Sometimes you just need to step away from the bench

[6Creed73]

In several years of reloading I've never made a stupid mistake like accidentally mixing powders...until today.

I'm a fairly meticulous person and everything on my bench that relates to powder is clearly labeled. I have a big batch of .308 to load with IMR4064 so I wanted to top off the measure. As you can see from the pic, they are labeled and I knew exactly which one was 4064. Yet inexplicably, I pulled the Varget measure and proceeded to dump a bunch of 4064 into the bottle that was already half filled with Varget. I put the measure back on the stand and immediately noticed the color difference and realized my mistake.

THEN...still pissed off from flushing money down the toilet. I was setting bullets on the necks after charging the cases. After I charge a case, I always set a bullet on the neck so I know that one is already charged. I charge the case, dip the bullet in graphite, and set it on the neck and move to the next one. For some reason beyond comprehension, instead of dipping the bullet in graphite, I went to dip the case neck in graphite as if I was running it through a mandrel (a step I already did). Well obviously, I dumped 4064 into the container with graphite and ceramic media. More money down the toilet

If your head is somewhere else, just step away. Safe loading, my friends!

 

[bobaloo22]

Very true, if I’m working in my wood shop I do the same thing so I don’t cut or injure myself.

 

[47WillysGuy]

Two times I’ve reached for my mix nut container and poured H4350 into my hand.

 

[Bill Norris]

It definitely pays to stay focused or get up and walk away from the bench.

 

[K22]

Personally, having three powder measurers with different powders would be a disaster for me. I can almost guarantee you that I would have made the same mistake even if the labels were in 2" size letters in bright red.

While I have always used a 'fail safe' system of only one powder on the table and I empty the powder measure after every reloading session; staying focus gets worse as you age. Thus, I use a system where it is very difficult to screw up.

You may want to do a critical analysis of your system and install preventative measures.

 

[6Creed73]

Personally, having three powder measurers with different powders would be a disaster for me. I can almost guarantee you that I would have made the same mistake even if the labels were in 2" size letters in bright red.

While I have always used a 'fail safe' system of only one powder on the table and I empty the powder measure after every reloading session; staying focus gets worse as you age. Thus, I use a system where it is very difficult to screw up.

You may want to do a critical analysis of your system and install preventative measures.

Thanks, I'm fine with my system. I can admit when I've messed up...but I've used multiple measures for a decade and this is the first time I've ever mixed up powders. My screw up was just a reminder to double check everything.

 

[whatsupdoc]

Personally, having three powder measurers with different powders would be a disaster for me. I can almost guarantee you that I would have made the same mistake even if the labels were in 2" size letters in bright red.

While I have always used a 'fail safe' system of only one powder on the table and I empty the powder measure after every reloading session; staying focus gets worse as you age. Thus, I use a system where it is very difficult to screw up.

You may want to do a critical analysis of your system and install preventative measures.

This ^^^

 

[K22]

Thanks, I'm fine with my system. I can admit when I've messed up...but I've used multiple measures for a decade and this is the first time I've ever mixed up powders. My screw up was just a reminder to double check everything.

Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Rocketvapor]

Sack over the measures not in use?

My empties are PRIMER UP in the block.
Flip, charge, add a projectile, put in block.
NOTE: this time neck up
No open top cases anywhere near the one I am charging.

 

[6Creed73]

Sack over the measures not in use?

I close the ones not in use. They rotate open/closed, when closed powder won't drop.

 

[Walt Krafft]

Recognizing a problem is the first step to fixing it. Ditch the extra measures on your bench before you blow youself up.

 

[kwarw123]

I've been reloading a long time never had a problem.
The other day I was shooting some 22/250 I loaded years ago.
Got to the last two. shot one and it sounded weird,light load. Checked that the barrel was clear it was.
Next one nothing! pulled the bullet no powder!
The way I used to do it is charge case then straight to bullet set.
I either forgot to charge or most likely refilled the bottle and didn't twist it to on,thus the squib.
My new setup is a RCBS charge master and a loading block. I charge all of the cases an inspect with a flashlight. IMO a lot safer and faster as well.

 

[Rocketvapor]

@47WillysGuy ,
It's OK, H4350 is a 'Super Food'

 

[searcher]

I've been reloading a long time never had a problem.
The other day I was shooting some 22/250 I loaded years ago.
Got to the last two. shot one and it sounded weird,light load. Checked that the barrel was clear it was.
Next one nothing! pulled the bullet no powder!
The way I used to do it is charge case then straight to bullet set.
I either forgot to charge or most likely refilled the bottle and didn't twist it to on,thus the squib.
My new setup is a RCBS charge master and a loading block. I charge all of the cases an inspect with a flashlight. IMO a lot safer and faster as well.

The flashlight is a mandatory last check before bullet seating for me. Have done it for decades - and I spotted an empty case not long ago.

 

[searcher]

I did a boner many years back after cleaning some cases that I had necked down in a liquid solution. I thought the cases were completely dry and they weren't. Talk about high SD's and crappy groups!!! I pulled the remaining bullets and clumps of powder came out. some clumps had stuck to the inside of the cases and it was an overall PITA.

 

[6Creed73]

Different strokes for different folks.

Exactly right, everyone has their own processes. You can take every precaution and still have a brain fart and make a mistake. If I had one powder measure, I could have just as easily grabbed the wrong powder off the shelf.

My issue wasn't having multiple measures, my issue was having a shitty day and then going to reload when I had other crap on my mind. I should have skipped the bench today all together, and that was the point of my post. It was a good reminder for myself not to sit down at the bench if my head isn't clear.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

I'm not capable of having more than one measure on the bench.

 

[jpjulian]

"Exactly right, everyone has their own processes. You can take every precaution and still have a brain fart and make a mistake."

Hmmmm.......Been there.......

 

[CJ6]

I never leave powder in a measure. This keeps me from your issue
I have seated primers upside down though.

 

[Kevin1990]

That sucks man. Been there though. Except I’d just sit there pissed off and continue to reload stewing about my mistake haha.