Double charge - it finally happened
- Thread starter 5.45
- Start date
Leatherstocking
CGN Regular
- Location
- BC Rockies
Glad you caught it!
I neither load on. A progressive, nor load pistol ammo.
Most rifle loads fill the case 80% full or more, so a double charge is impossible. The most likely error is no powder or not enough, leaving a bullet stuck in the barrel. Next shot, kaboom!
I neither load on. A progressive, nor load pistol ammo.
Most rifle loads fill the case 80% full or more, so a double charge is impossible. The most likely error is no powder or not enough, leaving a bullet stuck in the barrel. Next shot, kaboom!
- Location
- Western Manitoba
Any guesses how that happened? A previous charge hung up so two charges went here (meaning there is an empty one somewhere). Or did the powder dispenser get cycled twice in same position? I do not use a progressive press - what you show is the main reason for me - mostly because I do not understand how that comes to occur??
fingers284
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Alberta Cowboy Ranges
That's not a progressive press, manually advancing Dillon 550, he just simply forgot to manually rotate the shell plate and ran the press in the same position twice...never happen on a "progressive", they automatically advance to the next station unless the rotation is messed with by the operator.
This. It's impossible to load a double charge with the Dillon system unless you do something to ensure that the case doesn't advance to the next station. Can't be done on a 650 without physically removing the case from the shell plate and moving it back a spot, but definitely can on a 550
ipscgraz
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Actually it can. If you short stroke the press so that the shell plate doesn't index over, you can raise the already filled case up and get a second load of powder. Gave me pause when I saw it happen, while I was focused on station 4.
The powder bar will not reset unless the ram has lowered enough to automatically index the shell plate. This is an obvious built in safety feature. If this isn't the case with your press, it's maybe not set up correctly?
A true progressive press helps minimize human-induced errors. I think it is safer / more reliable as long as the mech is good to begin with.
Dillon 550 is a semi progressive, great for development / debugging, but you have to build in additional safeguards into the process.
This. I got distracted for a second and forgot to advance the shell plate.
VV N320 was specifically selected for its low density: high % case fill = much more difficult to mess up and not see it.
Titegroup could have been a different story
Yup. I have thought quite a bit about double charges throughout the years. It can't happen on a 650 in good working order. Not sure it could even happen on one broken or set up incorrectly either.
I was expecting to see a 7 piece rifle that had a double load of pistol powder lit off in it.
I'm not sure if I'm relieved or disappointed.
For your viewing pleasure - not about reloading, but there is plenty of rapid disassembly footage by JM himself:
The aftermarket LED illuminators for multi-station presses make it easier to observe the charged case powder level.
https://budgetshootersupply.ca/product-category/categories/rifle-pistol-reloading-tools-lubes/reloading-press-led-lights/
https://budgetshootersupply.ca/product-category/categories/rifle-pistol-reloading-tools-lubes/reloading-press-led-lights/
When I was still loading with the Hor., I kind of made a half assed thing like that. This is a great idea.
never had a double, but the measure did go to hell and did not drop a couple of charges, Found out with a pop , no boom.
never had a double, but the measure did go to hell and did not drop a couple of charges, Found out with a pop , no boom.
Powder binding the bar or improper setup can lead to light or missed charges. The low powder alarm is available for that or you can always just pay attention.
I can't operate any of my presses fast enough to not be able to give the case a quick look before moving on without missing a beat. I have purposely never bothered with a motor for that reason among others.
Filled like that - no matter how gentle you rotate the plate - powder will have spilled.
Impossible not to notice. On the 550 - bullet is seated manually - very hard not to notice spilled powder, and see the powder level while you put your bullet on the case.
You will also feel the extra force needed to seat the bullet - IF you ever missed all the clues. If you reached that point without noticing -then reloading is not for you.
Double charge on a 550 - is operator error. You did not rotate the plate. The powder measure is activated by the case. You pulled the handle twice.
The powder station is in front - very easy to see - bullet seating is in the back but in plain view , allowing visual inspection.
Unless you are a magician - you have to look at the case to put your bullet on the case.
The 550 allow you to do - one case at the time. If taking care of 4 operations at one time if it is too much. Slow down.
My grand father was saying -“ when you do something stupid - don’t tell everybody.You already know what you did. “
Impossible not to notice. On the 550 - bullet is seated manually - very hard not to notice spilled powder, and see the powder level while you put your bullet on the case.
You will also feel the extra force needed to seat the bullet - IF you ever missed all the clues. If you reached that point without noticing -then reloading is not for you.
Double charge on a 550 - is operator error. You did not rotate the plate. The powder measure is activated by the case. You pulled the handle twice.
The powder station is in front - very easy to see - bullet seating is in the back but in plain view , allowing visual inspection.
Unless you are a magician - you have to look at the case to put your bullet on the case.
The 550 allow you to do - one case at the time. If taking care of 4 operations at one time if it is too much. Slow down.
My grand father was saying -“ when you do something stupid - don’t tell everybody.You already know what you did. “
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