Hi Folks. Just a quick reminder for those of you that use 'Progressive Presses' I've see two guy's now that have blown up thier auto pistol barrels due to this type of press, for some reason they tend to miss a powder charge every once in a while. Both shooters were shooting the 'Steel Challenge'

OO7

This is NOT a fault of a progressive press!

It is the fault of sloppy reloading technique...

I agree with ricciardelli. It is not the fault of the press, it is the fault of the operator. A double charge, most likely the cause of a blown barrel, can occur with single stage or progressive presses.

I used a Dillon650 to blow up my handgun and can only blame my sloppy quality control.

I'd say it was the loose nut behind the operating handle. Progressive presses require slightly more thought then single stage. Not a lot, but some. As with all things mechanical, PAY ATTENTION! - Dan

Is is just a double charge that is the problem or is there something else? It seems that if you were using a powder that took up well over have the case a double charge would be obvious.

Actually I bet it's not a double charge problem but more of a no charge problem. They probably had a squib round stuck in the barrel and then fired another shot ontop of it. Both firing a second round and a missed powder charge are user errors.
I have had a couple missed charges in my day and even tho I was in the full pitch of shooting I pay attention to my gun and it's very easy to tell if your bullet doesn't leave the barrel.

This is exactly the reason I never recommend the use of a progressive loader for beginning reloaders. Learning technique is very important to loading and safety and IMHO the most important thing to concentrate on before moving up to a progressive press.
I've also had a few squib loads from a friend of mine who uses a dillon. Paying attention to your pistol while shooting is the most important thing you can do while shooting a string, even in a combat competition where the shooting is fast and heavy.
In other words- what Steve said! - Sheister