IF you routinely refer to your manual while reloading, make sure that your manual remains open to the SAME PAGE... ... and just slipping in a page marker isn't adequate. Or copy the page that you're going to use and have only that on your bench. Amazingly (amusingly?) quite a few of my colleagues at the range reported catching such a problem in mid-reloading - and not known when the page turned. Starting over isn't always as much fun.
Reloading Safety
- Thread starter Hikinghunter
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tony d willIiams
Well-Known Member
Quality calipers, definitely a safety issue. I had an old pair of calipers. I kept them on my reloading table, my better ones in the measuring device toolbox. One day the readings seemed funny. I checked them, and they would read a bit different each time. I have been using calipers and micrometers for 50 some years. Not operator error.
I checked them with known thickness gauge plates. No good.
Too much compression on powders, or incorrect diameters when prepping brass could produce errant barrel pressures.
^^^ THIS ^^^
Hikinghunter
Well-Known Member
Thanks for all the advice. Took awhile to read through, but certainly gave me a lot of good ideas.
Cool to hear about folks handloading as kids. Hoping I can get my two boys into it when they are a little older.
Cool to hear about folks handloading as kids. Hoping I can get my two boys into it when they are a little older.
Allen Lone wolf
Well-Known Member
I forgot to mention in earlier post that I use clear drop tube extensions on my powder throwers so I can have a visual on the powder charge as it drops into the case as I am charging my cases and I still inspect my tray full of charged cases by looking into them when I'm done charging them all to see if they all look the same.
My father blessed me when I was about twelve by telling me I could shoot all I wanted, all I had to do was reload all my own ammo. Then he made certain I always hade the components I needed. He did however, back me down from a press to the nylon hammer and "Lee Loader" dies when he came home from work and I had loaded 75 shot shells after school that day.
FireFlyFishing
Well-Known Member
Apologies if it's been mentioned. Headspace gauges. I have the comparator type as well as caliber specific go/no go gauges. Get them.
markdwalden
Member
Reloading safety is crucial, and you've shared some great practices! I also believe that having the right mindset and staying focused during reloading is non-negotiable. It's smart to set things aside if the timing isn't right—safety always comes first.
I like your idea of double tumbling cases. It not only keeps your dies clean but also gives that extra shine, which definitely shows pride in your work. Using tools like the Wilson Case Gauge for added insurance is a great tip, and labeling ammo boxes properly is a must for staying organized.
By the way, if you're ever looking to enhance safety while working on projects, you might consider a corporate safety eyewear program. It's a solid way to keep vision protection at the forefront.
Happy reloading and stay safe!
I like your idea of double tumbling cases. It not only keeps your dies clean but also gives that extra shine, which definitely shows pride in your work. Using tools like the Wilson Case Gauge for added insurance is a great tip, and labeling ammo boxes properly is a must for staying organized.
By the way, if you're ever looking to enhance safety while working on projects, you might consider a corporate safety eyewear program. It's a solid way to keep vision protection at the forefront.
Happy reloading and stay safe!
To measure each kernel of powder before loading. If they aren't all the same thickness and length.....bad things will happen!
Gday skip
That made me laugh
good one I love it 
i better clarify why the calipers are a good safety device imo
Cheers
Gday
Went back & read this post & where the calipers were asked on why needed & some great responses so I'll not need to parrot them & just add these couple cents worth that's important for me
I've seen a couple of people put very close calibers in the wrong cartridge eg 284 in a 277 & bad things happen
Now also seen this from bullets in boxes directly from the company ( 2 companies now ) & only by going hmmm that doesn't look right or feel right & checking weights & measuring I obtained what occurred
The same could possibly occur if one drops a box on the floor or some pills not noticed a dropped pill of other calibers wasn't noticed prior all go into the box & non the wiser until loading or shooting
Just one I like to have calipers as if it doesn't look or feel right it's quick & easy to determine what caliber it is
Cheers
Went back & read this post & where the calipers were asked on why needed & some great responses so I'll not need to parrot them & just add these couple cents worth that's important for me
I've seen a couple of people put very close calibers in the wrong cartridge eg 284 in a 277 & bad things happen
Now also seen this from bullets in boxes directly from the company ( 2 companies now ) & only by going hmmm that doesn't look right or feel right & checking weights & measuring I obtained what occurred
The same could possibly occur if one drops a box on the floor or some pills not noticed a dropped pill of other calibers wasn't noticed prior all go into the box & non the wiser until loading or shooting
Just one I like to have calipers as if it doesn't look or feel right it's quick & easy to determine what caliber it is
Cheers
