Internet gun boards are replete with threads about blow up firearms and injured body parts these days, often with graphic pictures. Discussion abounds about metallurgy, design, an manufacturing tolerances etc, etc, etc., when in reality with about a 98% certainty, it was too much of the right or wrong powder that did the deed. Reloading can be destructive to the firearm and your body if the eye is not kept on the ball.
On such a recent thread, it was remarked that everybody makes mistakes and stuff like this was just part of the reloading game. I was quick to dispute that, saying along the way, that don't load over pressure rounds and have not done so in 57 years of reloading. In rapid succession, I was called arrogant, condescending and even someone who was not telling the truth. It seem inconceivable to some that a person could reload over a very long time and not blow up a firearm.
I was reloading a batch of 38 Specials today and thought I would take a few pics and add a few comments and notes to show how I do "no kaboom" reloading. Before you say it, yes, I know this is to slow and labor intensive for most folks these days, but this is the way I have been doing it for a very long time and have been kaboomless. No firearms has ever been damaged in the least now has anybody had even a slight injury. Well, I did trip over my own feet at the range once time and turn an ankle, but that was not reloading related. Here is now I do it;
1. Cases are sized, primed and mouth expanded and place upside down in a loading block.
2. My powder measure is checked for the correct charge each time I begin. I used fixed rotor measures or a battery of adjustable Lyman 55s, each set up for one charge. Even so I check the measure each time I use it.
3. I only have on powder out and I read the container aloud before I pour it in the measure. Murphy the shop cat does not seem to notice or be bothered by it.
4. I remove an upside down case from the block and look inside to make sure it is empty.
5. I charge the case with the measure.
6. I look inside the case again to make certain it has a powder charge of correct height.
7. I place a bullet into the case and start it by hand, replaced it in the block before I pick up another upside down case and repeat steps 4 - 6.
8. I then take the blocks with the charged cases and started bullets to the reloading press, where the bullets are seated and the case mouth crimped.
There will be no under or over pressure rounds in the batch..without exception, period!
Additional notes:
I much prefer a Lyman two step expander because it enable me to start the bullet and have it say in the case, in good alignment. I never shave lead from the bullet when seating by doing this.
This batch of cases are 1978 Lake City USGI 38 Special cases. I have about 5,000 of them. They are long lasting. I also have some WCC USGI brass and they are of lesser quality, but still usable. I also have some R-P USGI 38 Special brass, but they are junk. I load them once and eject them into a scrap bucket for recycling. I trim each case to a uniform length the first time I use it.
The bullets in the pictured reloads are good ol Lyman 358311 RN. I load this over 3/Bullseye for range use only. This is not a top end load, but I have about a dozen 38 Special handguns, some as old as 100 years and this pressure load will keep them shooting for several lifetimes more. When I see this RN bullet in a 38 Special case, I know what the powder charge is. This load will shoot every bit as well as a match wadcutter load, as least as far as I can determine, by holding the handgun in my hand and shooting at paper targets. I do load other bullets with heavier powder charges for other purposes.
I always try several loaded and crimped rounds into the cylinder of several sixguns (Colt and Smith and Wesson) before I load the batch. This prevents me from having to break down loads because they are over crimped and won't chamber properly. Best to take the time now, and not later after they are all done.
There is a VERY GOOD reason why the use of reloaded/handloaded ammo voids the warrantee on all firearms made. The manufactures know that anything less that total concentration and care can result in a damaged firearm and/or shooter. This is called a clue about how dangerous handloading can be when done improperly.
Now the pics;
Attachment 139742
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Originally Posted by Pb2au
Casting, Reloading & Shooting 
