Don't be a lazy moron when reloading

[jjohnsonElknewbie]

Quick PSA that shouldn't need to be said, but I'm gonna say it anyways and hope it helps other guys not repeat my mistake. When your measuring brass dimensions with calipers, make sure they are bare. Assuming flat surfaces like the Hornady comparator and comparator base will yield the same measurement is wrong. They have their time and place for specific tests, but not for everything. I made this mistake over the last couple days while measuring the outside neck diameter of necked down brass. This user error overly complicated an issue and wasted some good folks time. It also exposed another learning opportunity for new reloaders, and I want to give a big shout out to @wind gypsy for the free advice, patience, and expertise, while I worked this out.

 

[RockAndSage]

This might fall into the category of instrument calibration...I bought my first set of check-weights after learning the hard way about the importance of calibrating your scales/balances regularly for powder charges.

 

[Jimbee]

Don't forget to put the primers in before you fill cases with powder and seat bullets. They won't go bang and some of the powder might fall out the flash hole. Also, don't bump shoulders too far back in an attempt to neck down brass, you might ruin a whole box of brand new Lapua cases. Make sure you put powder back in the proper container. Follow me for more tips and tricks.

 

[TradLife406]

Make sure you bump your shoulders back enough... then double check the case will chamber to be extra safe.
I learned that the hard way a couple weeks ago.
Measured, bumped the recommended amount back. But for my specific chamber it wasn't enough.

Also use a bullet comparator to measure COAL

Because you used a coal gauge for one bullet doesn't mean that'll work for a different bullet.. hahahah so stupid

Make sure if you're loading for one cartridge there's no similar bullets one cal size up near by. I accidentally made a 6 creed while loading 22 creed. Luckily I caught it. Right afterwards
Had a box of 108 eldms and 88 eldms open.

 

[wind gypsy]

Make sure if you're loading for one cartridge there's no similar bullets one cal size up near by. I accidentally made a 6 creed while loading 22 creed. Luckily I caught it. Right afterwards
Had a box of 108 eldms and 88 eldms open.

In relation to this one - if you're pulling the handle on the press and there is notably more resistance than there should be or in comparison to adjacent cases/rounds - stop and figure why there is more resistance! There is a bunch of things that could be happening that this relates to.

 

[jfk69]

Always, always double check your recipe when dropping powder. Especially after loading a different cartridge. This may prevent you from adding an extra 10 grains of powder in your case. Thankful I still have a rifle and a face. GRT estimated it went off at 109k psi…

 

[pods8 (Rugged Stitching)]

Don't forget to put the primers in before you fill cases with powder

I weighed out 25 powder charges the other day before I noticed I forgot to prime the cases... doh!

 

[Pescetism]

Take a break or stop if you're feeling tired or have just been at it too long. Forgetting to prime before dropping charges is annoying but not too dangerous. Missing a powder charge or two in the middle of loading an ammo can full of 223 results in a lot of shaking cases checking for powder to avoid a squib. Thankfully, that CCI #41 couldn't force a 55 gr FMJ into the barrel.

Always, always double check your recipe when dropping powder. Especially after loading a different cartridge. This may prevent you from adding an extra 10 grains of powder in your case. Thankful I still have a rifle and a face. GRT estimated it went off at 109k psi…

Out of curiosity, what type of powder and cartridges? I assume ball because I can't think of a situation with stick powders where 10 extra grains wouldn't overflow the case. Of course that's assuming you meant to use the same powder.

 

[gman82001]

Varmegeddon hollow points and varmegeddon tipped have different seating depths in .224. Don’t load a hp to 2.26 in a tikka or you’ll stick it in the lands and have an action full of Ramshot tac

 

[jfk69]

Out of curiosity, what type of powder and cartridges? I assume ball because I can't think of a situation with stick powders where 10 extra grains wouldn't overflow the case. Of course that's assuming you meant to use the same powder.

N560 in a .280. Yes it will fit. Just a total blonde airhead moment. Only fired one. But a 162 grain eldx should NOT hit 3250 leaving a 22” barrel .280 Remington. Had to pound the bolt open. Thankfully the rifle was fine and I walked away with fingers and a face, as ugly as it is. Fired a hundred or so rounds since with no issues. Took them home and disassembled to see what the deal was. They were ALL precisely 10 grains over. Nice reminder to do a cranial rectal extraction when switching cartridges.

 

[BigDog00]

I weighed out 25 powder charges the other day before I noticed I forgot to prime the cases... doh!

I made it all the way to the range and tried to fire the unprimed cases before I realized how big of an idiot I am. LOL