Mine first. 30 years ago I got hold of some 60 gr bullets for my 25/06, but couldn't find any loading data. I had data for a 75gr bullet, so I just figgered out a load for the 60gr. Minor problem...I ha da can of 4350 sitting right nest to the powder thrower, BUT there was a much faster powder IN the hopper.

Got one loaded and went to shoot it to look at pressure signs. Glasses in ear muffs in place I touched her off. Loud BOOM, kicked like a 378Weatherby, and chitt flew back into my face. DAMN. Bolt wouldn't open. I stood on the gun and my bud kicked the bolt open. Primer was GONE, as in nottobeseen...case head was polished smooth, no writing that was there just minutes before. A little hot it seems.. I'd a like a slowmo of that bullet going down range.

Took a little while to figger out what stupid chitt I had done back at the bench. I figgered that load was something like 30% above max load. I was, however, impressed by the strength of that Rem 700 action.

Umm 3 squibs.38 special.ONE stuck .270 case. 4.3 grains of H4831 under a 200 .45 swc instead of W231,it Poofed stead of Bam! That's all i'll admit to publicly.

Dave, I didn't do it, but I saw a Ruger SuperBlackhawk with the top strap ripped open and peeled forward, top three cylinders gone. Guy swore it was factory load till we beat the cylinder out and removed one of the three remaining rounds. 22gr of BULLSEYE over a 240gr bullet!!!!!!!!!! No injuries except to the gun!!

Loaded some 264 win mag one time with mixed powder. Some sucker ended up with them

I think this should become a sticky thread. A lot of people got into reloading in the past few years with the ammo shortages, and many of them had no mentoring at all to get started. I started reloading with my father over 30 years ago, and i am still learning to this day.

I believe I have good, safe reloading practices, and have not had any major bad situations occur with my handloads. A few small hiccups, but nothing which caused an unsafe situation. Develop good procedures and ALWAYS follow them. Do not have any distractions in your loading room such as a TV, kids, etc.

Only have the can of powder you are loading on your bench, and always dump the extra from the powder measure back into the can when you are done. This is an often overlooked safety measure that will eliminate powder mix-ups. Powder mix-ups can cause the most disastrous results on the range.

I'm a newbie when it comes to reloading. I've only been doing it for 5 years. I have read 3 different books numerous times, watched numerous youtube video's and talked with a couple of men who have been doing it for many, many years. I can't report any screw ups yet. Oh, and I forgot, I have read this reloading thread on Aldeer. I start my loads low and work up from there. I guess I should thank you men for advice and pointers you've posted. It's helped me a lot. I'm always learning though. When one thinks they know it all, that's when Karma pays a visit. Always be careful.

Worst thing I've done is got in a hurry loading 40S&W on a single stage and didn't get my finger out of the way before I ran the ram up to size a case. Damn near took the end of my finger off between the case mouth and die.

they fast and and make some noise.....

Swapped range bags once,those .280 rem cases looked long for .260 dies.

Hahaha. Good deal. Was waiting on you to catch that!

A hunting buddy of mine took two rifles on a Wyoming trip, both 7mmRMs. Handloads, NECK SIZED, per each rifle. First shot with the Colt Sauer he head a case head seperation, stuck case. THen he took most of a box to sight in the second rifle, leaving him just a handful of rounds to kill two animals. He ended up borrowing a guides rifle and ammo to finish up.

Always make sure yer ammo will chamber in the rifle(s) you take on a long trip.

Had the same happen to me in MO on a hunt years ago. Alabama ammo made me some loads for my 280 but it had just been rebarreled. Bad feeling. On first Am to have the bolt lock halfway and not budge. I always take 2. Thank goodness I had my 257 wby for backup

Squib in 45ACP open bolt subgun that caused the next round to fire out of battery. That's why you NEVER let anybody stand on the ejection port side of an open bolt full auto weapon.

I know a very experienced handloader who has hunted every animal in North America and Africa. He told me a story about mixing up ammo on the shooting range one time. He loaded and fired a 7X57 cartridge in his 270 Win. Smaller case but bullet diameter is .007 greater than the 270. Bullet actually exited the barrel but it locked the action.

Yes sir watch thoes fingers. I deprimed and resizied one going too fast one time Ouch. You start to feel like a your a machine going as fast as you can, but thats what gets you in trouble. Haven't loaded anything hot yet or blowed one up. Did a batch of 45 swc that I couldnt get seated right lot of ftf's but makes for good training when shooting.

so far, so good... Been reloading for 30 yrs. No FU YET! Knock on wood (my hard damn head)!

Still haven't figured out what is wrong other than the powder. I bought it a long time ago. Never opened it until this load. Always stored indoors in cool conditions.

Still not convinced it's the powder for sure, but the other loads with other powders don't do this to the hulls.

Loads were all pressure tested for safety before I got the info.





8lb jug of Win 296



Man O man though, it shot a great pattern with that load though.


I just got some H110, so I'm going to load it the same as the burn rate is close to the same (slightly faster), and see what happens. 117 to 120.

If no primer is out on the H110, I'm positive the Win 296 powder is the culprit.









God Bless,
David B.

H110&W296 are quite close.(Made by same people)

The actual load I used for the above shell calls for either/or of both powders for the same recipe.

Both powders pressure tested as well.

If the H110 does well with the same lot of hulls, wads, etc. it's got to be the Win 296 powder.

God Bless,
David B.

Squib load in 45 acp. I found a load my Springfield XD liked and I was good to go. I found out real quick that you make sure the powder hopper is full and check it often when loading in bulk.