in here."
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Bullseye powder is almost as old as the 1911. Over its 98 years, it became almost the de facto standard for, among other things, .38 Special target loads. You capped three grains (or a little less) of it with a 148-grain lead wad cutter for cheap and pleasant afternoons at the range.
The problem lies in its almost non-existent bulk. Responsible amounts all but disappear in the case, and six grains amputates a thumb as it destroys your Officers Model Target.
I still use it once in a while for a number of plinking loads. But I treat it like a pet cobra, My most religious practice requires a very bright flashlight. Charged cases are neatly aligned in the loading block and carefully inspected -- not glanced at but inspected -- one by one, in a regular order. Anything that looks even slightly unusual is dumped and recharged.
It isn't fool proof. A double charge is not necessarily obvious, but it should be apparent if your attention isn't diluted by memories of your first girl friend or a bacon sandwich or something.
Most other powders are bulkier. Overloads are more apparent. But in my shack, the flashlight routine is used on them, too. I am pleased with my opposable thumb and desire to keep it attached.
Please pardon the preaching.
2 comments:
Be careful in there! And don't let your mind wander.
I learned from reloading after blowing up a Dan Wesson and made several changes.
Use a highlighter when selecting a load for a cartridge.
Use a loading block and inspect powder levels before you start seating bullets.
Finally, I avoid powders which only partially fill the case.
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