This happened to me!

[hedditch]

I was putting bullets in my .243 cases. I was on about my 4th row of five. Necks were a little loose after neck turning but they were holding the bullets ok. One of the bullets fell down into the case after I had put it back into the loading block. I noticed the empty case after I had loaded a couple more rounds. I thought I had just skipped that particular case so loaded another bullet into the case. As I said, it was about the beginning of my 4th row of five. I went to the range and fired 10 rounds and gave up because my load just quit shooting the groups I was expecting. When I got home I pulled the bullets of the remaining cases and discovered the round which was loaded with two bullets. I can't imagine the damage firing that round would do to both me and the rifle. I dodged a bullet this time. Just a heads up for anyone else to keep in the back of your mind.

 

[IA_shooter]

Check each step, then double-check!

That could have been a disaster. Glad you "dodged the bullet".

Trevor

 

[ridgeway]

Sounds like you need more neck tension.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Sounds like you need more neck tension.

And less bullets in the case! ;D

 

[gilream]

Please don't take this the wrong way but...Wow...sounds like you were distracted?...tired?...sleepy?...in a hurry? One thing is for sure, you should re-access your reloading regimen and operate with a bit more discipline or perhaps take up golf. You are extremely lucky in that you didn't get yourself or someone else killed. Buy some power ball tickets. Your are running a super hot lucky streak.

 

[hedditch]

The power ball ticket idea didn't work Yes, I was super lucky and maybe distracted, don't remember. You can bet I will be much more attentive. Been loading for the last 50 years and hopefully it will be the first and last time I let that happen to me. Yup, another bushing size down.
Dave

 

[Steve Blair]

This has all been done before and abandoned. Good try, though. [br]
http://cartridgecollectors.org/?page=cotm/30-06-SALVO

 

[mattri]

A close call is always an eye opener. Have had similar things happen, good to hear that you weren't hurt, and good for you for posting this- it makes us all a little more careful.

 

[M-61]

Here's what I did: With the shortage of supplies I've been digging deeper into my older supplies. 52gr. HPBT bullets in a jar...years/decades old. A bit of green growth here and there so I threw them in my vibrating tumbler. Came out like new (except for a kernel of media in each hollow point...didn't effect accuracy...and I tried to get it out). Bottom line, I put some 308 cases in and cleaned them. Stand them in the trays. One feels too heavy. Lodged in there is a 52 gr 224 bullet. I am sure I have more bullets to clean but from now on I count the bullets going in before and out afterwards...they better match.

 

[TheSnake]

Lucky indeed. I always load from one tray to another to help validate each case had the same action performed on it.

 

[dickn52]

Great that you missed that one, but when you pick these things up, can't you tell the difference in weight?

 

[bozo699]

Hedditch,
Sorry but can't help but asking, what powder charge and what weight bullets, my .243 loads there isn't hardly enough room for the one bullet I am trying to seat no less two, glad you were not hurt.
Wayne.

 

[lrgoodger]

I'm trying to think of a load I use that has so little powder in it that it could even swallow a bullet and have room to seat another. I can't think of any. I found merit long ago to the premise that a full or very close to full case of the proper powder for a bullet results in more uniform expansion and accuracy.

Following that simple loading philosophy would make occurrence of the situation you describe impossible.

Glad you're OK.

 

[hedditch]

Bozo699, I have been trying to get this Mod 788 in .243 to shoot. I have tried all powders and bullet combinations. This particular test load was 33 grs of H322 with a 68 gr Barts Ultra. I am now back to IMR 4350. The Sierra book listed this load as the most accurate for that weight bullet so I thought I would give it a try.
Dave

 

[timeout]

Bozo699, I have been trying to get this Mod 788 in .243 to shoot. I have tried all powders and bullet combinations. This particular test load was 33 grs of H322 with a 68 gr Barts Ultra. I am now back to IMR 4350. The Sierra book listed this load as the most accurate for that weight bullet so I thought I would give it a try.
Dave

A model 788 in .243 Win. caliber was my first rifle. I found a load with IMR 4350 and 70 gr. Hornady pills that shot bullet holes touching 5 shot group @ 100 yards. Believe me with my handloading knowledge at that time, it was way more luck than brains. Point being, I would give the IMR 4350 a good look.