Of course, I'd wear safety glasses and take precautions but are these problems strictly caused by ignorance or is it just a gamble you take when you reload? If I do start, I'll definitely be getting help from RogerinNeb but I don't want to worry about a blast of hot gas coming back in my face or my gun blowing up when I'm out to enjoy some range time if I do MY part.

Your input is greatly appreciated.

In contrast, my body is covered with scars from other hobbies, and all my friends who died violent deaths were doing hobbies other than handloading.

The problem is that to start handloading, one follows set procedures and rules. If one follows these, some reasonable safety can be expected.

When someone starts thinking he understands load design enough to venture into the unknown, it will appear overly dangerous to those suffering from fear and ignorance. The problem is, those people suffering from fear and ignorance, think and really believe that the pioneer is crazy and dangerous.

This problem, by ITSELF, could keep a million men typing for the rest of their lives.

[This message has been edited by Clark (edited 03-26-2002).]

I'll add, "Reloading is not dangerous, but some people who reload are."

Eddie

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One shot, one kill. No excuses, no exceptions, EVER!!

This happened on I80 in Sidney Neb. when our Blazer developed the same problem and pulled off the highway into a Cabelas store that was advertized on a highway billboard

Seriously if you're not an Orville Overpower type when it comes to reloading you'll be fine. But as you know life is not without risks. It's the thing that remains constant in a free society.

Enjoy your new hobby------------Chainsaw

Just like the post above that mentions a no powder load I almost got hit by a section of barrel that blew off of a trap door when a load was fired after the previous handloaded bullet had stuck in the barrel.

Everything is dangerous. Do it right.

Whatever you do, don't start. Dutch.

The above said it well - reloading is not dangerous, but some reloaders are.

My advice - BE METHODICAL. Be clean, as in not messy. Obey the little rules, like only having one can of powder on the bench at a time. Do not reload when distracted or when drinking. Do not let others distract you. You can do some case prep work in front of the TV, but when priming and adding powder and seating bullets your full attention must be on what you are doing - never let someone distract you.

If anything seems out of the ordinary, stop and investigate. Do not force anything.

And finally, don't try to squeeze that last 50 fps from your load - it don't mean sh*t to the trajectory, the animal or the target, but your firearm might not like it at all.

[This message has been edited by Jim in Idaho (edited 03-27-2002).]

When we get together for lunch I'll be the guy with the patch over my eye...(kidding!)

Rog

quote:

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Originally posted by dan belisle:
Yeah, Chainsaw, all the vehicles I drive have the same problem. Everytime I work in Nebraska (North Platte, Scots Bluff, Alliance)the vehicle (even if it's a rental!-spooky) suddenly has to drive to Sidney or Kearny. Sometimes to Grand Isle. Looks like an X-files case to me. LOL - Dan

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Buy several reloading manuals. Read them to get a feel for the cartridge, powder, bullet combinations.

Set up in a room where you will not be disturbed. If you smoke stay clear of powder. Store powder and primers in a cabinet with only ONE powder on the ench at a time.

Keep reloading area neat and clean and mind clear.

Do not exceed/substitute loading data maximums.

What I've learned in 32 years of reloading:

Pistol and shotgun extremely suceptible to double charge. Take care.

Slower rifle powders generally fill case around max. For example 4831 will fill case before reaching exceedingly high pressures.

If you exceed manuals maximum look for difficult extraction. If primer pocket will loosens with good brass you are to hot. If you see bright mark in extractor area of case you are up around 70000PSI.

Jack O'Conner once wrote a piece entitled "Pressure is your friend". It is if used properly. However running 3 grains past maximum rarely makes sense. Hot charges of slow burning powder severly reduce barrel life. Whats more you rarely see much over 100fps gain.

If your 6.5X55 125 grain nosler at 2850 is to slow, rechamber to 260Rem. Still need more out of a 6.5 got to 264 Winchester. Look at a ballistic table to see if you are really gaining much for increased veocity.

Insure that your headspace is on the minimum side and that your dies are set to maintain that headspace. No point working that brass more than necessary. Drastically reduce chances of case seperation.

Wear glasses. I've had cases seperate and pierced primers. Not pleasant but no real harm with safety glasses. Wear them when you reload. I've had two primers go off over the years while trying to seat a primer in a case already primed. Really got my attention but no harm due to eye protection.

Get a good ($100) scale and use it often.

I'll conclude by saying that reloading is fun and safe.

Relax and enjoy!

Wally